Title
Ambient and laboratory observations of organic ammonium salts in PM1
Author
Schlag, P.
Rubach, F.
Mentel, T.F.
Reimer, D.
Canonaco, F.
Henzing, J.S.
Moerman, M.
Otjes, R.
Prévôt, A.S.H.
Rohrer, F.
Rosati, B.
Tillmann, R.
Weingartner, E.
Kiendler-Scharr, A.
Publication year
2017
Abstract
Ambient measurements of PM1 aerosol chemical composition at Cabauw, the Netherlands, implicate higher ammonium concentrations than explained by the formation of inorganic ammonium salts. This additional particulate ammonium is called excess ammonium (eNH 4). Height profiles over the Cabauw Experimental Site for Atmospheric Research (CESAR) tower, of combined ground based and airborne aerosol mass spectrometric (AMS) measurements on a Zeppelin airship show higher concentrations of eNH 4 at higher altitudes compared to the ground. Through flights across the Netherlands, The Zeppelin based measurements furthermore substantiate eNH 4 as a regional phenomenon in the planetary boundary layer. The excess ammonium correlates with mass spectral signatures of (di-)carboxylic acids, making a heterogeneous acid-base reaction the likely process of NH3 uptake. We show that this excess ammonium was neutralized by the organic fraction forming particulate organic ammonium salts. We discuss the significance of such organic ammonium salts for atmospheric aerosols and suggest that NH3 emission control will have benefits for particulate matter control beyond the reduction of inorganic ammonium salts. © The Royal Society of Chemistry.
Subject
2015 Urban Mobility & Environment
CAS - Climate, Air and Sustainability
ELSS - Earth, Life and Social Sciences
Environment & Sustainability
Environment
Urbanisation
To reference this document use:
http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:6fb01dcf-d121-4d78-a45a-0df1a7f37dc8
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1039/c7fd00027h
TNO identifier
780711
ISSN
1359-6640
Source
Faraday Discussions, 200, 331-351
Document type
article