Abstract:

Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) is a large fraction of particulate matter (PM) worldwide and remains a large source of uncertainty in global models that aim to predict the radiative forcing contribution of PM. Moreover, while inorganic nitrogen contribution to PM is well represented in air quality models, missing from models is the contribution of nitrogen organic compounds (NOC) to PM. By studying the formation and the interesting optical properties of these NOC, we may improve our understanding of how SOA can influence climate.

My talk explores how NOC can be produced and their effect on the amount and properties of SOA. Two mechanisms for the formation of NOC in SOA are explored: (a) oxidation of a N-containing biogenic precursor (indole); (b) reactions of SOA with reduced nitrogen compounds, NH3 and dimethyl amine (DMA), in a smog chamber. I  will share results regarding the optical properties and molecular composition of the resulting SOA and discuss how these results may impact regional air quality. Overall, this presentation will highlight some of the novel chemistry and important properties of NOC in the atmospheric environment.