Single particle characterization of ultrafine and accumulation mode particles from heavy duty diesel vehicles using aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Methylsiloxanes from Vehicle Emissions Detected in Aerosol Particles

Methylsiloxanes have gained growing attention as emerging pollutants due to their toxicity to organisms. As man-made chemicals with no natural source, most research to date has focused on volatile methylsiloxanes from personal care or household products and industrial processes. Here, we show that methylsiloxanes can be found in primary aerosol particles emitted by vehicles based on aerosol samples collected in two tunnels in São Paulo, Brazil. The aerosol samples were analyzed with thermal desorption-proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometry (TD-PTR-MS), and methylsiloxanes were identified and quantified in the mass spectra based on the natural abundance of silicon isotopes. Various methylsiloxanes and derivatives were found in aerosol particles from both tunnels. The concentrations of methylsiloxanes and derivatives ranged 37.7-377 ng m-3, and the relative fractions in organic aerosols were 0.78-1.9%. The concentrations of methylsiloxanes exhibited a significant correlation with both unburned lubricating oils and organic aerosol mass. The emission factors of methylsiloxanes averaged 1.16 ± 0.59 mg kg-1 of burned fuel for light-duty vehicles and 1.53 ± 0.37 mg kg-1 for heavy-duty vehicles. Global annual emissions of methylsiloxanes in vehicle-emitted aerosols were estimated to range from 0.0035 to 0.0060 Tg, underscoring the significant yet largely unknown potential for health and climate impacts.

Unexpected rise of atmospheric secondary aerosols from biomass burning during the COVID-19 lockdown period in Hangzhou, China

After the global outbreak of COVID-19, the Chinese government took many measures to control the spread of the virus. The measures led to a reduction in anthropogenic emissions nationwide. Data from a single particle aerosol mass spectrometer in an eastern Chinese megacity (Hangzhou) before, during, and after the COVID-19 lockdown (5 January to February 29, 2020) was used to understand the effect lockdown had on atmospheric particles. The collected single particle mass spectra were clustered into eight categories. Before the lockdown, the proportions of particles ranked in order of: EC (57.9%) < K-SN (13.6%) < Fe-rich (10.2%) < ECOC (6.7%) < K-Na (6.6%) < OC (3.4%) < K-Pb (1.0%) < K-Al (0.7%). During the lockdown period, the EC and Fe-rich particles decreased by 42.8% and 93.2% compared to before lockdown due to reduced vehicle exhaust and industrial activity. By contrast, the K-SN and K-Na particles containing biomass burning tracers increased by 155.2% and 45.2% during the same time, respectively. During the lockdown, the proportions of particles ranked in order of: K-SN (39.7%) < EC (38.1%) < K-Na (11.0%) < ECOC (7.7%) < OC (1.2%) < K-Pb (0.9%) < Fe-rich (0.8%) < K-Al (0.6%). Back trajectory analysis indicated that both inland (Anhui and Shandong provinces) and marine transported air masses may have contributed to the increase in K-SN and K-Na particles during the lockdown, and that increased number of fugitive combustion points (i.e., household fuel, biomass combustion) was a contributing factor. Therefore, the results imply that regional synergistic control measures on fugitive combustion emissions are needed to ensure good air quality.

Wetting properties of fresh urban soot particles: Evaluation based on critical supersaturation and observation of surface trace materials

Soot particles strongly absorb solar radiation and contribute to global warming. Also, wetting properties of soot at emission can affect its lifetime. We investigated surface conditions related to wetting and hydrophobic properties of fresh soot using data from measurements taken in Tokyo. A cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) counter was used to clarify surface conditions of particles composed mainly of water-insoluble (WI) materials: total and active particles as CCN around critical supersaturation (S_c) of 203-nm-diameter WI particles. Averaged number fractions of inactivated particles as CCN at 1.05% supersaturation (SS), which is S_c of hydrophilic WI particles, were estimated as 1.4%. Number fractions of inactive particles changed less at 1.78%SS during rush hour and increased at 0.89%SS, implying that most of the WI particles included small amounts of water-soluble (WS) materials rather than being completely hydrophobic. Based on transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis of samples collected during rush hour, 69% of the mostly bare soot particles had Na or K small domains that are regarded as originating in fossil fuels. Based on water dialysis analysis results, some Na and K on soot were WS. Combination results with CCN measurements suggest that these WS materials decrease the S_c of soot. Moreover, the morphological structure of sulfate covering Na and K domains on the soot surface implicates pre-existing sodium and potassium compounds on soot as a trigger of soot aging. However, inactive particles at S_c at poor-hydrophilic particles and soot particles composed solely of WI materials on TEM samples were also found, although they were minor. Such particles, which are unfavorable for obtaining a wettable surface, might retain non-hygroscopicity for a longer period in the atmosphere. Evaluation of long-range soot transport can benefit from consideration of slight and inhomogeneous differences of chemical compounds on soot that occur along with their emission.

Different characteristics of individual particles from light-duty diesel vehicle at the launching and idling state by AAC-SPAMS

The rapid development of cities and economic prosperity greatly motivates the growth of vehicular exhaust particles, especially the diesel-exhausted particles from the large fleet of passenger and freight, which present profound implications on climate, air quality, and biological health (e.g., pulmonary, autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases). As important physiochemical properties of atmospheric aerosols, however, the mixing state and effective density of individual particles emitted from diesel-powered vehicles under different driving conditions and their environmental implications remain uncertain. Here, a single-particle aerosol mass spectrometer (SPAMS) was used to investigate the chemical composition and vacuum aerodynamic diameter (D_va), along with the aerodynamic diameter (D_a) from an aerodynamic aerosol classifier (AAC), to determine the effective density of primary particles emitted from a light- duty diesel vehicle (LDDV) under the launching and idling engine states. Interestingly, the particle types and effective density appear to vary significantly with the engine status. A single particle type of Ca-rich particles, named Na-Ca-PAH, was predominant in the idling state, whose chemical components may be affected by the lubricants and incomplete combustion, contributing to a higher effective density (0.66 ± 0.21 g cm^-3). In contrast, launching particles exhibited a lower effective density (0.34 ± 0.17 g cm^-3) because of the substantial elemental carbon (EC). In addition, the effective density depends not only on the particle size but also on the chemical components with various abundances. EC and Ca play opposite roles in the effective density of LDDV emissions. Notably, a higher proportion of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was observed in the idling particles, contributing to 78 ± 1.2%. Given the high contribution to these PAH-containing particles in the idling state, indispensable precautions should be taken at bus stops or waiting for pedestrians. This study provides more comprehensive insights into the initial characteristics of LDDV particles due to the launching and idling states, which is beneficial for improving the model results of source apportionment and understanding its environmental behavior regarding human health.

Quantifying metal emissions from vehicular traffic using real world emission factors

Road traffic emissions are an increasingly important source of particulate matter in urban and non-road environments, where non-tailpipe emissions can contribute substantially to elevated levels of metals associated with adverse health effects. Thus, better characterization and quantification of traffic-emitted metals is warranted. In this study, real-world emission factors for fine particulate metals were determined from hourly x-ray fluorescence measurements over a three-year period (2015-2018) at an urban roadway and busy highway. Inter-site differences and temporal trends in real-world emission factors for metals were explored. The emission factors at both sites were within the range of past studies, and it was found that Ti, Fe, Cu, and Ba emissions were 2.2-3.0 times higher at the highway site, consistent with the higher proportion of heavy-duty vehicles. Weekday emission factors for some metals were also higher by 2.0-3.5 times relative to Sundays for Mn, Zn, Ca, and Fe, illustrating a dependence on fleet composition and roadway activity. Metal emission factors were also inversely related to relative humidity and precipitation, due to reduced road dust resuspension under wetter conditions. Correlation analysis revealed groups of metals that were co-emitted by different traffic activities and sources. Determining emission factors enabled the isolation of traffic-related metal emissions and also revealed that human exposure to metals in ambient air can vary substantially both temporally and spatially depending on fleet composition and traffic volume.

Observation of Road Salt Aerosol Driving Inland Wintertime Atmospheric Chlorine Chemistry

Inland sources of particulate chloride for atmospheric nitryl chloride (ClNO₂) formation remain unknown and unquantified, hindering air quality assessments. Globally each winter, tens of millions of tons of road salt are spread on roadways for deicing. Here, we identify road salt aerosol as the primary chloride aerosol source, accounting for 80-100% of ClNO₂ formation, at an inland urban area in the wintertime. This study provides experimental evidence of the connection between road salt and air quality through the production of this important reservoir for nitrogen oxides and chlorine radicals, which significantly impact atmospheric composition and pollutant fates. A numerical model was employed to quantify the contributions of chloride sources to ClNO₂ production. The traditional method for simulating ClNO₂ considers chloride to be homogeneously distributed across the atmospheric particle population; yet, we show that only a fraction of the particulate surface area contains chloride. Our new single-particle parametrization considers this heterogeneity, dramatically lowering overestimations of ClNO₂ levels that have been routinely reported using the prevailing methods. The identification of road salt as a ClNO₂ source links this common deicing practice to atmospheric composition and air quality in the urban wintertime environment.

Diesel Soot and Amine-Containing Organic Sulfate Aerosols in an Arctic Oil Field

The rapid decrease in Arctic sea ice is motivating development and increasing oil and gas extraction activities. However, few observations of these local Arctic emissions exist, limiting the understanding of impacts on atmospheric composition and climate. To address this knowledge gap, the chemical composition of atmospheric aerosols was measured within the North Slope of Alaska oil fields during August and September 2016 using an aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometer (ATOFMS) and a time-of-flight aerosol chemical speciation monitor (ToF-ACSM). Plumes from oil and gas extraction activities were characterized by soot internally mixed with sulfate (matching diesel soot) and organic carbon particles containing aminium sulfate salts. Sea spray aerosol at the coastal site was frequently internally mixed with sulfate and nitrate, from multiphase chemical processing from elevated NO_x and SO₂ within the oil field. Background (nonplume) air masses were characterized by aged combustion aerosol. No periods of "clean" (nonpolluted) Arctic air were observed. The composition of the nonrefractory aerosol measured with the ACSM was similar during plume and background periods and was consistent with the mass concentrations of nonrefractory particles measured by ATOFMS. Two ultrafine aerosol growth events were observed during oil field background periods and were correlated with fine mode amine-containing particles.

Effect of air masses motion on the rapid change of aerosols in marine atmosphere

The impact of air masses motion on marine aerosol properties was investigated using an on-board single particle mass spectrometer (SPAMS) deployed for the determination of single particle size resolved chemical composition over Southeast China Sea. Two aerosol blooms (E1 and E2) were observed during the cruise. High average particle number count occurred in E1 (7320), followed by E2 (5850), which was more than 100-150 times of the average particle number count during normal periods. Particles were classified as four major sources, including continental source, shipping source, marine source, and transport source based on the mass spectral similarity. Transport source was identified as those particles with high particle number count occurred only during aerosol bloom period. Three sub-types of EC-Ca, OC-Ca, and Al-rich were classified as transport source. EC-Ca was the dominant particles of the transport source, accounting for more than 70% of the total particles in aerosol bloom events. A uni-modal size distribution in the size range of 0.1-2.0 μm was observed during normal period, while a bimodal distribution with a tiny mode (<0.3 μm) and a coarse mode between 0.4 and 0.6 μm was present during aerosol bloom. The variation of aerosol source is consistent with air masses back trajectories, for the reason that most of the long-range air trajectories are from the ocean, while short air trajectories originate in the continental regions, which means that air masses have a significant impact on the aerosol physical-chemical properties along their tracks.

Real time analysis of lead-containing atmospheric particles in Guangzhou during wintertime using single particle aerosol mass spectrometry

The toxic effects of lead on human health and the environment have long been a focus of research. To explore sources of lead in Guangzhou, China, we investigated atmospheric lead-containing particles (LCPs) during wintertime using a single particle aerosol mass spectrometer (SPAMS). Based on mass spectral features, LCPs were classified into eight major particle types, including Pb-Cl and Pb-Cl-Li (coal combustion and waste incineration), Pb-Cl-EC and Pb-Cl-OC (diesel trucks and coal combustion), Pb-Cl-Fe (iron and steel industry), Pb-Cl-AlSi (dust), Pb-Sec (secondary formation), and Pb-Cl-Zn (industrial process); these sources (in parentheses) were identified by comparing atmospheric LCP mass spectra with authentic Pb emission source mass spectra. Sampling periods with LCP number fractions (NFs) more than three times the average LCP NF (APF = 4.35%) and below the APF were defined as high LCP NF periods (HLFPs: H1, H3, and H5) and low LCP NF APF periods (LLFPs: L2 and L4), respectively. Diurnal patterns and high Pb-Sec content during LLFPs indicate that photochemical activity and heterogeneous reactions may have controlled Pb-Sec particle formation. The inverse Pb-Cl and Pb-Sec particle diurnal trends during LLFPs suggest the replacement of Cl by sulfate and nitrate. On average over the five periods, ~ 76% of the LCPs likely arose from coal combustion and/or waste incineration, which were dominant sources during all five periods, followed by diesel trucks during LLFPs and iron- and steel-related sources during HLFPs; HLFP LCPs arose mainly from primary emissions. These results can be used to more efficiently control Pb emission sources and prevent harm to human and environmental health from Pb toxicity.

Scattering and Radiative Properties of Morphologically Complex Carbonaceous Aerosols: A Systematic Modeling Study

This paper provides a thorough modeling-based overview of the scattering and radiative properties of a wide variety of morphologically complex carbonaceous aerosols. Using the numerically-exact superposition T-matrix method, we examine the absorption enhancement, absorption Ångström exponent (AAE), backscattering linear depolarization ratio (LDR), and scattering matrix elements of black-carbon aerosols with 11 different model morphologies ranging from bare soot to completely embedded soot–sulfate and soot–brown carbon mixtures. Our size-averaged results show that fluffy soot particles absorb more light than compact bare-soot clusters. For the same amount of absorbing material, the absorption cross section of internally mixed soot can be more than twice that of bare soot. Absorption increases as soot accumulates more coating material and can become saturated. The absorption enhancement is affected by particle size, morphology, wavelength, and the amount of coating. We refute the conventional belief that all carbonaceous aerosols have AAEs close to 1.0. Although LDRs caused by bare soot and certain carbonaceous particles are rather weak, LDRs generated by other soot-containing aerosols can reproduce strong depolarization measured by Burton et al. for aged smoke. We demonstrate that multi-wavelength LDR measurements can be used to identify the presence of morphologically complex carbonaceous particles, although additional observations can be needed for full characterization. Our results show that optical constants of the host/coating material can significantly influence the scattering and absorption properties of soot-containing aerosols to the extent of changing the sign of linear polarization. We conclude that for an accurate estimate of black-carbon radiative forcing, one must take into account the complex morphologies of carbonaceous aerosols in remote sensing studies as well as in atmospheric radiation computations.

Single particle characterization of summertime particles in Xi'an (China)

Urban particles in Xi'an during summertime were investigated using a single particle aerosol mass spectrometer (SPAMS). Twelve major particle types were resolved, including EC-Sul-Nit (-Sul stands for sulfate, -Nit for nitrate, and 25% in number fraction), EC(6%), EC-Nit (12%) and, EC-Sul (8%), mixed Elemental and Organic Carbon-Sul-Nit (9%), ECOC-Sul (8%), K-Nit (12%), OC (8%), NaK-Nit (5%), Fe-Nit (5%), Ca-Nit (1%), and Other (1%). Among these particle types, chemical composition, mixing state, and wind-dependent analyses were conducted to investigate their originations and sources. During summertime, traffic-related particles were up to 83% in the SPAMS dataset. Two major originations of urban particles were identified, including the local aging and short-distance transport mainly from the southeast. Size-resolved relative acidity ((sulfate + nitrate) / ammonium) analysis suggested that urban particles were more acidic with an aerodynamic diameter < 0.8 μm. In diurnal cycle, the strongest relative aerosol acidity occurred between 7:00 and 9:00 in the morning when relative humidity was between 60 and 70%, and the weakest acidity occurred from 13:00-15:00. Among all major particle types, OC and K-Nit had stronger relative aerosol acidity than other types. Mixing state analysis indicated that the organic semi-volatile vapor is favorable to condense on the OC-related particles (OC, ECOC-Sul, and ECOC-Sul-Nit) as evidence that primary organic aerosol (POA) would enhance the secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation via gas-to-particle phase partitioning when SOA and POA are miscible. Oxalate also tends to be observed in the droplet of OC-related particles. In addition, the enrichment of oxalate was observed in Fe-Nit particles. This study would be useful to understand the characterization, mixing state, source, origination, and processing of urban particles during summertime in Xi'an as well as the urban areas in the Guanzhong Basin.

Refined source apportionment of coal combustion sources by using single particle mass spectrometry

In this study, samples of three typical coal combustion source types, including Domestic bulk coal combustion (DBCC), Heat supply station (HSS), and Power plant (PP) were sampled and large sets of their mass spectra were obtained and analyzed by SPAMS during winter in a megacity in China. A primary goal of this study involves determining representative size-resolved single particle mass spectral signatures of three source types that can be used in source apportionment activities. Chemical types describe the majority of the particles of each source type were extracted by ART-2a algorithm with distinct size characteristics, and the corresponding tracer signals were identified. Mass spectral signatures from three source types were different from each other, and the tracer signals were effective in distinguishing different source types. A high size-resolution source apportionment method were proposed in this study through matching sources' mass spectral signatures to particle spectra in a twelve days ambient sampling to source apportion the particles. Contributions of three source types got different size characteristics, as HSS source got higher contribution in smaller sizes, But PP source got higher contributions as size increased. Source contributions were also quantified during two typical haze episodes, and results indicated that HSS source (for central-heating) and DBCC source (for domestic heating and cooking) may contribute evidently to pollution formation.

Cytotoxicity of Air Pollutant 9,10-Phenanthrenequinone: Role of Reactive Oxygen Species and Redox Signaling

Atmospheric pollution has been a principal topic recently in the scientific and political community due to its role and impact on human and ecological health. 9,10-phenanthrenequinone (9,10-PQ) is a quinone molecule found in air pollution abundantly in the diesel exhaust particles (DEP). This compound has studied extensively and has been shown to develop cytotoxic effects both in vitro and in vivo. 9, 10-PQ has been proposed to play a critical role in the development of cytotoxicity via generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through redox cycling. This compound also reduces expression of glutathione (GSH), which is critical in Phase II detoxification reactions. Understanding the underlying cellular mechanisms involved in cytotoxicity can allow for the development of therapeutics designed to target specific molecules significantly involved in the 9,10-PQ-induced ROS toxicity. This review highlights the developments in the understanding of the cytotoxic effects of 9, 10-PQ with special emphasis on the possible mechanisms involved.

Mass spectra features of biomass burning boiler and coal burning boiler emitted particles by single particle aerosol mass spectrometer

In this study, single particle mass spectra signatures of both coal burning boiler and biomass burning boiler emitted particles were studied. Particle samples were suspended in clean Resuspension Chamber, and analyzed by ELPI and SPAMS simultaneously. The size distribution of BBB (biomass burning boiler sample) and CBB (coal burning boiler sample) are different, as BBB peaks at smaller size, and CBB peaks at larger size. Mass spectra signatures of two samples were studied by analyzing the average mass spectrum of each particle cluster extracted by ART-2a in different size ranges. In conclusion, BBB sample mostly consists of OC and EC containing particles, and a small fraction of K-rich particles in the size range of 0.2-0.5μm. In 0.5-1.0μm, BBB sample consists of EC, OC, K-rich and Al_Silicate containing particles; CBB sample consists of EC, ECOC containing particles, while Al_Silicate (including Al_Ca_Ti_Silicate, Al_Ti_Silicate, Al_Silicate) containing particles got higher fractions as size increase. The similarity of single particle mass spectrum signatures between two samples were studied by analyzing the dot product, results indicated that part of the single particle mass spectra of two samples in the same size range are similar, which bring challenge to the future source apportionment activity by using single particle aerosol mass spectrometer. Results of this study will provide physicochemical information of important sources which contribute to particle pollution, and will support source apportionment activities.

Simultaneously reducing CO2 and particulate exposures via fractional recirculation of vehicle cabin air

Prior studies demonstrate that air recirculation can reduce exposure to nanoparticles in vehicle cabins. However when people occupy confined spaces, air recirculation can lead to carbon dioxide (CO2) accumulation which can potentially lead to deleterious effects on cognitive function. This study proposes a fractional air recirculation system for reducing nanoparticle concentration while simultaneously suppressing CO2 levels in the cabin. Several recirculation scenarios were tested using a custom-programmed HVAC (heat, ventilation, air conditioning) unit that varied the recirculation door angle in the test vehicle. Operating the recirculation system with a standard cabin filter reduced particle concentrations to 1000 particles/cm3, although CO2 levels rose to 3000 ppm. When as little as 25% fresh air was introduced (75% recirculation), CO2 levels dropped to 1000 ppm, while particle concentrations remained below 5000 particles/cm3. We found that nanoparticles were removed selectively during recirculation and demonstrated the trade-off between cabin CO2 concentration and cabin particle concentration using fractional air recirculation. Data showed significant increases in CO2 levels during 100% recirculation. For various fan speeds, recirculation fractions of 50-75% maintained lower CO2 levels in the cabin, while still reducing particulate levels. We recommend fractional recirculation as a simple method to reduce occupants' exposures to particulate matter and CO2 in vehicles. A design with several fractional recirculation settings could allow air exchange adequate for reducing both particulate and CO2 exposures. Developing this technology could lead to reductions in airborne nanoparticle exposure, while also mitigating safety risks from CO2 accumulation.

Characterization of lead-containing aerosol particles in Xiamen during and after Spring Festival by single-particle aerosol mass spectrometry

To comparatively analyze lead (Pb)-containing particles during and after the Chinese Spring Festival (SF), real-time single-particle aerosol mass spectrometry (SPAMS) was conducted in Xiamen during February 9-19 and March 4-14, 2013. Pb-containing particles were found in 2.4% and 5.3% of the total particle numbers during and after SF, respectively. Based on the SPAMS mass spectral results, the Pb-containing particles were classified into three major types and 11 subtypes: Pb-rich particles comprising Pb-nitrate, Pb-sulfate and Pb-chloride; K-rich particles comprising K-nitrate, K-sulfate, K-metal, K-carbonaceous, K-phosphate, and K-chloride; and metal particles including Fe-rich and Mn-nitrate particles. During SF, lower contributions of Pb-containing particles were due to the effect of the SF holiday. Firework emissions contributed little to the Pb-containing particles. K-rich particles were a major contribution to Pb-containing particles during SF, accounting for approximately 70% of the total number of Pb-containing particles. After SF, significantly increased Pb-containing particles were observed, coincided with NO₂ and SO₂, due to increased industrial activities and other anthropogenic activities, and Pb-rich particles increased to approximately 50.3% of the total number of Pb-containing particles. Local industrial emissions and the stagnant meteorological conditions resulted in the higher concentrations of Pb-containing particles in the early morning after SF, especially Pb-nitrate particles. This study provides data on the in-situ monitoring of Pb emissions during and after SF and could be helpful for the mitigation of Pb pollution.

Black carbon absorption at the global scale is affected by particle-scale diversity in composition

Atmospheric black carbon (BC) exerts a strong, but uncertain, warming effect on the climate. BC that is coated with non-absorbing material absorbs more strongly than the same amount of BC in an uncoated particle, but the magnitude of this absorption enhancement (E_abs) is not well constrained. Modelling studies and laboratory measurements have found stronger absorption enhancement than has been observed in the atmosphere. Here, using a particle-resolved aerosol model to simulate diverse BC populations, we show that absorption is overestimated by as much as a factor of two if diversity is neglected and population-averaged composition is assumed across all BC-containing particles. If, instead, composition diversity is resolved, we find E_abs=1−1.5 at low relative humidity, consistent with ambient observations. This study offers not only an explanation for the discrepancy between modelled and observed absorption enhancement, but also demonstrates how particle-scale simulations can be used to develop relationships for global-scale models.

Model and laboratory experiments disagree with observations regarding the absorption properties of black carbon particles. Here, using a particle-resolved aerosol model, the authors show that when composition diversity is considered, absorption enhancement is consistent with ambient observations.

Real time analysis of lead-containing atmospheric particles in Beijing during springtime by single particle aerosol mass spectrometry

Using a single particle aerosol mass spectrometer (SPAMS), the chemical composition and size distributions of lead (Pb)-containing particles with diameter from 0.1 μm to 2.0 μm in Beijing were analyzed in the spring of 2011 during clear, hazy, and dusty days. Based on mass spectral features of particles, cluster analysis was applied to Pb-containing particles, and six major classes were acquired consisting of K-rich, carboneous, Fe-rich, dust, Pb-rich, and Cl-rich particles. Pb-containing particles accounted for 4.2-5.3%, 21.8-22.7%, and 3.2% of total particle number during clear, hazy and dusty days, respectively. K-rich particles are a major contribution to Pb-containing particles, varying from 30.8% to 82.1% of total number of Pb-containing particles, lowest during dusty days and highest during hazy days. The results reflect that the chemical composition and amount of Pb-containing particles has been affected by meteorological conditions as well as the emissions of natural and anthropogenic sources. K-rich particles and carbonaceous particles could be mainly assigned to the emissions of coal combustion. Other classes of Pb-containing particles may be associated with metallurgical processes, coal combustion, dust, and waste incineration etc. In addition, Pb-containing particles during dusty days were first time studied by SPAMS. This method could provide a powerful tool for monitoring and controlling of Pb pollution in real time.

Characterization of the chemical composition of PM2.5 emitted from on-road China III and China IV diesel trucks in Beijing, China

The composition of diesel exhaust fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is of growing interest because of its impacts on health and climatic factors and its application in source apportionment and aerosol modeling. We characterized the detailed chemical composition of the PM2.5, including the organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), water-soluble ions (WSIs), and elemental contents, emitted from China III and China IV diesel trucks (nine each) based on real-world measurements in Beijing using a portable emissions measurement system (PEMS). Carbonaceous compounds were the dominant components (totaling approximately 87%) of the PM2.5, similar to the results (greater than 80% of the PM2.5) of our previous study of on-road China III diesel trucks. In general, the amounts of individual component groups (carbonaceous compounds, WSIs, and elements) and PM2.5 emissions for China IV diesel trucks were lower than those of China III diesel trucks of the same size, except for the WSIs and elements for the light- and medium-duty diesel trucks. The EC/OC mass ratios were strongly dependent on the emission standards, and the ratios of China IV diesel trucks were higher than those of China III diesel trucks of the same size. The chemical species in the PM2.5 were significantly affected by the driving conditions. Overall, the emission factors (EFs) of the PM2.5 and OC under non-highway (NHW) driving conditions were higher than those under highway (HW) driving conditions, and the EC/OC mass ratios presented an increasing trend, with decreasing OC/PM2.5 and increasing EC/PM2.5 from NHW to HW driving conditions; similar trends were reported in our previous study. In addition, Pearson's correlation coefficients among the PM2.5 species were analyzed to determine the relationships among the various chemical components.

FTIR analysis of surface functionalities on particulate matter produced by off-road diesel engines operating on diesel and biofuel

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is applied as a powerful analytic technique for the evaluation of the chemical composition of combustion aerosols emitted by off-road engines fuelled by diesel and biofuels. Particles produced by burning diesel, heated rapeseed oil (RO), RO with ethylhexylnitrate, and heated palm oil were sampled from exhausts of representative in-use diesel engines. Multicomponent composition of diesel and biofuel particles reveal the chemistry related to a variety of functional groups containing carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen. The most intensive functionalities of diesel particles are saturated C-C-H and unsaturated C=C-H aliphatic groups in alkanes and alkenes, aromatic C=C and C=C-H groups in polyaromatics, as well as sulfates and nitrated ions. The distinguished features of biofuel particles were carbonyl C=O groups in carboxylic acids, ketones, aldehydes, esters, and lactones. NO2, C-N and -NH groups in nitrocompounds and amines are found to dominate biofuel particles. Group identification is confirmed by complementary measurements of organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon, and water-soluble ion species. The relationship between infrared bands of polar oxygenated and non-polar aliphatic functionalities indicates the higher extent of the surface oxidation of biofuel particles. Findings provide functional markers of organic surface structure of off-road diesel emission, allowing for a better evaluation of relation between engine, fuel, operation condition, and particle composition, thus improving the quantification of environmental impacts of alternative energy source emissions.

Air quality impact and physicochemical aging of biomass burning aerosols during the 2007 San Diego wildfires

Intense wildfires burning >360000 acres in San Diego during October, 2007 provided a unique opportunity to study the impact of wildfires on local air quality and biomass burning aerosol (BBA) aging. The size-resolved mixing state of individual particles was measured in real-time with an aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometer (ATOFMS) for 10 days after the fires commenced. Particle concentrations were high county-wide due to the wildfires; 84% of 120-400 nm particles by number were identified as BBA, with particles <400 nm contributing to mass concentrations dangerous to public health, up to 148 μg/m(3). Evidence of potassium salts heterogeneously reacting with inorganic acids was observed with continuous high temporal resolution for the first time. Ten distinct chemical types shown as BBA factors were identified through positive matrix factorization coupled to single particle analysis, including particles comprised of potassium chloride and organic nitrogen during the beginning of the wildfires, ammonium nitrate and amines after an increase of relative humidity, and sulfate dominated when the air mass back trajectories passed through the Los Angeles port region. Understanding BBA aging processes and quantifying the size-resolved mass and number concentrations are important in determining the overall impact of wildfires on air quality, health, and climate.

Mass spectrometry of atmospheric aerosols--recent developments and applications. Part II: On-line mass spectrometry techniques

Many of the significant advances in our understanding of atmospheric particles can be attributed to the application of mass spectrometry. Mass spectrometry provides high sensitivity with fast response time to probe chemically complex particles. This review focuses on recent developments and applications in the field of mass spectrometry of atmospheric aerosols. In Part II of this two-part review, we concentrate on real-time mass spectrometry techniques, which provide high time resolution for insight into brief events and diurnal changes while eliminating the potential artifacts acquired during long-term filter sampling. In particular, real-time mass spectrometry has been shown recently to provide the ability to probe the chemical composition of ambient individual particles <30 nm in diameter to further our understanding of how particles are formed through nucleation in the atmosphere. Further, transportable real-time mass spectrometry techniques are now used frequently on ground-, ship-, and aircraft-based studies around the globe to further our understanding of the spatial distribution of atmospheric aerosols. In addition, coupling aerosol mass spectrometry techniques with other measurements in series has allowed the in situ determination of chemically resolved particle effective density, refractive index, volatility, and cloud activation properties.

Characterization of the single particle mixing state of individual ship plume events measured at the Port of Los Angeles

Ship emissions contribute significantly to gaseous and particulate pollution worldwide. To better understand the impact of ship emissions on air quality, measurements of the size-resolved chemistry of individual particles in ship emissions were made at the Port of Los Angeles using real-time, single-particle mass spectrometry. Ship plumes were identified through a combination of ship position information and measurements of gases and aerosol particles at a site 500 m from the center of the main shipping channel at the Port of Los Angeles. Single particles containing mixtures of organic carbon, vanadium, and sulfate (OC-V-sulfate) resulted from residual fuel combustion (i.e., bunker fuel), whereas high quantities of fresh soot particles (when OC-V-sulfate particles were not present) represented distinct markers for plumes from distillate fuel combustion (i.e., diesel fuel) from ships as well as trucks in the port area. DC-V-sulfate particles from residual fuel combustion contained significantly higher levels of sulfate and sulfuric acid than plume particles containing no vanadium. These associations may be due to vanadium (or other metals such as iron) in the fuel catalyzing the oxidation of S0(2) to produce sulfate and sulfuric acid on these particles. Enhanced sulfate production on OC-V-sulfate ship emission particles would help explain some of the higher than expected sulfate levels measured in California compared to models based on emissions inventories and typical sulfate production pathways. Understanding the overall impact of ships emissions is critical for controlling regional air quality in the many populated coastal regions of the world.

Real-time, single-particle volatility, size, and chemical composition measurements of aged urban aerosols

Aerosol particles undergo significant amounts of atmospheric processing within the Los Angeles basin. To assess the major sources and degree of aging, ambient particle volatility, size, and chemical composition were measured concurrently in real-time during the Study of Organic Aerosols conducted in Riverside, CA in November 2005. A thermodenuder (TD) was coupled to an aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometer (ATOFMS) to characterize the chemistry of the individual submicrometer particles remaining after heating. Aged organic carbon (OC) particles contained >50% by volume secondary species, primarily ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, and amines. At 230 degrees C, the chemistry of the 100-150 nm residues were elemental carbon (29% by number), OC (27%), and biomass burning (15%). Sea salt (47%) and dust (15%) were the major contributors at the larger sizes (750-800 nm). Many particles at 230 degrees C possessed signatures similar to those of fresh vehicle emissions, biomass burning, sea salt, and dust particles, showing that the TD-ATOFMS method can be used to apportion particles in highly aged environments to their original sources, while providing insight into the relative contributions of primary and secondary species.

In-situ measurements of the mixing state and optical properties of soot with implications for radiative forcing estimates

Our ability to predict how global temperatures will change in the future is currently limited by the large uncertainties associated with aerosols. Soot aerosols represent a major research focus as they influence climate by absorbing incoming solar radiation resulting in a highly uncertain warming effect. The uncertainty stems from the fact that the actual amount soot warms our atmosphere strongly depends on the manner and degree in which it is mixed with other species, a property referred to as mixing state. In global models and inferences from atmospheric heating measurements, soot radiative forcing estimates currently differ by a factor of 6, ranging between 0.2-1.2 W/m(2), making soot second only to CO(2) in terms of global warming potential. This article reports coupled in situ measurements of the size-resolved mixing state, optical properties, and aging timescales for soot particles. Fresh fractal soot particles dominate the measured absorption during peak traffic periods (6-9 AM local time). Immediately after sunrise, soot particles begin to age by developing a coating of secondary species including sulfate, ammonium, organics, nitrate, and water. Based on these direct measurements, the core-shell arrangement results in a maximum absorption enhancement of 1.6x over fresh soot. These atmospheric observations help explain the larger values for soot forcing measured by others and will be used to obtain closure in optical property measurements to reduce one of the largest remaining uncertainties in climate change.

Exposure to concentrated ambient particles does not affect vascular function in patients with coronary heart disease

BACKGROUND

Exposure to fine particulate air pollution is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We previously demonstrated that exposure to dilute diesel exhaust causes vascular dysfunction in humans.

OBJECTIVES

We conducted a study to determine whether exposure to ambient particulate matter causes vascular dysfunction.

METHODS

Twelve male patients with stable coronary heart disease and 12 age-matched volunteers were exposed to concentrated ambient fine and ultrafine particles (CAPs) or filtered air for 2 hr using a randomized, double-blind cross-over study design. We measured peripheral vascular vasomotor and fibrinolytic function, and inflammatory variables-including circulating leukocytes, serum C-reactive protein, and exhaled breath 8-isoprostane and nitrotyrosine-6-8 hr after both exposures.

RESULTS

Particulate concentrations (mean +/- SE) in the exposure chamber (190+/-37 microg/m(3)) were higher than ambient levels (31+/-8 microg/m(3)) and levels in filtered air (0.5+/-0.4 microg/m(3); p<0.001). Chemical analysis of CAPs identified low levels of elemental carbon. Exhaled breath 8-isoprostane concentrations increased after exposure to CAPs (16.9+/-8.5 vs. 4.9+/-1.2 pg/mL, p<0.05), but markers of systemic inflammation were largely unchanged. Although there was a dose-dependent increase in blood flow and plasma tissue plasminogen activator release (p<0.001 for all), CAPs exposure had no effect on vascular function in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite achieving marked increases in particulate matter, exposure to CAPs--low in combustion-derived particles--did not affect vasomotor or fibrinolytic function in either middle-aged healthy volunteers or patients with coronary heart disease. These findings contrast with previous exposures to dilute diesel exhaust and highlight the importance of particle composition in determining the vascular effects of particulate matter in humans.

Characterisation of indoor airborne particles by using real-time aerosol mass spectrometry

An Aerosol Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (ATOFMS; TSI 3800) was deployed to Athens (Greece) during August 2003. The instrument provides information on a polydisperse aerosol, acquiring precise aerodynamic diameter (+/-1%) within the range 0.3 to 3 mum and individual particle positive and negative mass spectral data in real time. Sampling was carried out indoors and outdoors at an office in a building on a minor road in the city centre and various outdoor and indoor sources were identified. Specific outdoor particles such as dust and carbon particles were detected in indoor air. The generation of particles from indoor sources was studied and several different types of particle were found to be present in environmental tobacco smoke (ETS): three were potassium-rich (with differing proportions of carbon) emitted directly in the exhaled mainstream smoke. Two other types arose mainly when the cigarette was left smouldering on an ash-tray. Another particle type exhibited a strong signal at m/z 84, most likely due to a nicotine fragment. The temporal trend of this specific particle type showed likely condensation of semi-volatile constituents on existing potassium-rich particles. A release of insect repellent in the room was also successfully monitored.