Chemical Characterization and Source Apportionment of Organic Aerosols in the Coastal City of Chennai, India: Impact of Marine Air Masses on Aerosol Chemical Composition and Potential for Secondary Organic Aerosol Formation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Snehitha M. Kommula ◽  
Panda Upasana ◽  
Amit Sharma ◽  
Subha S. Raj ◽  
Ernesto Reyes-villegas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Source Apportionment ◽  
Secondary Organic Aerosol ◽  
Organic Aerosols ◽  
Chemical Characterization ◽  
Organic Aerosol ◽  
Aerosol Formation ◽  
Air Masses ◽  
Coastal City ◽  
Marine Air

scholarly journals Impact of molecular structure on secondary organic aerosol formation from aromatic hydrocarbon photooxidation under low NO<sub><i>x</i></sub> conditions

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Li ◽  
P. Tang ◽  
S. Nakao ◽  
D. R. Cocker III
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Structure ◽  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Aromatic Hydrocarbon ◽  
Chain Length ◽  
Aromatic Hydrocarbons ◽  
Secondary Organic Aerosol ◽  
Organic Aerosol ◽  
Ortho Position ◽  
Aerosol Formation ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. The molecular structure of volatile organic compounds (VOC) determines their oxidation pathway, directly impacting secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation. This study comprehensively investigates the impact of molecular structure on SOA formation from the photooxidation of twelve different eight to nine carbon aromatic hydrocarbons under low NOx conditions. The effects of the alkyl substitute number, location, carbon chain length and branching structure on the photooxidation of aromatic hydrocarbons are demonstrated by analyzing SOA yield, chemical composition and physical properties. Aromatic hydrocarbons, categorized into five groups, show a yield order of ortho (o-xylene and o-ethyltoluene) > one substitute (ethylbenzene, propylbenzene and isopropylbenzene) > meta (m-xylene and m-ethyltoluene) > three substitute (trimethylbenzenes) > para (p-xylene and p-ethyltoluene). SOA yields of aromatic hydrocarbon photooxidation do not monotonically decrease when increasing alkyl substitute number. The ortho position promotes SOA formation while the para position suppresses aromatic oxidation and SOA formation. Observed SOA chemical composition and volatility confirm that higher yield is associated with further oxidation. SOA chemical composition also suggests that aromatic oxidation increases with increasing alkyl substitute chain length and branching structure. Further, carbon dilution theory developed by Li et al. (2015a) is extended in this study to serve as a standard method to determine the extent of oxidation of an alkyl substituted aromatic hydrocarbon.

scholarly journals Modeling organic aerosols in a megacity: comparison of simple and complex representations of the volatility basis set approach

2010 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 30205-30277 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Shrivastava ◽  
J. Fast ◽  
R. Easter ◽  
W. I. Gustafson ◽  
R. A. Zaveri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gas Phase ◽  
Secondary Organic Aerosol ◽  
Computational Cost ◽  
Organic Aerosols ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Organic Aerosol ◽  
Basis Set ◽  
Aerosol Formation ◽  
Secondary Organic Aerosol Formation ◽  
The City

Abstract. The Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with chemistry (WRF-Chem) is modified to include a volatility basis set (VBS) treatment of secondary organic aerosol formation. The VBS approach, coupled with SAPRC-99 gas-phase chemistry mechanism, is used to model gas-particle partitioning and multiple generations of gas-phase oxidation of organic vapors. In addition to the detailed 9-species VBS, a simplified mechanism using 2 volatility species (2-species VBS) is developed and tested for similarity to the 9-species VBS in terms of both mass and oxygen-to-carbon ratios of organic aerosols in the atmosphere. WRF-Chem results are evaluated against field measurements of organic aerosols collected during the MILAGRO 2006 campaign in the vicinity of Mexico City. The simplified 2-species mechanism reduces the computational cost by a factor of 2 as compared to 9-species VBS. Both ground site and aircraft measurements suggest that the 9-species and 2-species VBS predictions of total organic aerosol mass as well as individual organic aerosol components including primary, secondary, and biomass burning are comparable in magnitude. In addition, oxygen-to-carbon ratio predictions from both approaches agree within 25%, providing evidence that the 2-species VBS is well suited to represent the complex evolution of organic aerosols. Model sensitivity to amount of anthropogenic semi-volatile and intermediate volatility (S/IVOC) precursor emissions is also examined by doubling the default emissions. Both the emission cases significantly under-predict primary organic aerosols in the city center and along aircraft flight transects. Secondary organic aerosols are predicted reasonably well along flight tracks surrounding the city, but are consistently over-predicted downwind of the city. Also, oxygen-to-carbon ratio predictions are significantly improved compared to prior studies by adding 15% oxygen mass per generation of oxidation; however, all modeling cases still under-predict these ratios downwind as compared to measurements, suggesting a need to further improve chemistry parameterizations of secondary organic aerosol formation.

scholarly journals Modeling organic aerosols in a megacity: comparison of simple and complex representations of the volatility basis set approach

2011 ◽  
Vol 11 (13) ◽  
pp. 6639-6662 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Shrivastava ◽  
J. Fast ◽  
R. Easter ◽  
W. I. Gustafson ◽  
R. A. Zaveri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gas Phase ◽  
Secondary Organic Aerosol ◽  
Computational Cost ◽  
Organic Aerosols ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Organic Aerosol ◽  
Basis Set ◽  
Aerosol Formation ◽  
Secondary Organic Aerosol Formation ◽  
The City

Abstract. The Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with chemistry (WRF-Chem) is modified to include a volatility basis set (VBS) treatment of secondary organic aerosol formation. The VBS approach, coupled with SAPRC-99 gas-phase chemistry mechanism, is used to model gas-particle partitioning and multiple generations of gas-phase oxidation of organic vapors. In addition to the detailed 9-species VBS, a simplified mechanism using 2 volatility species (2-species VBS) is developed and tested for similarity to the 9-species VBS in terms of both mass and oxygen-to-carbon ratios of organic aerosols in the atmosphere. WRF-Chem results are evaluated against field measurements of organic aerosols collected during the MILAGRO 2006 campaign in the vicinity of Mexico City. The simplified 2-species mechanism reduces the computational cost by a factor of 2 as compared to 9-species VBS. Both ground site and aircraft measurements suggest that the 9-species and 2-species VBS predictions of total organic aerosol mass as well as individual organic aerosol components including primary, secondary, and biomass burning are comparable in magnitude. In addition, oxygen-to-carbon ratio predictions from both approaches agree within 25 %, providing evidence that the 2-species VBS is well suited to represent the complex evolution of organic aerosols. Model sensitivity to amount of anthropogenic semi-volatile and intermediate volatility (S/IVOC) precursor emissions is also examined by doubling the default emissions. Both the emission cases significantly under-predict primary organic aerosols in the city center and along aircraft flight transects. Secondary organic aerosols are predicted reasonably well along flight tracks surrounding the city, but are consistently over-predicted downwind of the city. Also, oxygen-to-carbon ratio predictions are significantly improved compared to prior studies by adding 15 % oxygen mass per generation of oxidation; however, all modeling cases still under-predict these ratios downwind as compared to measurements, suggesting a need to further improve chemistry parameterizations of secondary organic aerosol formation.

Effect of hydrophobic primary organic aerosols on secondary organic aerosol formation from ozonolysis ofα-pinene

2007 ◽  
Vol 34 (20) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chen Song ◽  
Rahul A. Zaveri ◽  
M. Lizabeth Alexander ◽  
Joel A. Thornton ◽  
Sasha Madronich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Organic Aerosol ◽  
Organic Aerosols ◽  
Organic Aerosol ◽  
Aerosol Formation ◽  
Secondary Organic Aerosol Formation

scholarly journals Influence of NO<sub>2</sub> on secondary organic aerosol formation from ozonolysis of limonene

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Changjin Hu ◽  
Qiao Ma ◽  
Zhi Liu ◽  
Yue Cheng ◽  
Liqing Hao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Secondary Organic Aerosols ◽  
Secondary Organic Aerosol ◽  
Organic Aerosols ◽  
Organic Aerosol ◽  
Chemical Mechanism ◽  
Aerosol Formation ◽  
Model Simulations ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Master Chemical Mechanism

Abstract. Limonene has a strong tendency to undergo ozonolysis to form semi-volatile and low-volatility compounds that contribute to secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) both outdoors and indoors. The influence of NO2 on SOA formation from ozonolysis of limonene has been evaluated using chamber experiments and the Master Chemical Mechanism (MCM) coupled with a gas-particle partitioning model in this work. A series of 21 indoor chamber experiments were carried out with or without NO2 under different [O3]0 / [VOC]0 ratios, and these experimental data were compared with the model simulations. Agreement in SOA yields was observed between the experimental observations and model simulations under varying conditions. Generally, SOA mass yields are positively dependent on [O3]0 / [VOC]0 without the presence of NO2. However, the introduction of NO2 leads to a more complicated change in SOA yield, which is shown to be related to initial [O3] / [VOC] ratios. When [O3]0 / [VOC]0 > 2, the introduction of NO2 results in an increase of SOA yield in the range of NO2 studied in this work; whereas a weak negative effect was found for SOA formation according to the introduction of ~ 250 ppbv NO2 under [O3]0 / [VOC]0 

scholarly journals Chemical composition, main sources and temporal variability of PM<sub>1</sub> aerosols in southern African grassland

2013 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 15517-15566 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Tiitta ◽  
V. Vakkari ◽  
M. Josipovic ◽  
P. Croteau ◽  
J. P. Beukes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Source Region ◽  
Organic Aerosols ◽  
Organic Aerosol ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Air Mass ◽  
Air Masses ◽  
Source Regions

Abstract. Southern Africa is a significant source region of atmospheric pollution, yet long-term data on pollutant concentrations and properties from this region are rather limited. A recently established atmospheric measurement station in South Africa, Welgegund, is strategically situated to capture regional background emissions, as well as emissions from the major source regions in the interior of South Africa. We measured non-refractive submicron aerosols (NR-PM1) and black carbon over a one year period in Welgegund, and investigated the seasonal and diurnal patterns of aerosol concentration levels, chemical composition, acidity and oxidation level. Based on air mass back trajectories, four distinct source regions were determined for NR-PM1. Supporting data utilized in our analysis included particle number size distributions, aerosol absorption, trace gas concentrations, meteorological variables and the flux of carbon dioxide. The dominant submicron aerosol constituent during the dry season was organic aerosol, reflecting high contribution from savannah fires and other combustion sources. Organic aerosol concentrations were lower during the wet season, presumably due to wet deposition as well as reduced emissions from combustion sources. Sulfate concentrations were usually high and exceeded organic aerosol concentrations when air-masses were transported over regions containing major point sources. Sulfate and nitrate concentrations peaked when air masses passed over the industrial Highveld (iHV) area. In contrast, concentrations were much lower when air masses passed over the cleaner background (BG) areas. Air masses associated with the anti-cyclonic recirculation (ACBIC) source region contained largely aged OA. Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) analysis of aerosol mass spectra was used to characterize the organic aerosol (OA) properties. The factors identified were oxidized organic aerosols (OOA) and biomass burning organic aerosols (BBOA) in the dry season and low-volatile (LV-OOA) and semi-volatile (SV-OOA) organic aerosols in the wet season. The results highlight the importance of primary BBOA in the dry season, which represented (33% of the total OA and peaked when air mass passed over the highly populated and industrialized region (iHV). The significance of aerosol acidity on the evolution of OOA was also discussed.

scholarly journals Physico-chemical characterization of secondary organic aerosol derived from catechol and guaiacol as a model substance for atmospheric humic-like substances

2010 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 17369-17405 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Ofner ◽  
H.-U. Krüger ◽  
H. Grothe ◽  
P. Schmitt-Kopplin ◽  
K. Whitmore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Groups ◽  
Mass Spectroscopy ◽  
Secondary Organic Aerosols ◽  
Secondary Organic Aerosol ◽  
Organic Aerosols ◽  
Organic Aerosol ◽  
Chemical Diversity ◽  
Spherical Particles ◽  
Aerosol Formation ◽  
Vis Spectroscopy

Abstract. Secondary organic aerosol was produced from the aromatic precursors catechol and guaiacol by reaction with ozone in the presence and absence of simulated sunlight and humidity and investigated for its properties as a proxy for humic-like substances (HULIS). Beside a small particle size, a relatively low molecular weight and typical optical features in the UV/VIS spectral range, HULIS contain a typical aromatic and/or olefinic chemical structure and highly oxidized functional groups within a high chemical diversity. Various methods were used to characterize the secondary organic aerosols obtained: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) demonstrated the formation of different carbonyl containing functional groups as well as structural and functional differences between aerosols formed at different environmental conditions. UV/VIS spectroscopy of filter samples showed that the particulate matter absorbs far into the visible range up to more than 500 nm. Ultrahigh resolved mass spectroscopy (ICR-FT/MS) determined O/C-ratios between 0.3 and 1 and main molecular weights between 200 and 500 Da. Temperature-programmed-pyrolysis mass spectroscopy identified carboxylic acids and lactones as major functional groups. Particle sizing using CNC-DMPS demonstrated the formation of small particles during a secondary organic aerosol formation process. Particle imaging using field-emission-gun scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM) showed spherical particles, forming clusters and chains. Hence, secondary organic aerosols from catechol and guaiacol are appropriate model substances for studies of the processing of aromatic secondary organic aerosols and atmospheric HULIS on the laboratory scale.

scholarly journals Impact of molecular structure on secondary organic aerosol formation from aromatic hydrocarbon photooxidation under low-NO<sub><i>x</i></sub> conditions

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (17) ◽  
pp. 10793-10808 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lijie Li ◽  
Ping Tang ◽  
Shunsuke Nakao ◽  
David R. Cocker III
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Structure ◽  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Aromatic Hydrocarbon ◽  
Chain Length ◽  
Aromatic Hydrocarbons ◽  
Secondary Organic Aerosol ◽  
Organic Aerosol ◽  
Ortho Position ◽  
Aerosol Formation ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. The molecular structure of volatile organic compounds determines their oxidation pathway, directly impacting secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation. This study comprehensively investigates the impact of molecular structure on SOA formation from the photooxidation of 12 different eight- to nine-carbon aromatic hydrocarbons under low-NOx conditions. The effects of the alkyl substitute number, location, carbon chain length and branching structure on the photooxidation of aromatic hydrocarbons are demonstrated by analyzing SOA yield, chemical composition and physical properties. Aromatic hydrocarbons, categorized into five groups, show a yield order of ortho (o-xylene and o-ethyltoluene) > one substitute (ethylbenzene, propylbenzene and isopropylbenzene) > meta (m-xylene and m-ethyltoluene) > three substitute (trimethylbenzenes) > para (p-xylene and p-ethyltoluene). SOA yields of aromatic hydrocarbon photooxidation do not monotonically decrease when increasing alkyl substitute number. The ortho position promotes SOA formation while the para position suppresses aromatic oxidation and SOA formation. Observed SOA chemical composition and volatility confirm that higher yield is associated with further oxidation. SOA chemical composition also suggests that aromatic oxidation increases with increasing alkyl substitute chain length and branching structure. Further, carbon dilution conjecture developed by Li et al. (2016) is extended in this study to serve as a standard method to determine the extent of oxidation of an alkyl-substituted aromatic hydrocarbon.

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