Collaborative Research: Multi-phase Sulfur and Nitrogen Chemistry in Air and Snow during Alaskan Layered Pollution and Chemical Analysis (ALPACA)

这一合作努力将有助于跨机构支持的阿拉斯加分层污染和化学分析(ALPACA)计划，其中包括NSF资助的通过社区参与可持续导航北极污染(SNAP-TEC)项目。该项目的重点是在阿拉斯加费尔班克斯寒冷、弱光条件下将二氧化硫转化为颗粒硫酸盐的化学机制。这项研究还将调查雪化学对空气质量的影响能力。这项研究的结果将有助于更好地了解形成北部地区空气污染的化学机制，例如费尔班克斯。以下两个假设将通过野外、实验室和模拟研究的组合得到验证：(1)棕色碳通过BrC衍生的三重态(3C*)和过氧化氢(H2O2)的反应推动S(IV)氧化成颗粒硫酸盐；(2)持续的冬季积雪对大气的氧化能力(例如，通过释放HONO)以及硫和氮的处理有显著影响。这项研究的一个更广泛的影响包括为当地中学生开发科学模块。这些单元将免费提供给教师、在家上学的家长和自我指导的学生。对于在家上学的观众，PI计划用利用主动学习原则的空气监测网络数据的项目来补充活动。家庭教育分重点对阿拉斯加原住民和美国印第安人来说尤其重要，他们比其他群体更依赖家庭教育。这一奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

This collaborative effort will contribute to the interagency-supported Alaskan Layered Pollution and Chemical Analysis (ALPACA) program, that includes the NSF-funded Sustainably Navigating Arctic Pollution Through Engaging Communities (SNAP-TEC) project. This project focuses on chemical mechanisms for the conversion of sulfur dioxide to particulate sulfate under the cold, low-light conditions in Fairbanks Alaska. This research also will investigate the ability of snow chemistry to affect air quality. The results of this study will contribute to a better understanding of the chemical mechanisms for forming air pollution in northerly regions, such as in Fairbanks. The following two hypotheses will be examined through a combination of field, laboratory, and modeling studies: (1) Brown carbon drives the oxidation of S(IV) to particle sulfate through reactions involving BrC-derived triplet excited states (3C*) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2); and (2) The persistent winter snowpack has a significant influence on the oxidative capacity of the atmosphere (e.g., through release of HONO), as well as on the processing of sulfur and nitrogen. One of the broader impacts of this research includes the development of science modules for local middle school students. The modules will be made freely available to teachers, homeschooling parents, and self-guided students. For the homeschooling audience, the PIs plan to supplement the activities with projects that utilize data from air monitoring networks that leverage active-learning principles. The homeschooling sub-focus is particularly important for Alaska Native and American Indian populations, who rely on homeschooling much more than other groups.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.