Grantee Research Project Results

Using Particle Functional Group Composition to Identify and Quantify the Effects of Anthropogenic Emissions on Biogenic Secondary Organic Aerosol

EPA Grant Number: R835408
Title: Using Particle Functional Group Composition to Identify and Quantify the Effects of Anthropogenic Emissions on Biogenic Secondary Organic Aerosol
Investigators: Russell, Lynn M , Ziemann, Paul J.
Institution: University of California - San Diego
Current Institution: University of California - San Diego , University of Colorado at Boulder
EPA Project Officer: Chung, Serena
Project Period: April 1, 2013 through March 31, 2017
Project Amount: $400,000
RFA: Anthropogenic Influences on Organic Aerosol Formation and Regional Climate Implications (2012) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Air Quality and Air Toxics , Climate Change , Air

Objective:

The proposed research project combines ambient measurements and environmental chamber experiments on organic aerosols to identify and quantify the effects of anthropogenic inorganic and organic emissions on biogenic secondary organic aerosol (bSOA) formed in the Southern Oxidants and Aerosol Study (SOAS) in Summer 2013.

Approach:

The overall objective of the project will be met by completing the following tasks: (1) identify and quantify the organic functional group (OFG) compositions and infrared spectroscopic features of bSOA in samples collected as part of SOAS, (2) determine the effects of NOx, SOx, and anthropogenic VOCs on the characteristic functional group and spectroscopic features of bSOA formed from reactions of biogenic volatile organic compounds (bVOC), and on the SOA yields, and (3) interpret the functional group compositions and infrared spectroscopic features of SOAS organic aerosol samples using results of laboratory experiments and ambient measurements of other relevant aerosol and gas properties in order to identify and quantify the contributions of biogenic and anthropogenic emissions to SOA formed during the study.

Expected Results:

The expected results of this project are: (1) Improved chemical characterization of biogenic SOA in the southeastern US, (2) Improved quantification of biogenic SOA in the southeastern US, (3) Improved understanding of the effects of pollutants on biogenic SOA composition and yield, and (4) Improved understanding of the reactions that control biogenic SOA composition and yield.

Publications and Presentations:

Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 15 publications for this project

Journal Articles:

Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 7 journal articles for this project

Supplemental Keywords:

fine particles, PM2.5, isoprene, nitrogen oxides, oxidation, mass spectrometry.

Progress and Final Reports:

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.