Study of the effects of particle-phase carbon on the gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere using controlled field experiments

A controlled field experiment (CFE) methodology with a filter/sorbent sampler was used to minimize artifact effects when measuring values of the gas/particle (G/P) partitioning constant (Kp, m3 microg(-1)) for semivolatile organic compounds (SOCs) in the atmosphere. CFE sampling was conducted at three different locations (Beaverton, OR; Denver, CO; and Hills, IA). Kp values were measured for a series of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs). To examine the possible effects on the G/P partitioning of the amounts of organic material (om) phase, organic carbon (OC), and elemental carbon (EC) in the sampled particulate material, the measured Kp values were normalized by the aerosol mass fractions f(om), f(OC), and f(EC) according to Kp/ f(om), Kp/f(OC), and Kp/f(EC). Using a log-log format, the resulting normalized values were all found to be more highly correlated with the subcooled liquid vapor pressure p(L)o than were the unnormalized Kp values. For the PAHs,the one-parameter model assuming Kp = Kp,OC f(OC) yielded only slightly less variability in the predicted Kp values than did the one-parameter model Kp = Kp,EC f(EC). The two-parameter model Kp = Kp,OC f(OC) + Kp,EC f(EC) was found to provide only small improvements over each of the one-parameter models. Overall, the data are more consistent with an absorptive mechanism of partitioning to the particulate material but do not rule out some role for adsorption to particle surfaces. The data suggest that small amounts of organic carbon (f(OC) approximately 0.02) can have significant effects on the G/P partitioning of SOCs.