Fluorochrome in Monitoring Atmospheric Bioaerosols and Correlations with Meteorological Factors and Air Pollutants

The characteristics of bioaerosols in the ambient atmosphere were monitored by using epifluorescence microscopy with fluorochrome (EFM/FL) with five fluorescent dyes (AO, DAPI, SYTO-13, PI, and YOPRO-1). The correlations of bioaerosols with meteorological factors and air pollutants were simultaneously assessed. Results from EFM/FL were then compared with those using a commonly used culture-based method. The total microbial cell concentrations measured by the non-culture-based methods averaged about 8 × 10⁵ cells/m³. However, culture-based method underestimated bioaerosol concentrations by the factor of 100 to 1000. The average viabilities were 0.66 by EFM/FL with PI staining, 0.35 with YOPRO-1 staining, and 0.0012 by the culture-based method. The viability by EFM/FL was much higher than the culturability. In summary, the total microbial cell concentration and viability were highly underestimated by the culture-based method. Moreover, based on culture-based and non-culture-based methods results, the total bioaerosol concentrations could be strongly correlated with a result of the temperature, rainfall, and UV light influence. However, there were weak correlations between bioaerosol concentrations and air pollutants. In conclusion, the intercomparisons of the total microbial cell concentration and viability of atmospheric bioaerosols were successfully assessed by EFM/FL and culture-based method. In addition, our study demonstrated that strong correlations between bioaerosols and meteorological factors by non-culture-based methods in atmospheric samples.     

A Comparative Study of the Explosion Characteristics of IPN and IPN/JP‐10 Mixtures in Air Aerosols

This article presents a comparison of the explosion characteristics of mixtures of isopropyl nitrate (IPN, (CH₃)₂CHONO₂) and JP‐10 (C₁₀H₁₆, tricycle [5.2.1.0^2,6] decane) in air aerosols. The explosion pressure, flame temperature, maximum rate of pressure rise, maximum rate of temperature rise, and lower flammability limits (LFLs) were measured for two sets of IPN and mixed IPN/JP‐10 in air aerosols at different concentrations and Sauter mean diameters (SMDs) of 19 μm and 34 μm, respectively, and the values were compared with the experimental results of JP‐10/air aerosols with SMDs of 20 μm and 35 μm (from our previous research). Experiments were also performed to study various concentrations at various ignition energies for the IPN/air aerosols and the explosions of binary mixture aerosols with various mass ratios of IPN and JP‐10. The experimental results indicated that for the IPN/air and JP‐10/air aerosols with a mean SMD of ∼34 μm, the maximum peak pressure and maximum peak temperature of the IPN/air aerosols were greater than those of the JP‐10/air aerosols. The maximum rate of pressure rise of the IPN/air aerosols reached a maximum value of 395.3 MPa/s at a mean SMD of ∼34 μm, and the pressure increased more abruptly in the IPN/air aerosols than in the JP‐10/air aerosols. The LFLs of the IPN/air aerosols occurred with a total concentration of 197 g/m³ at a mean SMD of 19 μm and a total concentration of 233 g/m³ at a mean SMD of 34 μm, whereas the LFLs for the JP‐10/air aerosols with SMDs of 20 μm and 35 μm were less than 47 g/m³ and 40 g/m³, respectively. The experimental results presented here also showed that the maximum peak pressure was 1.07 MPa at a binary liquid mass ratio of IPN:JP‐10 (%) of 72 : 28 and a mean SMD of ∼34 μm.     

Air Quality Monitoring Network Design to Control Nitrogen Dioxide and Ozone,Applied in Granada,Spain

This paper describes a method to design air quality monitoring networks for nitrogen dioxide and ozone and its application in Granada, a city located in Andalusia, southern Spain. The city has a population of 236,988 inhabitants, and traffic is its main source of air pollution. Sampling campaigns with passive diffusion samplers at 88 sites were carried out to obtain information on the pollution distribution in Granada. The average concentrations found for NO₂ and O₃ were 36.5 μg/m³ and 51.6 μg/m³, respectively. Maximum values of up to 57.1 μg/m³ NO₂ were found in Granada city center and O₃ reached 77.2 μg/m³ downwind from the emission source. After spatial interpolation of the obtained values with Geographical Information Systems, a selection of the best locations for the monitoring stations was made, in line with the macro- and microscale siting requirements of the European Directive 2008/50/EC on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe. Another sampling campaign with diffusive samplers was carried out in 2007 to determine if the locations of the air quality assessment stations were still representative for their zone. A correction was made in the control network following results of this verification campaign.     

Concentration and Size Distribution of Culturable Airborne Microorganisms in Outdoor Environments in Beijing,China

A one-year (from June 2003 to May 2004) study of airborne microbial concentration and size distribution was conducted systematically at three selected sampling sites in Beijing. Microbial samples were collected in triplicate for 3 min, 3 times per day, for 3 consecutive days of each month using FA-I sampler (imitated Andersen sampler, made by Applied Technical Institute of Liaoyang, China). Results showed that the concentration of total culturable microorganisms ranged from 4.8 × 10 ² colony forming units (CFU)/m ³ to 2.4 × 10 ⁴ CFU/m ³ , with an arithmetic mean of 3.7 × 10 ³ ± 2.1 × 10 ² (standard deviation) CFU/m ³ . As a whole, the percentage of airborne bacteria, accounting for 59.0% of the total culturable microorganisms, was significantly higher than those of airborne fungi (35.2%) and actinomycetes (5.8%). At RCEES (Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences—a culture and education area) and XZM (Xizhimen—a main traffic line), significantly higher percentages of airborne bacteria were found as compared to airborne fungi. No significant difference was observed between airborne bacteria and fungi at BBG (Beijing Botanical Garden—a green garden area). The total microbial concentration was significantly higher at RCEES than at XZM and BBG (*P < 0.05), and no significant difference between XZM and BBG was observed (P > 0.05). Total microbial concentrations were higher in summer and autumn, and lower in spring and winter at RCEES and XZM (*P < 0.05). At BBG, higher concentration was observed in summer during the sampling periods (***P < 0.001). The size distribution of airborne bacteria showed a skewed distribution at three sampling sites. The proportion of bacterial particles decreased gradually from Stage 1 ( > 7.0 μm) to Stage 6 (0.65 ～ 1.1 μm), and there was an obvious downtrend on Stage 2 (4.7 ～ 7.0 μm). Bacterial particles were mainly distributed at the first four Stages ( > 2.1 μm), accounting for 78.6% at RCEES, 84.0% at XZM, and 81.5% at BBG. The size distribution pattern of airborne fungi was found with normal logarithmic distribution at three sampling sites. Fungal particles were mainly distributed at Stage 3 (3.0 ～ 6.0 μ m), Stage 4 (2.0 ～ 3.5 μ m) and Stage 5 (1.0 ～ 2.0 μ m), composing 71.6% of the population at RCEES, 74.2% at XZM, and 68.3% at BBG. However, different distribution patterns were found in different dominant fungal genera. Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus were present with normal logarithmic distribution, while Alternaria and sterile mycelia were found with skewed distribution. In opposition to the distribution pattern of fungal particles, the actinomycete particles at all sampling sites were primarily collected on Stage 1, Stage 5, and Stage 6, accounting for 61.1% at RCEES, 60.7% at XZM, and 64.8% at BBG.     

ATMOSPHERIC OCCURRENCE OF 2-NITROBENZANTHRONE ASSOCIATED WITH AIRBORNE PARTICLES IN CENTRAL TOKYO

2- and 3-Nitrobenzanthrones (NBAs) in airborne particles collected in central Tokyo on a seasonal basis from 1996 to 2001 are quantified and possible sources are investigated. The concentrations of 2- and 3-NBA are found to range from 49 to 831 fmol m^–3and 0.5 to 3.5 fmol m^–3, while the nitrated polycyclic hydrocarbons 1-nitropyrene and 2-nitrofluoranthene are found at concentrations of 100–492 fmol m^–3 and 10–97 fmol m^–3. Significant linear correlations are identified between 2-NBA and NO₂, a photochemical product, suggesting that 2-NBA is formed by atmospheric reactions of benzanthrone initiated by hydroxyl or nitrate radicals in the presence of NO₂. 2-NBA is not correlated with directly emitted compounds such as 1-nitropyrene. The concentration ratio of 2-NBA to 1-nitropyrene is 5 or greater in all samples. Nitrated polycyclic aromatic compounds formed by atmospheric reactions therefore appear to represent a substantial contribution to the mutagenicity of airborne particulate matter.     

Occupational exposure to airborne isocyanates during brush/roller application of 2-pack polyurethane paints in a tropical climate

Shipboard and laboratory trials were conducted to determine airborne occupational exposure to isocyanates by brush/roller application of 2-pack polyurethane paints. Airborne concentrations in the breathing zones of the operators were found to be <0.1 μg/m³ during the paint application to a vessel deck, in a tropical climate, in the open air. Similarly, brush/roller application of the paints in an enclosed space generated airborne isocyanate concentrations <3 μg/m³. The dust generated during light sanding of the polyurethane paint, 24 h after curing, did not show detectable levels of isocyanates.     

Estimation of Indoor Air PAH Concentration Increases by Cigarette,Incense-Stick,and Mosquito-Repellent-Incense Smoke

Smoke from cigarette smoking and burning of incense sticks and mosquito-repellent incense, which is particularly used in summer, are thought to be primary factors of indoor air pollution by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Japanese houses. In this study, these respective smokes as indoor air pollutants were evaluated by quantifying their particulate matter (PM) and 7 PAHs. PM and PAHs in smoke from 5 popular brands of Japanese cigarettes were collected on the glass fiber filter by the international smoking mode. PM was quantified by weighing the filter before and after trapping them. PAHs were analyzed by HPLC after extracting the filter with ethanol/benzene (1:3, by vol.). Similarly, evaluation of smoke respectively generated by natural burning of 4 brands of incense sticks and 3 brands of mosquito-repellent incenses was also conducted. As the results of these experiments, the average concentrations of PM and benzo[a]pyrene in a 35 m³ closed room were estimated to increase 1630 μg/m³ and 8.2 ng/m³, respectively, by smoking of 3 cigarettes; 1320 μ/m³ and 4.1 ng/m³, respectively, by burning of 2 incense sticks; and 2510 μg/m³ and 17.3 ng/m³, respectively, by burning of 8 cm of mosquito-repellent incense.     

Analysis of Aerosolized Particulates of Feedyards Located in the Southern High Plains of Texas

The objective of this study was to quantify, size, and examine the composition of particulates found in ambient aerosolized dust of four large feedyards in the Southern High Plains. Ambient air samples (concentration of dust) were collected upwind (background) and downwind of the feedyards. Aerosolized particulate samples were collected using high volume sequential reference ambient air samplers, PM ₁₀ and PM _2.5 , laser strategic aerosol monitors, cyclone air samplers, and biological cascade impactors. Weather parameters were monitored at each feedyard. The overall (main effects and estimable interactions) statistical (P < 0.0001) general linear model statement (GLM) for PM ₁₀ data showed more concentration of dust (μg/m ³ of air) downwind than upwind and more concentration of dust in the summer than in the winter. PM _2.5 concentrations of dust were comparable for 3 of 4 feedyards upwind and downwind, and PM _2.5 concentrations of dust were lower in the winter than in the summer. GLM (P < 0.0001) data for cascade impactor (all aerobic bacteria, Enterococcus spp, and fungi) mean respirable and non-respirable colony forming units (CFU) were 676 ± 74 CFU/m ³ , and 880 ± 119 CFU/m ³ , respectively. The PM ₁₀ geometric mean size (±GSD) of particles were analyzed in aerosols of the feedyards (range 1.782 ± 1.7 μm to 2.02 ± 1.74μm) and PM _2.5 geometric mean size particles were determined (range 0.66 ± 1.76 μm to 0.71 ± 1.71 μm). Three of 4 feedyards were non-compliant for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concentration standard (150 μg/m ³ /24 h) for PM ₁₀ particles. This may be significant because excess dust may have a negative impact on respiratory disease.     

Airborne Microbes and Endotoxins in the Work Environment of Two Sanitary Landfills in Finland

The Andersen sampler was used to study the occurrence of bacteria and fungi in the working air of two large, intensively used landfills in Finland. Endotoxins were also determined. The concentrations of airborne microbes were high in summer in warm windy weather. Mesophilic bacteria exceeded 10⁵ colony-forming units (cfu)/m³ and mesophilic fungi 10⁴ cfu/m³. In 67% of the samples, the concentrations of gram-negative bacteria exceeded 10³/m³, which has been suggested to be the threshold limit value (TLV). The endotoxin levels were all below 0.1 μg/m³. A large part of the colony-forming particles were within the respirable size range, about 40% of the bacteria and about 80% of the fungi. The commonly isolated airborne bacteria were Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, and Bacillus spp. The landfill workers should try to work upwind. There are also grounds for using a mask and irrigating the refuse terrace with leachate in dry weather. It is suggested that the traffic on the refuse terrace be decreased by arranging for the private cars to be emptied in the reception area.     

呼和浩特市空气污染指数与气象要素的关系分析

根据呼和浩特市2000年6月至2011年3月的空气污染指数和同期的气象数据,分别对空气污染指数的年均值和月均值及其变化规律、空气质量级别及首要污染物等进行了统计分析,并分析探讨空气污染指数和气象要素之间的相关关系。结果表明:呼和浩特市空气质量正逐步变优,优良率已达95.6%;空气污染指数与气压和最大风速呈正相关关系,并与气温和降水量呈负相关关系。     

Composition and Source Apportionment of Organic Aerosol in Beirut,Lebanon, During Winter 2012

Fine organic aerosols were collected at a semi-urban site in Beirut, Lebanon, from 28 January to 12 February 2012 as part of the Emission and Chemistry of Organic Carbon in East Mediterranean-Beirut (ECOCEM-Beirut). A total of 20 quartz filter samples were collected on a 12 h basis using a high-volume sampler and were analyzed using a GC/MS technique. Levoglucosan was the major most abundant single component with an average value of 306 ng.m^?3, followed by saturated and unsaturated carboxylic acids and sugars with average values of 234 and 118 ng.m^?3, respectively. Reported values for other carboxylic acids, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and biogenic secondary organic aerosols (BSOA) were 87, 33 and 21 ng.m^?3, respectively. Compared to a similar field campaign conducted in summer 2011, levoglucosan concentrations were lower in summer by a factor of 6, due to the use of wood burning for residential heating in winter. Concentrations of saturated and unsaturated carboxylic acids, other carboxylic acids, and BSOA were higher in summer by a factor of 3, 2, and 7, respectively. Higher concentrations observed for BSOA and other dicarboxylic acids during summer are due to higher biogenic emissions and greater photochemical activity in summer.

Copyright 2013 American Association for Aerosol Research     

Development of Aerosol Monitoring Instrument and Results from Monitoring Emissions of Contained Detonations

To determine the airborne emissions that occur when conventional munitions are destroyed by open burn/open detonation (OB/OD), munitions shots were carried out in a large underground (4650 m³) chamber. Carrying out the tests in a chamber allows the total emissions to be measured, which is not possible in open-air testing. We report here the development of an instrument to measure the time-dependent mass concentration and aerosol size distribution of respirable aerosols (< 10 μ m) from detonations of artillery projectiles in the underground chamber. The instrument incorporates an on-line diluter and real-time cascade impactor for aerosol monitoring. Design, flow modeling, construction details, and results from the instrument are given.

Particulate emissions from detonations of twenty four 155 mm artillery projectiles, with a total of 377 lbs net explosive weight, were monitored. Aerosol measurements from the two duplicate tests were very similar. Aerosol mass concentrations showed rapid decreases from 37,000 and 65,000 μ g/m³ for the first samples for the two tests, 14 and 17 min after detonation, to near 20,000 μg/m³ at 20 min after each detonation. Thereafter the concentration decreased less rapidly to several thousand μg/m³ at 90 min after the detonation. Aerosol mass concentrations peaked in the 0.3–0.6 μm diameter range during the first 30–60 min of sampling and shifted to smaller particles (< 0.3 μm) toward the end of the sampling period (90 min) as turbulence decreased in the detonation chamber and large particles settled out.

The data were highly reproducible between the two tests, indicating that the instrument performed satisfactorily. The data will be used to help determine the characteristics of dust emitted from OB/OD shots for munitions demilitarization and will provide a baseline for designing future studies to monitor the airborne emissions from full-scale open-air munitions demilitarization tests.     

Characterization of Emissions from Kerosene Heaters in an Unvented Tent

A potential contribution to the Gulf War Syndrome is presented in this paper. The human exposure to aerosols from unvented heaters in tents was simulated so that the contribution of this exposure to the Gulf War Syndrome can be estimated. Exposures to particulate matter and combustion gases (CO, NO, and SO₂) were estimated with 3 types of portable kerosene heaters and 3 fuels. The airborne concentration was also monitored continuously with a real-time monitor. The aerodynamic particle size distribution measured by a cascade impactor indicated a uni- or bi-modal size distribution with the major peak between 0.1-1 θm. The air exchange rate ranged from 1-3.5 hr^-1 when the tent doors were open and closed. The air exchange rate and the type of fuel and heater were very important factors in determining the pollutant concentrations inside the tent. The CO and particulate concentrations reached the maximum soon after the combustion started; however, NO and SO₂ concentrations rose slowly. The particle concentration and distribution results were used in the NCRP model to calculate the particle generation rate from heaters and the dose deposited in human lungs. The results showed that the particles deposited in the lung ranged from 0.31 to 0.97 mg for a 10h (8h for sleeping and 2h for rest) stay in the tent with various heaters and fuels.     

A Study of the Biofiltration of High‐Loads of Toluene in Air: Carbon and Water Balances,Temperature Changes and Nitrogen Effect

Biodegradable atmospheric pollutants, released at low to moderate concentrations, can be removed by biofiltration. In this work, a laboratory‐scale compost‐based biofilter has been evaluated for the removal of high levels of toluene in air (～ 4.0 g.m^?3). By applying a variable nitrogen input in the irrigation solution, it was shown that the biodegradation extent can be controlled through the nutrient supply. The maximum elimination capacity achieved was 135 g.m^?3.h^?1, for a N‐concentration of 3.0 g of N.L^?1. A quantitative analysis of the bioreaction aspects (stoichiometry, temperature) led to the determination of the water flow rates associated with the toluene oxidation. Thus, it was estimated that some 530 to 800 g of water.day^?1 were lost at the bioreactor outlet, but were balanced by the irrigation system.     

Generation of Actinomycetes Aerosols Containing Spores and Mycelium: Performances of a Liquid Bubbling Aerosolizer

The presence of actinomycetes in many workplaces and their role in the incidence of various respiratory symptoms remains poorly understood and underestimated. A sampling and culture-independent analysis method to measure airborne actinomycetes has yet to be developed and controlled bioaerosols are needed for laboratory investigations. In this article, the performances of a single-pass bubbling aerosolizer were characterized to evaluate the feasibility of generating actinomycetes from a liquid source and to confirm that viability of aerosolized entities was preserved. Six preparation protocols for liquid Thermoactinomycetes vulgaris cultures were compared in terms of culturable flora and total spores concentrations (culture and epifluorescence microscopy) and size distributions (optical counter and cascade impactor) of the bioaerosols generated. Using the best protocol, the generator's performances were then validated using three species: Thermoactinomyces vulgaris, Thermobifida fusca, and Streptomyces californicus. Bioaerosols contained a mixture of spores and mycelium and their properties were stable throughout generation (120 min) and were satisfactorily reproducible between runs. Depending on the species generated, the culturable concentrations measured were between 10⁴ and 10⁸ CFU.m^?3, with corresponding total spore concentrations between 10⁵ and 10⁹ Spores.m^?3. These concentrations cover the ranges measured in the workplace. The generator's flexibility should make it possible to produce bioaerosols with other actinomycetes species, and use them in laboratory trials with various objectives and constraints.

Copyright 2013 American Association for Aerosol Research     

Characterization of Radioactive Aerosols in Florida Phosphate Processing Facilities

The health risks to workers in the Florida phosphate industry resulting from chronic inhalation of radionuclide-containing aerosols have not been adequately addressed. The present study establishes a database of information on the particle size distribution, density, shape, chemical composition, and radioactivity concentration for six phosphate facilities in the northern and central regions of the state. A seven-stage cascade impactor was employed to sample aerosols at various processing areas in these plants. Aerosol mass loadings are lowest mainly at shipping areas where they are approximately one order of magnitude less than at granulator areas within equivalent particle size intervals. Aerosol mass concentrations increase as the aerosol size increases for the majority of the plants and operational areas. The aerosol loading at each area varies widely depending on plant, and the variance is largest at the storage areas due to the variability of mechanical operations and patterns of building ventilation. The density of bulk dry product, settled dust, and airborne particles are between 1.6 to 1.7 g/cm ³ . Under electron microscopy, the particles appear as spheroids or rough spherical fragments across all plants, work areas, and sampled size intervals. The main elemental components of large-sized and medium-sized aerosols are similar to those found in the bulk dry product. For small-sized aerosols (0.2–0.4 μ m), the fraction of phosphorus is very small in comparison to elemental impurities such as silicon and sulfur. The ²³⁸ U decay series was found in both bulk dry product, settled dust, and airborne particles collected via high-volume samplers. The ²³⁸ U, ²²⁶ Ra, and ²¹⁰ Pb radioactivity concentrations in bulk dry product and settled dust from central Florida range from 63–112 pCi/g, 0.8–1.5 pCi/g, and 7–9 pCi/g, respectively. No significant differences in the radioactivity concentrations of ²³⁸ U and ²²⁶ Ra were found between dry product, settled dust, and sampled aerosols. However, ²¹⁰ Pb is highly concentrated in aerosols up to 25–87 pCi/g, most likely due to the deposition of ambient airborne radon decay products on workplace aerosols. The database of worker aerosol physicochemical characteristics established in this study for the Florida phosphate industry can be directly used for more realistic assessments of worker inhalation dose, thus providing a more firm basis for assessing the adequacy of existing respiratory and other radiological protection policies.     

Incidence and Apparent Health Significance of Brief Airborne Particle Excursions

The U.S. EPA has tightened control of fine particles primarily by limiting maximum 24 h average airborne concentrations. The present investigation used real-time monitoring to record short-term PM excursions and literature evaluation to determine whether PM levels reached in excursions might be health significant. Data recorded in Birmingham, AL, Penticton, British Columbia, and Zeebrugge, Belgium revealed numerous excursions, one reaching 2,000 mu g/M³. Toxicology and clinical studies involving brief exposures to particle levels in the range of observed excursions elicited adverse effects in both animals and humans. The area of lung surface developing lesions was elevated in rats breathing the same 4 h dose of aerosols when the 4 h average rate of aerosol delivery included a short-term (greater than or equal to 5 min) burst (greater than or equal to 50%) above the average dose rate. Elevations were observed with each of two aerosols tested. The magnitude of the effect was higher with one of the two aerosols, whose dose rate included four excursions rather than just one excursion. Symptom severity in asthmatics was associated with PM elevations, but the strength of the association depended upon the PM averaging time: the strength of the PM association with symptom severity increased as the PM averaging time varied from 24 h to 8 h to 1 h. Three hundred people were overcome after wind lofted particles into the air during a 4 day outdoor music festival in Queen Creek, AZ in April 1997. More research is necessary, but evidence presented here suggests that greater risk reduction might be achievable via controlling 1 h and 24 h PM averages than via tightening control of 24 h averages without controlling the 1 h average.     

(Z)-9-tetradecen-1-OL formate

Concentrations in air of (Z)-9-tetradecen-1-ol formate (Z-9-tdf), a mating disruptant ofHeliothis moths, were measured intermittently over a 22-day period in a corn field. The chemical was emitted from laminated plastic (Hercon^®) dispensers arranged in a square grid with 10-m spacing. Measurements were made at three heights near the center of the treated plot and 1 m downwind from disruptant dispensers. Concurrent measurements were made of wind speed, air temperature, and temperature gradient.Z-9-tdf concentrations ranged from below detectable levels to 195 ng/m³ and were generally highest in the horizontal plane of the dispenser. As wind speed decreased near sunset, concentrations increased sharply, then decreased again near midnight. SinceHeliothis moths mate in the evening and early night, the concentration pattern was favorable for mating disruption. Strong temperature inversions within the crop canopy, which occurred daily before sunset, did not apparently affectZ-9-tdf concentrations. Concentrations decreased steadily on successive sampling days after application, and, by day 27, ranged from 0 to 30% of those on day 6. The data suggest that the corn plants and the soil may act as sinks for the chemical vapor at night.     

Characteristics of Fine Particle Growth Events Observed Above a Forested Ecosystem in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California

Atmospheric aerosols from natural and anthropogenic processes have both primary and secondary origins, and can influence human health, visibility, and climate. One key process affecting atmospheric concentrations of aerosols is the formation of new particles and their subsequent growth to larger particle sizes. A field study was conducted at the Blodgett Forest Research Station in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California from May through September of 2002 to examine the effect of biogenic volatile organic compounds on aerosol formation and processing. The study included in-situ measurements of concentration and biosphere-atmosphere flux of VOCs, ozone, aerosol size distribution, aerosol physical and optical properties, and meteorological variables. Fine particle growth events were observed on approximately 30 percent of the 107 days with complete size distribution data. Average particle growth rates measured during these events were 3.8 ± 1.9 nm hr^?1. Correlations between aerosol properties, trace gas concentrations, and meteorological measurements were analyzed to determine conditions conducive to fine particle growth events. Growth events were typically observed on days with a lesser degree of anthropogenic influence, as indicated by lower concentrations of black carbon, carbon monoxide, and total aerosol volume. Days with growth events also had lower temperatures, increased wind speeds, and larger momentum flux. Measurements of ozone concentrations and ozone flux indicate that gas phase oxidation of biogenic volatile organic compounds occur in the canopy, strongly suggesting that a significant portion of the material responsible for the observed particle growth are oxidation products of naturally emitted very reactive organic compounds.