Organic Aerosol characterization by advanced spectroscopic techniques: H-NMR, AMS (ORCA)

Aerosol sampling by a High-Volume Sampler (TECORA eco-highvol equipped with digital PM1 sampling inlet, nominal flow 500 lpm) for the collection of ambient aerosol particles with aerodynamic diameter < 1 μm (PM1) on pre-washed and pre-baked quartz-fiber filters (PALL, Ø= 18cm). Sampling time: 3-4 days per sample. A multi-technique analytical approach for the characterization of the sampled organic aerosol: Organic matter (OM) and Organic Nitrogen (ON). Analytical techniques employed are based on nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and Aerosol Mass Spectrometry (HR-TOF-AMS applied off-line) for the OM characterization, C and N elemental analysis (CN-EA) and ion chromatography (IC) for inorganic ions and alkyl-amines. -NMR functional groups (Aromatics, anomeric/vynilic, H-C-O, H-C-C=, H.C) -NMR tracers: Levoglucosan, Methane-sulphonic acid (MSA), Hydroxymethane-sulphonic acid (HMSA), Amines (mono-, di- and tri-methyl amines, etc.) -HR-TOF-AMS (off-line): main species (Org, SO4, NO3, NH4, Chl), elemental ratios (OM:OC, O:C, H:C) & tracer fragments (m/z43, 44, 60 etc.) -NMR & AMS OA source apportionment