Acquisition of Instrumentation for Measurement of Airborne Organics and Fine Particulate Matter

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Processes resulting in the formation of organic aerosols in the natural and polluted ambient atmosphere are important yet relatively difficult to characterize and remain poorly understood. Under the Major Research Instrumentation Program an interdisciplinary group of Science and Engineering faculty will acquire two research grade instruments: a Proton Transfer Mass Spectrometer and an Aerosol Mass Spectrometer and use these in collaborative projects addressing research issues of high importance to atmospheric chemistry and air quality. Particular emphasis will be placed on laboratory and field studies characterizing the chemical production, growth, transformation and fate of ambient atmospheric gas-phase organic compounds and fine particulate aerosols. This research has broad implications for climate, human health and public policy. Additional broader impacts of the project include advancements in instrument technology and application and cutting-edge research opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students under the direction of the project investigators.