Development, Validation, and Initial Application of a Thermal Optical Carbon Analyzer-Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer (TOA/MS) for Quantitative Determination of Aerosol Composition from Quartz-Fiber Filters

摘要

The objective of this study is to understand the chemical and optical properties of atmospheric BrC by identifying molecular patterns in aerosol samples that correspond to the BrC light absorption. A unique approach that allows simultaneous thermal/optical characterization as well as mass spectrometric analysis (hard ionization) of the evolved gases will be developed and applied to a comprehensive collection of source and ambient samples. Optical and chemical characteristics of BrC from quartz-fiber filters collected across the U.S. will provide an improved understanding of the OM sources and its radiative impacts. Ambient filters will be selected from sampling sites that represent different source regions. Specific BrC markers will be identified aiding in source identification. Results from this research will offer improved knowledge of aerosol optical and chemical properties.