Seasonal variations of fine particulate matter derived from biogenic and anthropogenic sources

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TF2016Meade_Redacted.pdf (1.75 MB)

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http://library.towson.edu/cdm/ref/collection/etd/id/55271

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http://hdl.handle.net/11603/3864

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Towson University Graduate Theses and Dissertations

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2017-03-31

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theses
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Towson University. Environmental Science and Studies Program

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Abstract

Organic aerosols are classified as solid or liquid particles suspended in the gas phase. Studies have shown that they impact both humans as well as the environment. Organosulfates (OSs) are an important class of secondary organic aerosols (SOAs). In this study, air filter samples were collected between August 2012 and June 2013 in Towson, MD. This particular data set provides a unique insight into the impacts of seasonal variations of OS. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization (UPLC-ESI) was used to analyze these samples in order to identify and quantify OS. Seasonal trends show OS derived from biogenic compounds dominate in warmer seasons. During colder months, anthropogenically derived OSs dominate. Many biogenic OSs correlate positively to temperature, while anthropogenic OSs correlate negatively. Meteorological data and air mass back-trajectory analyses provides insight into aerosol origin, as well as meteorological and transport conditions that promote the formation of OSs within the mid Atlantic U.S. region.