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

我的研究小组研究了海洋气候活性气体的产生、分布和生物地球化学循环，包括二甲基硫化物(DMS)和其他重要的挥发性有机化合物(VOCs)。我们的目标是研究这些化合物在海-气界面上的来源和去向，以更好地理解全球气候反馈。二甲基硫化物通过产生大气气溶胶来阻挡传入的太阳辐射，从而影响地球气候。这种分子还在海洋营养水平之间的碳、硫和能量的转移方面发挥着相当大的作用。我们开发了一种强大的分析方法，使用质谱仪在超低水平的海水中测量DMS和其他VOCs。该方法适用于在所有海洋环境中检测这些化合物，浓度可达到许多数量级，从而实现了其他方法无法实现的独特应用。我们的研究应用包括通过各种途径测量海洋DMS的生产和消费的稳定同位素孵化，以及低氧水域中DMS微区的检测和表征。不幸的是，质谱仪最近在海上异常恶劣的天气中损坏，导致一张桌子倾倒。这对我的研究小组来说是一个重大而紧迫的挑战，因为许多学生和PDF项目都严重依赖于该工具。这个RTI应用程序申请资金来修复质谱仪，使我的团队能够推进我们的研究计划。仪器将被运往制造商Hiden Analytical，在那里将更换一些关键部件，使仪器恢复最佳性能。修复后的仪器将用于支持HQP培训，并使我的小组继续推进对海洋硫磺循环的理解。使用该仪器的受训者来自不同的背景，包括打算利用他们的高级培训来支持发展中国家环境管理的个人。如果不能使用该仪器，将不可能分析现有的现场样本，我们将不得不取消参加即将到来的一些海洋考察的计划。

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.