Online molecular characterization of fine particulate matter in Port Angeles, WA: Evidence for a major impact from residential wood smoke. (August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gaston, Cassandra J.; Lopez-Hilfiker, Felipe D.; Whybrew, Lauren E.; Hadley, Odelle; McNair, Fran; Gao, Honglian; Jaffe, Daniel A.; Thornton, Joel A.
• Is Part Of: Atmospheric environment. Volume 138(2016)
• Page Start: 99
• Page End: 107
• Publication Date: 2016-08
• Subjects: Biomass burning aerosol -- Residential wood burning -- Volatility -- Air quality -- Levoglucosan -- Nitrophenol; Air -- Pollution -- Periodicals; Air -- Pollution -- Meteorological aspects -- Periodicals; 551.51
• DOI: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2016.05.013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1352-2310

Abstract

Abstract: We present on-line molecular composition measurements of wintertime particulate matter (PM) during 2014 using an iodide-adduct high-resolution, time-of-flight chemical ionization mass spectrometer (HR-TOF-CIMS) coupled to a Filter Inlet for Gases and AEROsols (FIGAERO). These measurements were part of an intensive effort to characterize PM in the region with a focus on ultrafine particle sources. The technique was used to detect and quantify different classes of wood burning tracers, including levoglucosan, methoxyphenols, and nitrocatechols, among other compounds in near real-time. During the campaign, particulate mass concentrations of compounds with the same molecular composition as levoglucosan ranged from 0.002 to 19 μg/m 3 with a median mass concentration of 0.9 μg/m 3 . Wood burning markers, in general, showed a strong diurnal pattern peaking at night and in the early morning. This diurnal profile combined with cold, stagnant conditions, wind directions from predominantly residential areas, and observations of lower combustion efficiency at night support residential wood burning as a dominant source of wintertime PM in Port Angeles. This finding has implications for improving wintertime air quality in the region by encouraging the use of high efficiency wood-burning stoves or other cleaner home heating options throughout the relevant domain. Highlights: A novel analytical technique was used to quantify wood smoke markers in near real-time. Levoglucosan, nitroaromatics, and methoxyphenols dominated PM, particularly at night. Residential wood smoke is a major source of wintertime PM in Port Angeles, WA. Levoglucosan forms low volatility products in the presence of acids.