Abstract

This paper describes operation of the particle analysis by laser mass spectrometry (PALMS) instrument at Cape Grim. Several changes to the instrument improved the uniformity of ionization, simplified data analysis, and reduced the minimum analyzable particle size to 0.16 μm. Almost all of the particles analyzed by PALMS at Cape Grim during clean marine conditions contained some sea salt. Almost all of the sulfate found during clean marine conditions was mixed with sea salt rather than in separate ammonium sulfate or sulfuric acid aerosols. Metals such as Cr, Fe, and Sn were detected in a few particles even in clean marine air masses. An NO+ peak in the mass spectra was associated with Mg, Ca, and Sr. This association could be caused either by the water retention of various salts or by different reactivities. It provides a reminder that other components of sea salt besides NaCl need to be considered for heterogeneous chemistry.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.