Accumulation Mode Size Range Research Articles

Size-Resolved Field Performance of Low-Cost Sensors for Particulate Matter Air Pollution.

Particulate matter (PM) air pollution is a major health hazard. The health effects of PM are closely linked to particle size, which governs its deposition in (and penetration through) the respiratory tract. In recent years, low-cost sensors that report particle concentrations for multiple-sized fractions (PM1.0, PM2.5, PM10) have proliferated in everyday use and scientific research. However, knowledge of how well these sensors perform across the full range of reported particle size fractions is limited. Unfortunately, erroneous particle size data can lead to spurious conclusions about exposure, misguided interventions, and ineffectual policy decisions. We assessed the linearity, bias, and precision of three low-cost sensor models, as a function of PM size fraction, in an urban setting. Contrary to manufacturers' claims, sensors are only accurate for the smallest size fraction (PM1). The PM1.0-2.5 and PM2.5-10 size fractions had large bias, noise, and uncertainty. These results demonstrate that low-cost aerosol sensors (1) cannot discriminate particle size accurately and (2) only report linear and precise measures of aerosol concentration in the accumulation mode size range (i.e., between 0.1 and 1 μm). We recommend that crowdsourced air quality monitoring networks stop reporting coarse (PM2.5-10) mode and PM10 mass concentrations from these sensors.

An interactive stratospheric aerosol model intercomparison of solar geoengineering by stratospheric injection of SO<sub>2</sub> or accumulation-mode sulfuric acid aerosols

Abstract. Studies of stratospheric solar geoengineering have tended to focus on modification of the sulfuric acid aerosol layer, and almost all climate model experiments that mechanistically increase the sulfuric acid aerosol burden assume injection of SO2. A key finding from these model studies is that the radiative forcing would increase sublinearly with increasing SO2 injection because most of the added sulfur increases the mass of existing particles, resulting in shorter aerosol residence times and aerosols that are above the optimal size for scattering. Injection of SO3 or H2SO4 from an aircraft in stratospheric flight is expected to produce particles predominantly in the accumulation-mode size range following microphysical processing within an expanding plume, and such injection may result in a smaller average stratospheric particle size, allowing a given injection of sulfur to produce more radiative forcing. We report the first multi-model intercomparison to evaluate this approach, which we label AM-H2SO4 injection. A coordinated multi-model experiment designed to represent this SO3- or H2SO4-driven geoengineering scenario was carried out with three interactive stratospheric aerosol microphysics models: the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Community Earth System Model (CESM2) with the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM) atmospheric configuration, the Max-Planck Institute's middle atmosphere version of ECHAM5 with the HAM microphysical module (MAECHAM5-HAM) and ETH's SOlar Climate Ozone Links with AER microphysics (SOCOL-AER) coordinated as a test-bed experiment within the Geoengineering Model Intercomparison Project (GeoMIP). The intercomparison explores how the injection of new accumulation-mode particles changes the large-scale particle size distribution and thus the overall radiative and dynamical response to stratospheric sulfur injection. Each model used the same injection scenarios testing AM-H2SO4 and SO2 injections at 5 and 25 Tg(S) yr−1 to test linearity and climate response sensitivity. All three models find that AM-H2SO4 injection increases the radiative efficacy, defined as the radiative forcing per unit of sulfur injected, relative to SO2 injection. Increased radiative efficacy means that when compared to the use of SO2 to produce the same radiative forcing, AM-H2SO4 emissions would reduce side effects of sulfuric acid aerosol geoengineering that are proportional to mass burden. The model studies were carried out with two different idealized geographical distributions of injection mass representing deployment scenarios with different objectives, one designed to force mainly the midlatitudes by injecting into two grid points at 30∘ N and 30∘ S, and the other designed to maximize aerosol residence time by injecting uniformly in the region between 30∘ S and 30∘ N. Analysis of aerosol size distributions in the perturbed stratosphere of the models shows that particle sizes evolve differently in response to concentrated versus dispersed injections depending on the form of the injected sulfur (SO2 gas or AM-H2SO4 particulate) and suggests that prior model results for concentrated injection of SO2 may be strongly dependent on model resolution. Differences among models arise from differences in aerosol formulation and differences in model dynamics, factors whose interplay cannot be easily untangled by this intercomparison.

Spectral Intensity Bioaerosol Sensor (SIBS): an instrument for spectrally resolved fluorescence detection of single particles in real time

Abstract. Primary biological aerosol particles (PBAPs) in the atmosphere are highly relevant for the Earth system, climate, and public health. The analysis of PBAPs, however, remains challenging due to their high diversity and large spatiotemporal variability. For real-time PBAP analysis, light-induced fluorescence (LIF) instruments have been developed and widely used in laboratory and ambient studies. The interpretation of fluorescence data from these instruments, however, is often limited by a lack of spectroscopic information. This study introduces an instrument – the Spectral Intensity Bioaerosol Sensor (SIBS; Droplet Measurement Technologies (DMT), Longmont, CO, USA) – that resolves fluorescence spectra for single particles and thus promises to expand the scope of fluorescent PBAP quantification and classification. The SIBS shares key design components with the latest versions of the Wideband Integrated Bioaerosol Sensor (WIBS) and the findings presented here are also relevant for the widely deployed WIBS-4A and WIBS-NEO as well as other LIF instruments. The key features of the SIBS and the findings of this study can be summarized as follows. Particle sizing yields reproducible linear responses for particles in the range of 300 nm to 20 µm. The lower sizing limit is significantly smaller than for earlier commercial LIF instruments (e.g., WIBS-4A and the Ultraviolet Aerodynamic Particle Sizer; UV-APS), expanding the analytical scope into the accumulation-mode size range. Fluorescence spectra are recorded for two excitation wavelengths (λex=285 and 370 nm) and a wide range of emission wavelengths (λmean=302–721 nm) with a resolution of 16 detection channels, which is higher than for most other commercially available LIF bioaerosol sensors. Fluorescence spectra obtained for 16 reference compounds confirm that the SIBS provides sufficient spectral resolution to distinguish major modes of molecular fluorescence. For example, the SIBS resolves the spectral difference between bacteriochlorophyll and chlorophyll a and b. A spectral correction of the instrument-specific detector response is essential to use the full fluorescence emission range. Asymmetry factor (AF) data were assessed and were found to provide only limited analytical information. In test measurements with ambient air, the SIBS worked reliably and yielded characteristically different spectra for single particles in the coarse mode with an overall fluorescent particle fraction of ∼4 % (3σ threshold), which is consistent with earlier studies in comparable environments.

Weak size dependence of resuspended radiocesium adsorbed on soil particles collected after the Fukushima nuclear accident

Most studies of the properties of airborne radionuclides emitted from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant have focused on the relatively early stages of the accident, and little is known about the characteristics of radiocesium in the long-term. In this study, we analyzed activity size distributions of airborne radiocesium collected over 5 months in Tsukuba, Japan. Radiocesium in the accumulation mode size range (0.1–2 μm in aerodynamic diameter) was overwhelming in the early aerosol samples and decreased with time, while that associated with coarse aerosols remained airborne. We examined the radiocesium adsorbed onto airborne soil particles, and found that the size dependence of 137Cs surface density adsorbed on soil particles was weak. That is, radiocesium was distributed homogeneously throughout the aerodynamic diameter range of 2.1–11 μm. This characteristic may be related to the reported structure of radiocesium-bearing soil particles collected from the ground, which consisted of an aggregate of specific clay minerals and other non-cesium adsorbing particles. The resuspension factors for the first two aerosol samples collected during late April and May 2011 were close to those in European cities in the months following the Chernobyl accident, despite different soil and weather conditions.

Morphochemical characteristics and mixing state of long range transported wildfire particles at Ny-Ålesund (Svalbard Islands)

A prolonged and exceptionally intense air mass advection event transporting biomass burning aerosols generated in Alaska affected Ny-Ålesund in the mid of July 2015. This paper reports the morphochemical characteristics and mixing state of individual aerosol particles collected during the event. To this aim aerosol samples were collected on nucleopore polycarbonate membrane filters using a DEKATI 12-stage low volume impactor and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. Results of SEM investigations depict a complex aerosol characterized by an external mixing between a main part of carbonaceous organic particles (tar balls and organic particles), lower ammonium sulfate and minor potassium chloride and mineral dust amounts. The carbonaceous particles are spherical to slightly elongated and the organic particles show an internal mixing of low density organics and/or ammonium sulfate upon denser nuclei. Most particles are in the accumulation mode size range although the size and the morphology of the chloride and the sulfate salts evidence the growth of these species both in the air and upon the sampling membranes. Individual particle analyses were complemented by aerosol size distribution (Aerodynamic Particle Sizer, Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer) and optical (Particle Soot Absorption Photometer, nephelometer) measurements at ground level in order to retrieve the optical and radiative properties of the aerosol in the atmosphere and to predict the fate and behaviour of particles upon deposition at ground level. Individual particle analyses were also compared with bulk chemical analyses on daily sampling filters and back-trajectory analyses of the air mass movement in order to enucleate distinct sources of the aerosol during the long range transport.

Seasonal contributions to size-resolved n-alkanes (C8-C40) in the Shanghai atmosphere from regional anthropogenic activities and terrestrial plant waxes.

Size-resolved aerosol samples from the Shanghai atmosphere were analyzed for normal alkanes (n-alkanes, C8-C40) by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-flame ionization detection and gas chromatography-triple quadruple mass spectroscopy to study their size distribution and contributions from potential regional sources based on a one-year (2012-2013) sampling campaign. The n-alkane concentrations ranged from 62.3 to 398.5ngm-3, with an annual average of 227.6ngm-3. Particle-associated n-alkanes exhibited a bimodal distribution with one peak in the accumulation-mode size range and the other in the coarse-mode size range. As the carbon number increased, the peak in the accumulation mode intensified and the peak in the coarse mode weakened, in accordance with variation of their corresponding volatilities. Source indices (carbon preference index, average chain length, odd-even carbon number preference, unresolved to resolved n-alkanes ratio, and plant wax n-alkanes ratio) indicated that the n-alkane source profile shifted from an anthropogenic-dominated pattern in winter and spring to a terrestrial plant wax-influenced pattern in summer and autumn. Further trajectory cluster analysis and potential source contribution function modeling showed that anthropogenic activities were mainly in the North China Plain and East China and that terrestrial plant waxes originated in Anhui, Zhejiang, and Jiangxi Provinces. The results of our study provide useful information for evaluating the influence of anthropogenic and biogenic activities on the atmospheric transport of important secondary organic aerosol precursors to megacities in East Asia.

Exhaust PM Emissions Analysis of Alcohol Fueled Heavy-Duty Engine Utilizing PPC

The focus has recently been directed towards the engine out soot from Diesel engines. Running an engine in PPC (Partially Premixed Combustion) mode has a proven tendency of reducing these emissions significantly. In addition to combustion strategy, several studies have suggested that using alcohol fuels aid in reducing soot emissions to ultra-low levels. This study analyzes and compares the characteristics of PM emissions from naphtha gasoline PPC, ethanol PPC, methanol PPC and methanol diffusion combustion in terms of soot mass concentration, number concentration and particle size distribution in a single cylinder Scania D13 engine, while varying the intake O2. Intake temperature and injection pressure sweeps were also conducted. The fuels emitting the highest mass concentration of particles (Micro Soot Sensor) were gasoline and methanol followed by ethanol. The two alcohols tested emitted nucleation mode particles only, whereas gasoline emitted accumulation mode particles as well. Regarding soot mass concentration measurements; methanol never exceeded 1.6 mg/m3 while when operating on gasoline this value never descended below 1.6 mg/m3. From this result it can be concluded that the main contributor to PM mass emissions is mainly increasing CMD (Count Mean Diameter) in the accumulation mode size range, but can in diffusion combustion also be caused by a high amount of nucleation mode particles. A probable cause of higher particle number emissions, when running the engine on methanol compared to ethanol, is the corrosiveness of the fuel itself. Except for the ultra-low PM mass emitted from alcohol combustion, it is also possible to alter the EGR concentration with a higher level of freedom without having to consider the NOX - soot tradeoff.

Impacts on particles and ozone by transport processes recorded at urban and high-altitude monitoring stations

In order to evaluate the influence of particle transport episodes on particle number concentration temporal trends at both urban and high-altitude (Aitana peak-1558m a.s.l.) stations, a simultaneous sampling campaign from October 2011 to September 2012 was performed. The monitoring stations are located in southeastern Spain, close to the Mediterranean coast.The annual average value of particle concentration obtained in the larger accumulation mode (size range 0.25–1μm) at the mountain site, 55.0±3.0cm−3, was practically half that of the value obtained at the urban station (112.0±4.0cm−3). The largest difference between both stations was recorded during December 2011 and January 2012, when particles at the mountain station registered the lowest values. It was observed that during urban stagnant episodes, particle transport from urban sites to the mountain station could take place under specific atmospheric conditions. During these transports, the major particle transfer is produced in the 0.5–2μm size range. The minimum difference between stations was recorded in summer, particularly in July 2012, which is most likely due to several particle transport events that affected only the mountain station. The particle concentration in the coarse mode was very similar at both monitoring sites, with the biggest difference being recorded during the summer months, 0.4±0.1cm−3 at the urban site and 0.9±0.1cm−3 at the Aitana peak in August 2012. Saharan dust outbreaks were the main factor responsible for these values during summer time. The regional station was affected more by these outbreaks, recording values of >4.0cm−3, than the urban site. This long-range particle transport from the Sahara desert also had an effect upon O3 levels measured at the mountain station. During periods affected by Saharan dust outbreaks, ozone levels underwent a significant decrease (3–17%) with respect to its mean value.

Sulfate Aerosol as a Potential Transport Medium of Radiocesium from the Fukushima Nuclear Accident

To date, areas contaminated by radionuclides discharged from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant accident have been mapped in detail. However, size of the radionuclides and their mixing state with other aerosol components, which are critical in their removal from the atmosphere, have not yet been revealed. We measured activity size distributions of (134)Cs and (137)Cs in aerosols collected 47 days after the accident at Tsukuba, Japan, and found that the activity median aerodynamic diameters of (134)Cs and (137)Cs in the first sample (April 28-May 12) were 0.54 and 0.53 μm, respectively, and those in the second sample (May 12-26) were both 0.63 μm. The activity size distributions of these radiocesium were within the accumulation mode size range and almost overlapped with the mass size distribution of non-sea-salt sulfate aerosol. From the analysis of other aerosol components, we found that sulfate was the potential transport medium for these radionuclides, and resuspended soil particles that attached radionuclides were not the major airborne radioactive substances at the time of measurement. This explains the relatively similar activity sizes of radiocesium measured at various sites during the Chernobyl accident. Our results can serve as basic data for modeling the transport/deposition of radionuclides.

Evidence for particle size–shape correlations in the optical properties of silicate clay aerosol

Accurate modeling of the optical properties of atmospheric mineral dust is important for climate modeling calculations and remote sensing data retrievals. Atmospheric mineral dust in the accumulation mode size range is often rich in silicate clays including kaolinite and illite. This is important because dust optical properties depend on particle shape, and fundamental clay particles are known to consist of very thin flakes.In this combined laboratory and modeling study, we investigate the optical properties (IR extinction and visible light scattering) of two samples of silicate clay dust aerosol, kaolinite and illite. Particle size distributions are measured simultaneously with the optical properties. T-Matrix theory based simulations using a spheroidal particle approximation are compared with experimental data. We find that the full range of visible scattering and polarimetry data, and IR extinction profiles are not well fit by assuming a single size–shape distribution for the aerosol. In contrast, a simple bimodal distribution model that treats small particles (fundamental clay flakes) in the distribution as highly eccentric oblate spheroids with axial ratio parameters ≥5, but approximates larger particles by a more moderate shape distribution with axial ratio parameters <3, gives better agreement with the full range of experimental data. These conclusions are consistent with mineralogical data on the dimensions of fundamental clay particles.

Correlated IR spectroscopy and visible light scattering measurements of mineral dust aerosol

A combined infrared spectroscopy and visible light scattering study of the optical properties of quartz aerosol, a major component of atmospheric dust, is reported. Scattering phase function and polarization measurements for quartz dust at three visible wavelengths (470, 550, 660 nm) are compared with results from T‐matrix theory simulations using a uniform spheroid model for particle shape. Aerosol size distributions were measured simultaneously with light scattering. Particle shape distributions were determined in two ways: (1) analysis of electron microscope images of the dust, and (2) spectral fitting of infrared resonance extinction features. Since the aerosol size and shape distributions were measured, experimental scattering data could be directly compared with T‐matrix simulations with no adjustable parameters. χ2 analysis suggests that T‐matrix simulations based on a uniform spheroid approximation can be used to model the optical properties of irregularly shaped dust particles in the accumulation mode size range, provided the particle shape distribution can be reliably determined. Particle shape distributions derived from electron microscope image analysis give poor fits, indicating that two‐dimensional images may not give an accurate representation of the shape distribution for three‐dimensional particles. However, simulations based on particle shape models inferred from IR spectral analysis give excellent fits to the experimental data. Our work suggests that correlated IR spectral and visible light scattering measurements, together with the use of theoretical light scattering models, may offer a more accurate method for characterizing atmospheric dust loading, and aerosol composition, size, and shape distributions, which are of great importance in climate modeling.

Sub-μm particle size distributions in a suburban Mediterranean area. Aerosol populations and their possible relationship with HONO mixing ratios

This study presents, for the first time, long-term data of sub-μm particle number size distributions in the particle size range of 14–670 nm in the Mediterranean area of Rome. Data are analysed in terms of possible aerosol populations. A particular “event” including also measurements of nitrous acid mixing ratios in the atmosphere is further analysed. High statistical correlations are established: At daytime, between the unknown HONO formation rate and the product of NO 2, J NO 2 , relative humidity, and sub-μm particle surface area concentration. At nighttime, between the volume concentration of the small Aitken mode particles and the HONO mixing ratios. The study would provide information on fine and ultrafine aerosol particle size distribution down to 14 nm in the Mediterranean suburban area of Rome. Besides, it would support previous works which have already provided several evidences for the existence of relations between the sub-μm aerosol populations and HONO. Our conclusions include speculations on possible daytime HONO formation mechanisms on particle surfaces in the accumulation mode size range, and nighttime mass formation mechanisms in common for the small Aitken mode particles and HONO.

Size-dependent aerosol deposition velocities during BEARPEX'07

Abstract. Aerosol concentrations and 3-D winds were measured from 9 to 25 September 2007, above a pine forest in California. The measurements were combined using the eddy covariance (EC) technique to determine aerosol eddy fluxes as a function of particle diameter within the accumulation mode size range (0.25 μm≤Dp≤1 μm here). Measured heat and water vapor fluxes were utilized to correct the aerosol eddy fluxes for aerosol hygroscopic growth. The hygroscopic growth correction was necessary despite the low RH and relatively hygrophobic nature of the particles. Uncertainties associated with particle counting also were evaluated from the data. Aerosol deposition velocities (Vd = EC turbulent flux/mean particle concentration) during daytime were shown to vary from −0.2 to −1.0 cm s−1; the magnitude of particle Vd increases with friction velocity and particle diameter.

Hygroscopic growth of urban aerosol particles in Beijing (China) during wintertime: a comparison of three experimental methods

Abstract. The hygroscopic properties of atmospheric aerosols are highly relevant for the quantification of radiative effects in the atmosphere, but also of interest for the assessment of particle health effects upon inhalation. This article reports measurements of aerosol particle hygroscopicity in the highly polluted urban atmosphere of Beijing, China in January 2005. The meteorological conditions corresponded to a relatively cold and dry atmosphere. Three different methods were used: 1) A combination of Humidifying Differential Mobility Particle Sizer (H-DMPS) and Twin Differential Mobility Particle Sizer (TDMPS) measurements, 2) A Hygroscopic Tandem Differential Mobility Analyzer (H-TDMA), and 3) A simplistic solubility model fed by chemical particle composition determined from Micro Orifice Uniform Deposit Impactor (MOUDI) samples. From the H-DMPS and TDMPS particle number size distributions, a size-resolved descriptive hygroscopic growth factor (DHGF) was determined for the relative humidities (RH) 55%, 77% and 90%, and particle diameters between 30 and 400 nm. In Beijing, the highest DHGFs were observed for accumulation mode particles, 1.40 (±0.03) at 90% RH. DHGF decreased significantly with particle size, reaching 1.04 (±0.15) at 30 nm. H-TDMA data also suggest a decrease in growth factor towards the biggest particles investigated (350 nm), associated with an increasing fraction of nearly hydrophobic particles. The agreement between the H-DMPS/TDMPS and H-TDMA methods was satisfactory in the accumulation mode size range (100–400 nm). In the Aitken mode range (&lt;100 nm), the H-DMPS/TDMPS method yielded growth factors lower by up to 0.1 at 90% RH. The application of the solubility model based on measured chemical composition clearly reproduced the size-dependent trend in hygroscopic particle growth observed by the other methods. In the case of aerosol dominated by inorganic ions, the composition-derived growth factors tended to agree (± 0.05) or underestimate (up to 0.1) the values measured by the other two methods. In the case of aerosol dominated by organics, the reverse was true, with an overestimation of up to 0.2. The results shed light on the experimental and methodological uncertainties that are still connected with the determination of hygroscopic growth factors.

The time evolution of aerosol size distribution over the Mexico City plateau

Abstract. As part of the MILAGRO field campaign, the DOE G-1 aircraft was used to make measurements over and downwind of Mexico City with the objective of determining growth characteristics of aerosols from a megacity urban source. This study focuses on number concentration and size distributions. It is found that a 5-fold increase in aerosol volume is accompanied by about a 5-fold increase in accumulation mode number concentration. There is growth in aerosol volume because there are more accumulation mode particles, not because of an increase in the average size of accumulation particles. Condensation and volume growth laws were examined to see whether either is consistent with observations. Condensation calculations show that the growth of Aitken mode particles into the accumulation mode size range gives the required increase in number concentration. There are minimal changes in the accumulation mode size distribution with age, consistent with observations. Volume-growth in contrast yields a population of large particles, distinctly different from what is observed. Detailed model calculations are required to translate our observations into specific information on the volatility and properties of secondary organic aerosol.

A laboratory investigation of light scattering from representative components of mineral dust aerosol at a wavelength of 550 nm

To test the applicability of Mie theory in climate models and remote sensing data retrievals, we have studied the scattering phase function and linear polarization of representative mineral dust aerosol components at a wavelength of 550 nm. The mineral components investigated include the silicate clays, kaolinite, illite, and montmorillonite, and non‐clay minerals, quartz, calcite, gypsum, and hematite, as well as Arizona road dust. In each case the aerosol size distribution was simultaneously monitored with an aerodynamic particle sizer. Particle diameters in this study fall in the accumulation mode size range characteristic of long‐range transport aerosols. Our results show significant discrepancies between the experimental and Mie theory phase functions. The model shortcomings are due to particle shape effects for these non‐spherical mineral dust particles. We find intriguing differences in the scattering between the silicate clay and non‐clay components of mineral dust aerosol in this size range. For the non‐clay minerals the most significant errors are found at large scattering angles where Mie theory substantially overestimates the backscattering signal. For the silicate clay minerals, there is more variability in the comparison to Mie theory. These findings have important consequences for the radiative forcing component of global climate models and remote sensing measurements that rely on Mie theory to characterize atmospheric dust. We also present experimentally based synthetic phase functions at 550 nm, for both silicate clay and non‐clay mineral dust aerosols in the size parameter range X = 2–5, which may be useful for empirical models of the scattering due to particles in the accumulation mode size range.

Extinction spectra of mineral dust aerosol components in an environmental aerosol chamber: IR resonance studies

Mineral dust aerosol plays an important role in determining the physical and chemical equilibrium of the atmosphere. To better understand the impact that mineral dust aerosol may have on climate forcing and on remote sensing, we have initiated a study of the optical properties of important components of mineral dust aerosol including silicate clays (illite, kaolinite, and montmorillonite), quartz, anhydrite, and calcite. The extinction spectra are measured in an environmental simulation chamber over a broad wavelength range, which includes both the IR (650–5000 cm −1) and UV–vis (12,500–40,000 cm −1) spectral regions. In this paper, we focus on the IR region from 800 to 1500 cm −1, where many of these mineral dust constituents have characteristic vibrational resonance features. Experimental spectra are compared with Mie theory simulations based on published mineral optical constants. We find that Mie theory generally does a poor job in fitting the IR resonance peak positions and band profiles for nonspherical aerosols in the accumulation mode size range ( D∼0.1–2.5 μm). We explore particle shape effects on the IR resonance line profiles by considering analytic models for extinction of particles with characteristic shapes (i.e. disks, needles, and ellipsoids). Interestingly, Mie theory often appears to give more accurate results for the absorption line profiles of larger particles that fall in the coarse mode size range.

Simultaneous measurement of light-scattering properties and particle size distribution for aerosols: Application to ammonium sulfate and quartz aerosol particles

An apparatus for measuring the scattering phase function and linear polarization of aerosol particles has been developed. The apparatus uses an elliptical mirror and CCD camera to image the full angular scattering range simultaneously. An in-line aerodynamic particle sizer (APS) in the particle flow stream provides for the simultaneous measurement of the aerosol particle size distribution. This apparatus allows for a comparison of measured optical properties with theoretical model calculations based on the measured aerosol size distribution. The system was calibrated and tested using monodisperse polystyrene latex (PSL) spheres and with ammonium sulfate (AS) aerosol. We have also used the apparatus for measuring the scattering phase function and linear polarization for light scattering from irregular quartz aerosol particles. Our results show that Mie theory substantially overestimates the backscattering cross-section for quartz particles in the size parameter range X∼2–4, in agreement with previous experimental work and theoretical modeling studies. We also present a normalized synthetic phase function for quartz dust aerosol in the accumulation mode size range (0.1–2.0 μm).

Meteorological dependence of size-fractionated number concentrations of urban aerosol particles

We utilized a long-term data set of aerosol particle number size distributions (8–400 nm) in the urban background air of Helsinki during 1998–2000. We analyzed the number concentrations of both ultra-fine particles (UFP diameter <100 nm) and the fraction of fine particles (FP, diameter <2.5 μm) larger than 100 nm (accumulation mode), and we also investigated their dependencies on the relevant meteorological parameters. The meteorological parameters were obtained by a meteorological pre-processing model. Among the meteorological parameters considered in this study (wind speed and direction, temperature, atmospheric pressure, relative humidity, Monin–Obukhov length and mixing height), the ambient temperature and local wind conditions were found to be the most important factors that control the number concentrations of FP. We described the dependencies of FP number concentrations on meteorological variables by using an empirically based mathematical function that contains the ambient temperature, local wind speed and direction as independent variables. According to statistical analyses, the predicted number concentrations of accumulation mode particles follow this relationship more closely than those of UFP's. This is mainly due to the origin and type of aerosol particles in the accumulation mode size range, being mainly regional and long-range transported. The main limitations of the mathematical function presented in this study are during new particle formation events, precipitation and long-range pollution episodes of aerosol particles. This study provides an attempt to predict the particle number concentrations of FP by utilizing a simple model that connects the relationship between the aerosol particle number concentrations and the relevant meteorological parameters.

PM2.5 particles and size-segregated ionic species measured during fall season in three urban sites in Korea

Abstract Twelve hours integrated fine particles (PM 2.5 ) and 24-h average size-segregated particles were collected to investigate the chemical characteristics and to determine the size distribution of ionic species during October–December 1999 in three cities of different urban scale; Chongju, Kwangju, and Seoul, Korea. Concentrations of 5-min PM 2.5 black carbon (BC) and hourly criteria air pollutants (PM 10 , CO, NO x , SO 2 , and O 3 ) were also measured using the Aethalometer and ambient air monitoring system, respectively. Highest PM 2.5 mass concentrations at Chongju, Kwangju, and Seoul sites were 63.0, 77.9, and 143.7 μg m −3 , respectively. For the time period when highest PM 2.5 mass occurred, BC level out of PM 2.5 chemical species was highest at both Chongju and Kwangju, and highest NO 3 − (23.6 μg m −3 ) followed by BC (23.1 μg m −3 ) were observed at Seoul site, indicating that highest PM 2.5 pollution is closely associated with the traffic emissions. Strong relationships of Fe with BC and Zn at both Kwangju and Seoul sites support that the Fe and Zn measured there are originated partly from same source as BC, i.e. diesel traffics. However, it is suggested that the Fe measured at Chongju is most likely derived from dispersion of soil dust. The size distributions of SO 4 2− , NO 3 − , and NH 4 + ionic species indicated similar unimodal distributions at all sampling sites. However, different unimodal patterns in the accumulation mode size range with a peak in the smaller size (0.28–0.53 μm, condensation mode) in both Kwangju and Seoul, and in the relatively larger size (0.53–1.0 μm, droplet mode) in Chongju, were found. The potassium ion under the study sites dominates in the fine mode, and its size distribution showed unimodal character with a maximum in the size range 0.56–1.0 μm.