Date of Award
Spring 2009
Project Type
Thesis
Program or Major
Chemistry
Degree Name
Master of Science
First Advisor
Howard R Mayne
Abstract
Proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) has been shown to be a reliable and efficient method for determining atmospheric mixing ratios of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). As a part of AIRMAP, two PTR-MS instruments were used in field and laboratory studies. A high sensitivity instrument showed improved limits of detection by 3-5 times when compared to a standard sensitivity instrument. Agreement for quantification of VOCs by PTR-MS to other methods was good. Average atmospheric mixing ratios, diurnal profiles, and deposition velocities of methanol, acetone, acetaldehyde, acetic acid, isoprene, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, methylethyl ketone, methylvinyl ketone and methacrolein were determined at two locations in New England. Laboratory studies utilizing an environmental chamber and PTR-MS were used to identify and quantify products from the chlorine initiated oxidation of alpha- and beta-pinene. Products observed in the oxidation of alpha-pinene included pinonaldehyde (8%) and acetone (10%), and acetone (10%) for the beta-pinene case.
Recommended Citation
Nielsen, Leif Carsten, "The measurement of volatile organic compounds during ICARTT 2004 and experimental studies of chlorine atom reactions with alpha- and beta-pinene" (2009). Master's Theses and Capstones. 453.
https://scholars.unh.edu/thesis/453