A sea-going mass spectrometer for the analysis of climate-active trace gases in surface ocean waters

用于分析表层海水中气候活性微量气体的海上质谱仪

• 批准号: RTI-2023-00190
• 负责人: Tortell, Philippe
• 金额: $ 3.8万
• 依托单位: University of British Columbia
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Research Tools and Instruments
• 财政年份: 2022
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2022-01-01 至 2023-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=751316
• 关键词: sea; going; mass; spectrometer; analysis

My research group examines the production, distribution and biogeochemical cycling of oceanic climate-active gases, including dimethyl sulfide (DMS), and other important volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Our aim is to study the sources and fate of these compounds across the air-sea interface, to better understand global climate feedbacks. Dimethyl sulfide impacts Earth's climate through the production of atmospheric aerosols that block incoming solar radiation. This molecule also plays a considerable role in the transfer of carbon, sulfur and energy across marine trophic levels. We have developed a powerful analytical method using mass spectrometry to measure DMS and other VOCs in seawater at ultra-low levels. The method is suitable for detecting these compounds in all marine environments, across many of orders of magnitude in concentration, enabling unique applications that are not possible with other methods. Our research applications include stable isotope incubations to measure the production and consumption of marine DMS through various pathways, as well as the detection and characterization of DMS micro-zones within low oxygen waters. Unfortunately, the mass spectrometer was recently damaged at sea during unusually heavy weather, which caused a table to topple over. This represents a significant and immediate challenge for my research group, as a number of student and PDF projects depend critically on the instrument. This RTI application requests funds to repair the mass spectrometer, enabling my group to move forward with our research program. The instrument will be shipped to the manufacturer, Hiden Analytical, where a number of critical components will be replaced, returning the instrument to optimal performance. The repaired instrument will be used to support HQP training, and allow my group to continue advancing understanding of the marine sulfur cycle. Trainees using the instrument are drawn from diverse backgrounds, including individuals who intend to use their advanced training to support environmental management in developing countries.  Without access to the instrument, analysis of existing field samples will not be possible, and we will have to cancel planned participation in a number of upcoming oceanographic expeditions.

我的研究小组研究海洋气候活性气体的生产，分布和地球化学循环，包括二甲基硫醚（DMS）和其他重要的挥发性有机化合物（VOC）。我们的目标是研究这些化合物在海气界面上的来源和命运，以更好地了解全球气候反馈。二甲硫醚通过产生大气气溶胶来阻挡太阳辐射，从而影响地球气候。这种分子还在碳、硫和能量在海洋营养级之间的转移中发挥着重要作用。我们开发了一种强大的分析方法，使用质谱法测量海水中超低水平的DMS和其他VOC。该方法适用于检测所有海洋环境中的这些化合物，浓度范围可达多个数量级，能够实现其他方法无法实现的独特应用。我们的研究应用包括稳定同位素培养，以测量通过各种途径的海洋DMS的生产和消费，以及检测和表征低氧气沃茨内的DMS微区。 不幸的是，质谱仪最近在异常恶劣的天气中在海上受损，导致一张桌子倒塌。这对我的研究小组来说是一个重大而直接的挑战，因为许多学生和PDF项目都严重依赖于该仪器。这个RTI申请需要资金来修复质谱仪，使我的团队能够继续我们的研究计划。仪器将被运送到制造商Hiden Analytical，在那里将更换许多关键组件，使仪器恢复最佳性能。修复后的仪器将用于支持HQP培训，并允许我的团队继续推进对海洋硫循环的理解。使用该仪器的受训人员来自不同背景，包括打算利用其高级培训支持发展中国家环境管理的个人，如果无法使用该仪器，就无法分析现有的实地样本，我们将不得不取消参加即将进行的一些海洋考察的计划。