RUI: Application of Solid Phase Microextraction to Determine Emission Rates of Sesquiterpenes from Terrestrial Vegetation

该项目进一步发展固相微萃取技术，对陆地植被排放到大气中的生物源倍半萜进行取样和分析。SQT是二次有机气溶胶（SOAs）的重要前体，尽管SOAs在影响全球气候方面至关重要，但其来源特征却很差。SPME是一种简单且相对便宜的采样技术，相对于其他气相采样和分析技术，其限制了分析物化合物与表面之间的接触。这对于SQT的分析很重要，因为它们的挥发性相对较低，并且易于损失到表面。 该研究采用实验室植物外壳和叶片比色皿来确定SQT排放率。实验控制环境条件，包括光照、温度、湿度和环境二氧化碳。SPME技术在SQT和其他生物挥发性有机化合物（BVOCs）的分析方面进行了系统的测试。重点是确定合适类型的SPME纤维用于各种BVOCs的采样和分析，使用SPME校准，以及在采样和分析之间储存SPME纤维。该项目在整个资助期间支持一名硕士学位学生和一名本科生，给予这些学生非博士学位。使各机构有机会参与研究，并在区域和国家会议上提出有意义的数据。这项研究工作提高了教学实验室的学生可用的资源，并有助于开发新的实验室实验，为本科课程，涉及SPME和大气化学。一种新的气相色谱-质谱仪用于样品分析，也可供其他用户使用，从而构成了一种新的部门资源。该奖项是根据2009年美国复苏和再投资法案（公法111-5）资助的。

This project furthers the development of Solid Phase Micro-Extraction (SPME) techniques for the sampling and analysis of biogenic sesquiterpenes (SQTs) emitted to the atmosphere from terrestrial vegetation. SQTs are an important precursor to secondary organic aerosols (SOAs), whose sources are poorly characterized even though SOAs are critical in influencing global climate. SPME is a simple and relatively inexpensive sampling technique that limits contact between analyte compounds and surfaces relative to other gas phase sampling and analysis techniques. This is important for the analysis of SQTs due to their relatively low volatility and tendency to be lost to surfaces. The research employs laboratory plant enclosures and leaf cuvettes to determine SQT emissions rates. Experiments control for environmental conditions including light, temperature, humidity, and ambient carbon dioxide. SPME technology is tested systematically with respect to the analysis of SQTs and other biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs). Emphasis is on determining the appropriate type of SPME fiber to use for sampling and analysis of various BVOCs, calibration using SPME, and storage of SPME fibers between sampling and analysis.The project supports one Master's degree student and one undergraduate student throughout the period of the grant, giving these students at a non Ph.D. granting institution an opportunity to be involved in research and have meaningful data to present at regional and national conferences. The research work improves the resources available to students in teaching labs, and aids development of new lab experiments for undergraduate courses involving SPME and atmospheric chemistry. A new gas chromatography - mass spectrometry instrument is used for sample analysis and is also available to other users, thus constituting a new departmental resource. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5).