Real-time measurements of gas-phase organic acids using SF<sub>6</sub><sup>−</sup> chemical ionization mass spectrometry
<p>The sources and atmospheric chemistry of gas-phase organic acids are currently poorly understood, due in part to the limited range of measurement techniques available. In this work, we evaluated the use of SF<sub>6</sub><sup>−</sup> as a sensitive and selective ch...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Copernicus Publications
2018-09-01
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| Series: | Atmospheric Measurement Techniques |
| Online Access: | https://www.atmos-meas-tech.net/11/5087/2018/amt-11-5087-2018.pdf |
| Summary: | <p>The sources and atmospheric chemistry of gas-phase organic acids are
currently poorly understood, due in part to the limited range of measurement
techniques available. In this work, we evaluated the use of SF<sub>6</sub><sup>−</sup>
as a sensitive and selective chemical ionization reagent ion for real-time
measurements of gas-phase organic acids. Field measurements are made using
chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CIMS) at a rural site in Yorkville,
Georgia, from September to October 2016 to investigate the capability of this
measurement technique. Our measurements demonstrate that SF<sub>6</sub><sup>−</sup>
can be used to measure a range of organic acids in the atmosphere. One-hour
averaged ambient concentrations of organic acids ranged from a few parts per
trillion by volume (ppt) to several parts per billion by volume (ppb). All
the organic acids displayed similar strong diurnal behaviors, reaching
maximum concentrations between 17:00 and 19:00 EDT. The organic acid
concentrations are dependent on ambient temperature, with higher organic acid
concentrations being measured during warmer periods.</p> |
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| ISSN: | 1867-1381 1867-8548 |