Articles | Volume 13, issue 5
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-2413-2020
© Author(s) 2020. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-2413-2020
© Author(s) 2020. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
15 May 2020
Research article |
| 15 May 2020
| 15 May 2020
Laboratory evaluation of particle-size selectivity of optical low-cost particulate matter sensors
Atmospheric Composition Research, Finnish Meteorological Institute,
Helsinki, 00560, Finland
Timo Mäkelä
Climate System Research, Finnish Meteorological Institute, Helsinki,
00560, Finland
Minna Aurela
Atmospheric Composition Research, Finnish Meteorological Institute,
Helsinki, 00560, Finland
Kimmo Teinilä
Atmospheric Composition Research, Finnish Meteorological Institute,
Helsinki, 00560, Finland
Samu Varjonen
Department of Computer Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki,
00560, Finland
Óscar González
Fab Lab Barcelona, Institute of Advanced Architecture of Catalonia,
Barcelona, 08005, Spain
Hilkka Timonen
Atmospheric Composition Research, Finnish Meteorological Institute,
Helsinki, 00560, Finland
Related authors
Fanni Mylläri, Niina Kuittinen, Minna Aurela, Teemu Lepistö, Paavo Heikkilä, Laura Salo, Lassi Markkula, Panu Karjalainen, Joel Kuula, Sami Harni, Katriina Kyllönen, Satu Similä, Katriina Jalkanen, Joakim Autio, Marko Palonen, Jouni Valtatie, Anna Häyrinen, Hilkka Timonen, and Topi Rönkkö
Aerosol Research Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-2025-14, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-2025-14, 2025
Preprint under review for AR
Short summary
Short summary
This study examined particle emissions from a large-scale biomass heating plant. Efficient flue gas cleaning, especially with bag-house filters, significantly reduced primary emissions. However, the potential for secondary aerosol formation was found to be 100–1000 times higher than primary emissions, highlighting the need for further research to support air quality and climate goals.
Kimmo Teinilä, Sanna Saarikoski, Henna Lintusaari, Teemu Lepistö, Petteri Marjanen, Minna Aurela, Heidi Hellén, Toni Tykkä, Markus Lampimäki, Janne Lampilahti, Luis Barreira, Timo Mäkelä, Leena Kangas, Juha Hatakka, Sami Harni, Joel Kuula, Jarkko V. Niemi, Harri Portin, Jaakko Yli-Ojanperä, Ville Niemelä, Milja Jäppi, Katrianne Lehtipalo, Joonas Vanhanen, Liisa Pirjola, Hanna E. Manninen, Tuukka Petäjä, Topi Rönkkö, and Hilkka Timonen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 4907–4928, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4907-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4907-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Physical and chemical properties of particulate matter and concentrations of trace gases were measured in a street canyon in Helsinki, Finland, and an urban background site in January–February 2022 to investigate the effect of wintertime conditions on pollutants. State-of-the-art instruments and a mobile laboratory were used, and the measurement data were analysed further with modelling tools like positive matrix factorization and the Pollution Detection Algorithm.
Juho Karhu, Tommi Mikkonen, Joel Kuula, Aki Virkkula, Erkki Ikonen, Markku Vainio, Hilkka Timonen, and Tuomas Hieta
Aerosol Research, 3, 113–124, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-113-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-113-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
We present a new photoacoustic instrument for simultaneous measurement of aerosol light absorption at multiple wavelengths. High performance is reached by using an optically read cantilever microphone, which allows for highly sensitive absorption measurements at a compact size. Performance in field conditions is demonstrated with black carbon monitoring at an air quality measurement station, where our results agree well with reference instruments deployed at the site.
David Brus, Viet Le, Joel Kuula, and Konstantinos Doulgeris
Earth Syst. Sci. Data Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2025-61, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2025-61, 2025
Revised manuscript under review for ESSD
Short summary
Short summary
This manuscript provides datasets collected during Pallas Cloud Experiment campaign in norther Finland during the autumn of 2022. We provided an overview of the custom-built drone backpack for air quality and atmospheric state variables carried on top of the consumer-grade drone (DJI Mavic 2 pro). We described the flight strategies, and provided an overview of the datasets obtained, including a description of the measurement against the reference for data validation.
Joel Kuula, Juho Karhu, Tommi Mikkonen, Patrick Grahn, Aki Virkkula, Hilkka Timonen, Tuomas Hieta, and Markku Vainio
Aerosol Research, 3, 1–13, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-1-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-1-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
We developed a new method to measure how particles absorb light as they change in size, which is critical for understanding their climate impact. Our approach uses a sensitive instrument that measures light absorption directly from particles in real time. By pairing this with a device that sorts particles by size, we achieved accurate size-resolved measurements. Our findings closely match theoretical models, offering a promising tool for future research into how particles influence climate.
Alexander Julian Böhmländer, Larissa Lacher, David Brus, Konstantinos-Matthaios Doulgeris, Zoé Brasseur, Matthew Boyer, Joel Kuula, Thomas Leisner, and Ottmar Möhler
Atmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2024-120, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2024-120, 2024
Revised manuscript accepted for AMT
Short summary
Short summary
Clouds and aerosol are important for weather and climate. Typically, pure water cloud droplets stay liquid until around -35 °C, unless they come into contact with ice-nucleating particles (INPs). INPs are a rare subset of aerosol particles. Using uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), it is possible to collect aerosol particles and analyse them on their ice-nucleating ability. This study describes the test and validation of a sampling setup that can be used to collect aerosol particles onto a filter.
Patrick Grahn and Joel Kuula
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1242, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1242, 2024
Preprint archived
Short summary
Short summary
A three-dimensional finite-element based method was used to calculate inertial deposition loss of aerosol particles in flow systems. The method was validated by comparing to known results published in literature. Loss in a geometrically complicated aerosol measurement instrument was calculated and compared to measurements. The method pinpoints the physical locations where particles are lost, which is helpful for improving the performance of aerosol instruments.
Joel Kuula, Hilkka Timonen, Jarkko V. Niemi, Hanna E. Manninen, Topi Rönkkö, Tareq Hussein, Pak Lun Fung, Sasu Tarkoma, Mikko Laakso, Erkka Saukko, Aino Ovaska, Markku Kulmala, Ari Karppinen, Lasse Johansson, and Tuukka Petäjä
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 4801–4808, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-4801-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-4801-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Modern and up-to-date policies and air quality management strategies are instrumental in tackling global air pollution. As the European Union is preparing to revise Ambient Air Quality Directive 2008/50/EC, this paper initiates discussion on selected features of the directive that we believe would benefit from a reassessment. The scientific community has the most recent and deepest understanding of air pollution; thus, its contribution is essential.
Pak Lun Fung, Martha A. Zaidan, Jarkko V. Niemi, Erkka Saukko, Hilkka Timonen, Anu Kousa, Joel Kuula, Topi Rönkkö, Ari Karppinen, Sasu Tarkoma, Markku Kulmala, Tuukka Petäjä, and Tareq Hussein
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 1861–1882, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-1861-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-1861-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
We developed an input-adaptive mixed-effects model, which was automatised to select the best combination of input variables, including up to three fixed effect variables and three time indictors as random effect variables. We tested the model to estimate lung-deposited surface area (LDSA), which correlates well with human health. The results show the inclusion of time indicators improved the sensitivity and the accuracy of the model so that it could serve as a network of virtual sensors.
Sami D. Seppälä, Joel Kuula, Antti-Pekka Hyvärinen, Sanna Saarikoski, Topi Rönkkö, Jorma Keskinen, Jukka-Pekka Jalkanen, and Hilkka Timonen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 3215–3234, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-3215-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-3215-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
The effects of fuel sulfur content restrictions implemented by the International Maritime Organization in the Baltic Sea (in July 2010 and January 2015) on the particle properties of ship exhaust plumes and ambient aerosol were studied. The restrictions reduced the particle number concentrations and median particle size in plumes and number concentrations in ambient aerosol. These changes may improve human health in coastal areas and decrease the cooling effect of exhaust emissions from ships.
Arya Mukherjee, Anni Hartikainen, Markus Somero, Viljami Luostari, Mika Ihalainen, Christopher P. Rüger, Timo Kekäläinen, Ville H. Nissinen, Luis M. F. Barreira, Hanna Koponen, Tuukka Kokkola, Delun Li, Lejish Vettikkat, Pasi Yli-Pirilä, Muhammad Shahzaib, Meri M. Ruppel, Ville Vakkari, Kerneels Jaars, Stefan J. Siebert, Angela Buchholz, Kajar Köster, Pieter G. van Zyl, Hilkka Timonen, Niko Kinnunen, Janne Jänis, Annele Virtanen, Aki Virkkula, and Olli Sippula
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-2759, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-2759, 2025
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (ACP).
Short summary
Short summary
Warming climate is predicted to increase boreal and peatland fires in Northern Eurasia. Limited studies have characterized light absorbing aerosol emissions from these biomasses, thus necessitating this work. Brown carbon (BrC) emitted from laboratory-scale biomass burning had weak light absorptivities based on their complex refractive index values. A combustion temperature dependent light absorptivity continuum existed for emitted BrC. Photochemical aging decreased BrC light absorptivity.
Sami Daniel Harni, Lasse Johansson, Jarkko Ville Niemi, Ville Silvonen, Juan Andrés Casquero-Vera, Anu Kousa, Krista Luoma, Viet Le, David Brus, Konstantinos Doulgeris, Topi Rönkkö, Hanna Manninen, Tuukka Petäjä, and Hilkka Timonen
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1423, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1423, 2025
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (ACP).
Short summary
Short summary
The 3-month measurement campaign at Espoo, Finland, in spring 2023. The measurement campaign studied the effect of the noise barrier on pollutant concentration gradients on one side of a major highway. The studied pollutants included PM10, PM2.5, lung deposited surface area (LDSA), particle number concentration (PNC), NO2, and black carbon (BC). The noise barrier was found to be effective in reducing, especially the concentration of particulate pollutants.
J. Tapio Elomaa, Krista Luoma, Sami D. Harni, Aki Virkkula, Hilkka Timonen, and Tuukka Petäjä
Aerosol Research, 3, 293–314, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-293-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-293-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Black carbon (BC) is a pollutant from combustion that affects the climate and is harmful to health. We tested four different small BC sensors with a reference in Helsinki. The sensors compared well with the reference. As a sensor network they were able to capture differences in BC. Changes in temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) caused error in the measurements. To reduce the effects of T and RH on BC sensors, more robust boxes should be developed, or corrections should be applied.
Fanni Mylläri, Niina Kuittinen, Minna Aurela, Teemu Lepistö, Paavo Heikkilä, Laura Salo, Lassi Markkula, Panu Karjalainen, Joel Kuula, Sami Harni, Katriina Kyllönen, Satu Similä, Katriina Jalkanen, Joakim Autio, Marko Palonen, Jouni Valtatie, Anna Häyrinen, Hilkka Timonen, and Topi Rönkkö
Aerosol Research Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-2025-14, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-2025-14, 2025
Preprint under review for AR
Short summary
Short summary
This study examined particle emissions from a large-scale biomass heating plant. Efficient flue gas cleaning, especially with bag-house filters, significantly reduced primary emissions. However, the potential for secondary aerosol formation was found to be 100–1000 times higher than primary emissions, highlighting the need for further research to support air quality and climate goals.
Kimmo Teinilä, Sanna Saarikoski, Henna Lintusaari, Teemu Lepistö, Petteri Marjanen, Minna Aurela, Heidi Hellén, Toni Tykkä, Markus Lampimäki, Janne Lampilahti, Luis Barreira, Timo Mäkelä, Leena Kangas, Juha Hatakka, Sami Harni, Joel Kuula, Jarkko V. Niemi, Harri Portin, Jaakko Yli-Ojanperä, Ville Niemelä, Milja Jäppi, Katrianne Lehtipalo, Joonas Vanhanen, Liisa Pirjola, Hanna E. Manninen, Tuukka Petäjä, Topi Rönkkö, and Hilkka Timonen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 4907–4928, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4907-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-4907-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Physical and chemical properties of particulate matter and concentrations of trace gases were measured in a street canyon in Helsinki, Finland, and an urban background site in January–February 2022 to investigate the effect of wintertime conditions on pollutants. State-of-the-art instruments and a mobile laboratory were used, and the measurement data were analysed further with modelling tools like positive matrix factorization and the Pollution Detection Algorithm.
Frans Graeffe, Kalle Kupi, Hilkka Timonen, and Mikael Ehn
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-910, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-910, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Alkanes are a major part of anthropogenic emissions in urban areas, and known for being capable of producing secondary organic aerosol (SOA). We measured SOA yields of seven alkanes and their oxygenated derivatives in oxidation flow reactor measurements to assess their role in SOA formation. In addition to quantified SOA yields, we observed that cyclic structure enhances SOA production. Furthermore, our observations indicate that multi-generational OH oxidation is important in the SOA formation.
Hector Navarro-Barboza, Jordi Rovira, Vincenzo Obiso, Andrea Pozzer, Marta Via, Andres Alastuey, Xavier Querol, Noemi Perez, Marjan Savadkoohi, Gang Chen, Jesus Yus-Díez, Matic Ivancic, Martin Rigler, Konstantinos Eleftheriadis, Stergios Vratolis, Olga Zografou, Maria Gini, Benjamin Chazeau, Nicolas Marchand, Andre S. H. Prevot, Kaspar Dallenbach, Mikael Ehn, Krista Luoma, Tuukka Petäjä, Anna Tobler, Jaroslaw Necki, Minna Aurela, Hilkka Timonen, Jarkko Niemi, Olivier Favez, Jean-Eudes Petit, Jean-Philippe Putaud, Christoph Hueglin, Nicolas Pascal, Aurélien Chauvigné, Sébastien Conil, Marco Pandolfi, and Oriol Jorba
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 2667–2694, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2667-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2667-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Brown carbon (BrC) absorbs ultraviolet (UV) and visible light, influencing climate. This study explores BrC's imaginary refractive index (k) using data from 12 European sites. Residential emissions are a major organic aerosol (OA) source in winter, while secondary organic aerosol (SOA) dominates in summer. Source-specific k values were derived, improving model accuracy. The findings highlight BrC's climate impact and emphasize source-specific constraints in atmospheric models.
Juho Karhu, Tommi Mikkonen, Joel Kuula, Aki Virkkula, Erkki Ikonen, Markku Vainio, Hilkka Timonen, and Tuomas Hieta
Aerosol Research, 3, 113–124, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-113-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-113-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
We present a new photoacoustic instrument for simultaneous measurement of aerosol light absorption at multiple wavelengths. High performance is reached by using an optically read cantilever microphone, which allows for highly sensitive absorption measurements at a compact size. Performance in field conditions is demonstrated with black carbon monitoring at an air quality measurement station, where our results agree well with reference instruments deployed at the site.
Androniki Maragkidou, Tiia Grönholm, Laura Rautiainen, Juha Nikmo, Jukka-Pekka Jalkanen, Timo Mäkelä, Timo Anttila, Lauri Laakso, and Jaakko Kukkonen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 2443–2457, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2443-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-2443-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
The Baltic Sea's designation as a sulfur emission control area in 2006, with subsequent regulations, significantly reduced sulfur emissions from shipping. Our study analysed air quality data from 2003 to 2020 on the island Utö and employed modelling, showing a continuous decrease in SO2 concentrations since 2003 and thus evidencing the effectiveness of such regulations in improving air quality. It also underscored the importance of long-term, high-resolution monitoring at remote marine sites.
David Brus, Viet Le, Joel Kuula, and Konstantinos Doulgeris
Earth Syst. Sci. Data Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2025-61, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2025-61, 2025
Revised manuscript under review for ESSD
Short summary
Short summary
This manuscript provides datasets collected during Pallas Cloud Experiment campaign in norther Finland during the autumn of 2022. We provided an overview of the custom-built drone backpack for air quality and atmospheric state variables carried on top of the consumer-grade drone (DJI Mavic 2 pro). We described the flight strategies, and provided an overview of the datasets obtained, including a description of the measurement against the reference for data validation.
Joel Kuula, Juho Karhu, Tommi Mikkonen, Patrick Grahn, Aki Virkkula, Hilkka Timonen, Tuomas Hieta, and Markku Vainio
Aerosol Research, 3, 1–13, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-1-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-1-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
We developed a new method to measure how particles absorb light as they change in size, which is critical for understanding their climate impact. Our approach uses a sensitive instrument that measures light absorption directly from particles in real time. By pairing this with a device that sorts particles by size, we achieved accurate size-resolved measurements. Our findings closely match theoretical models, offering a promising tool for future research into how particles influence climate.
Sami D. Harni, Minna Aurela, Sanna Saarikoski, Jarkko V. Niemi, Harri Portin, Hanna Manninen, Ville Leinonen, Pasi Aalto, Phil K. Hopke, Tuukka Petäjä, Topi Rönkkö, and Hilkka Timonen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 12143–12160, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-12143-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-12143-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
In this study, particle number size distribution data were used in a novel way in positive matrix factorization analysis to find aerosol source profiles in the area. Measurements were made in Helsinki at a street canyon and urban background sites between February 2015 and June 2019. Five different aerosol sources were identified. These sources underline the significance of traffic-related emissions in urban environments despite recent improvements in emission reduction technologies.
Martti Honkanen, Mika Aurela, Juha Hatakka, Lumi Haraguchi, Sami Kielosto, Timo Mäkelä, Jukka Seppälä, Simo-Matti Siiriä, Ken Stenbäck, Juha-Pekka Tuovinen, Pasi Ylöstalo, and Lauri Laakso
Biogeosciences, 21, 4341–4359, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-4341-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-4341-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The exchange of CO2 between the sea and the atmosphere was studied in the Archipelago Sea, Baltic Sea, in 2017–2021, using an eddy covariance technique. The sea acted as a net source of CO2 with an average yearly emission of 27.1 gC m-2 yr-1, indicating that the marine ecosystem respired carbon that originated elsewhere. The yearly CO2 emission varied between 18.2–39.2 gC m-2 yr-1, mostly due to the yearly variation of ecosystem carbon uptake.
Teemu Lepistö, Henna Lintusaari, Laura Salo, Ville Silvonen, Luis M. F. Barreira, Jussi Hoivala, Lassi Markkula, Jarkko V. Niemi, Jakub Ondracek, Kimmo Teinilä, Hanna E. Manninen, Sanna Saarikoski, Hilkka Timonen, Miikka Dal Maso, and Topi Rönkkö
Aerosol Research, 2, 271–289, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-2-271-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-2-271-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The performances of different particle lung-deposited surface area (LDSAal) measurement methods (Partector, ELPI+, SMPS/DMPS) were compared in ambient conditions. As LDSAal is a health-relevant metric and rather easy to utilise in air quality monitoring, it is crucial to know how the different methods agree, as there are clear differences in their operation. In all, a comparison of different methods can be complicated; still, the methods agree rather well in terms of local pollution (< 400 nm).
Alexander Julian Böhmländer, Larissa Lacher, David Brus, Konstantinos-Matthaios Doulgeris, Zoé Brasseur, Matthew Boyer, Joel Kuula, Thomas Leisner, and Ottmar Möhler
Atmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2024-120, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2024-120, 2024
Revised manuscript accepted for AMT
Short summary
Short summary
Clouds and aerosol are important for weather and climate. Typically, pure water cloud droplets stay liquid until around -35 °C, unless they come into contact with ice-nucleating particles (INPs). INPs are a rare subset of aerosol particles. Using uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), it is possible to collect aerosol particles and analyse them on their ice-nucleating ability. This study describes the test and validation of a sampling setup that can be used to collect aerosol particles onto a filter.
Mikko Heikkilä, Krista Luoma, Timo Mäkelä, and Tiia Grönholm
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 8927–8941, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-8927-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-8927-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Black carbon (BC) concentration was measured from 211 ship exhaust gas plumes at a remote marine station. Emission factors of BC were calculated in grams per kilogram of fuel. Ships with an exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS) were found to have median BC emissions per fuel consumed 5 times lower than ships without an EGCS. However, this might be because of non-EGCS ships running at low engine loads rather than the EGCS itself. A local speed restriction would increase BC emissions of ships.
Patrick Grahn and Joel Kuula
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1242, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1242, 2024
Preprint archived
Short summary
Short summary
A three-dimensional finite-element based method was used to calculate inertial deposition loss of aerosol particles in flow systems. The method was validated by comparing to known results published in literature. Loss in a geometrically complicated aerosol measurement instrument was calculated and compared to measurements. The method pinpoints the physical locations where particles are lost, which is helpful for improving the performance of aerosol instruments.
Jian Zhao, Valter Mickwitz, Yuanyuan Luo, Ella Häkkinen, Frans Graeffe, Jiangyi Zhang, Hilkka Timonen, Manjula Canagaratna, Jordan E. Krechmer, Qi Zhang, Markku Kulmala, Juha Kangasluoma, Douglas Worsnop, and Mikael Ehn
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 1527–1543, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-1527-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-1527-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Organic aerosol constitutes a significant portion of atmospheric fine particles but is less characterized due to its vast number of constituents. Recently, we developed a system for online measurements of particle-phase highly oxygenated organic molecules (HOMs). In this work, we systematically characterized the system, developed a new unit to enhance its performance, and demonstrated the essential role of thermograms in inferring volatility and quantifying HOMs in organic aerosols.
Magdalena Okuljar, Olga Garmash, Miska Olin, Joni Kalliokoski, Hilkka Timonen, Jarkko V. Niemi, Pauli Paasonen, Jenni Kontkanen, Yanjun Zhang, Heidi Hellén, Heino Kuuluvainen, Minna Aurela, Hanna E. Manninen, Mikko Sipilä, Topi Rönkkö, Tuukka Petäjä, Markku Kulmala, Miikka Dal Maso, and Mikael Ehn
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 12965–12983, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-12965-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-12965-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Highly oxygenated organic molecules (HOMs) form secondary organic aerosol that affects air quality and health. In this study, we demonstrate that in a moderately polluted city with abundant vegetation, the composition of HOMs is largely controlled by the effect of NOx on the biogenic volatile organic compound oxidation. Comparing the results from two nearby stations, we show that HOM composition and formation pathways can change considerably within small distances in urban environments.
Jonas Elm, Aladár Czitrovszky, Andreas Held, Annele Virtanen, Astrid Kiendler-Scharr, Benjamin J. Murray, Daniel McCluskey, Daniele Contini, David Broday, Eirini Goudeli, Hilkka Timonen, Joan Rosell-Llompart, Jose L. Castillo, Evangelia Diapouli, Mar Viana, Maria E. Messing, Markku Kulmala, Naděžda Zíková, and Sebastian H. Schmitt
Aerosol Research, 1, 13–16, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-1-13-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-1-13-2023, 2023
Ella Häkkinen, Jian Zhao, Frans Graeffe, Nicolas Fauré, Jordan E. Krechmer, Douglas Worsnop, Hilkka Timonen, Mikael Ehn, and Juha Kangasluoma
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 16, 1705–1721, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-1705-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-1705-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Highly oxygenated compounds contribute to the formation and growth of atmospheric organic aerosol and thus impact the global climate. Knowledge of their transformations and fate after condensing into the particle phase has been limited by the lack of suitable detection techniques. Here, we present an online method for measuring highly oxygenated compounds from organic aerosol. We evaluate the performance of the method and demonstrate that the method is applicable to different organic species.
Sanna Saarikoski, Heidi Hellén, Arnaud P. Praplan, Simon Schallhart, Petri Clusius, Jarkko V. Niemi, Anu Kousa, Toni Tykkä, Rostislav Kouznetsov, Minna Aurela, Laura Salo, Topi Rönkkö, Luis M. F. Barreira, Liisa Pirjola, and Hilkka Timonen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 2963–2982, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-2963-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-2963-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
This study elucidates properties and sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and organic aerosol (OA) in a traffic environment. Anthropogenic VOCs (aVOCs) were clearly higher than biogenic VOCs (bVOCs), but bVOCs produced a larger portion of oxidation products. OA consisted mostly of oxygenated OA, representing secondary OA (SOA). SOA was partly associated with bVOCs, but it was also related to long-range transport. Primary OA originated mostly from traffic.
Lauriane L. J. Quéléver, Lubna Dada, Eija Asmi, Janne Lampilahti, Tommy Chan, Jonathan E. Ferrara, Gustavo E. Copes, German Pérez-Fogwill, Luis Barreira, Minna Aurela, Douglas R. Worsnop, Tuija Jokinen, and Mikko Sipilä
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 8417–8437, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-8417-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-8417-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Understanding how aerosols form is crucial for correctly modeling the climate and improving future predictions. This work provides extensive analysis of aerosol particles and their precursors at Marambio Station, Antarctic Peninsula. We show that sulfuric acid, ammonia, and dimethylamine are key contributors to the frequent new particle formation events observed at the site. We discuss nucleation mechanisms and highlight the need for targeted measurement to fully understand these processes.
Joel Kuula, Hilkka Timonen, Jarkko V. Niemi, Hanna E. Manninen, Topi Rönkkö, Tareq Hussein, Pak Lun Fung, Sasu Tarkoma, Mikko Laakso, Erkka Saukko, Aino Ovaska, Markku Kulmala, Ari Karppinen, Lasse Johansson, and Tuukka Petäjä
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 4801–4808, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-4801-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-4801-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Modern and up-to-date policies and air quality management strategies are instrumental in tackling global air pollution. As the European Union is preparing to revise Ambient Air Quality Directive 2008/50/EC, this paper initiates discussion on selected features of the directive that we believe would benefit from a reassessment. The scientific community has the most recent and deepest understanding of air pollution; thus, its contribution is essential.
Pak Lun Fung, Martha A. Zaidan, Jarkko V. Niemi, Erkka Saukko, Hilkka Timonen, Anu Kousa, Joel Kuula, Topi Rönkkö, Ari Karppinen, Sasu Tarkoma, Markku Kulmala, Tuukka Petäjä, and Tareq Hussein
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 1861–1882, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-1861-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-1861-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
We developed an input-adaptive mixed-effects model, which was automatised to select the best combination of input variables, including up to three fixed effect variables and three time indictors as random effect variables. We tested the model to estimate lung-deposited surface area (LDSA), which correlates well with human health. The results show the inclusion of time indicators improved the sensitivity and the accuracy of the model so that it could serve as a network of virtual sensors.
Jutta Kesti, John Backman, Ewan J. O'Connor, Anne Hirsikko, Eija Asmi, Minna Aurela, Ulla Makkonen, Maria Filioglou, Mika Komppula, Hannele Korhonen, and Heikki Lihavainen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 481–503, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-481-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-481-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
In this study we combined aerosol particle measurements at the surface with a scanning Doppler lidar providing vertical profiles of the atmosphere to study the effect of different boundary layer conditions on aerosol particle properties in the understudied Arabian Peninsula region. The instrumentation used in this study enabled us to identify periods when pollution from remote sources was mixed down to the surface and initiated new particle formation in the growing boundary layer.
Martti Honkanen, Jens Daniel Müller, Jukka Seppälä, Gregor Rehder, Sami Kielosto, Pasi Ylöstalo, Timo Mäkelä, Juha Hatakka, and Lauri Laakso
Ocean Sci., 17, 1657–1675, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-17-1657-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-17-1657-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
The exchange of carbon dioxide (CO2) between the sea and the atmosphere is regulated by the gradient of CO2 partial pressure (pCO2) between the sea and the air. The daily variation of the seawater pCO2 recorded at the fixed station Utö in the Baltic Sea was found to be mainly biologically driven. Calculation of the annual net exchange of CO2 between the sea and atmosphere based on daily measurements of pCO2 carried out using the same sampling time every day could introduce a bias of up to 12 %.
Sanna Saarikoski, Jarkko V. Niemi, Minna Aurela, Liisa Pirjola, Anu Kousa, Topi Rönkkö, and Hilkka Timonen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 14851–14869, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-14851-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-14851-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
This study presents the main sources of black carbon (BC) at two urban environments. The largest fraction of BC originated from biomass burning at the residential site (38 %) and from vehicular emissions (57 %) in the street canyon. Also, a significant fraction of BC was associated with urban background or long-range transport. The data are needed by modelers and authorities when assessing climate and air quality impact of BC as well as directing the emission legislation and mitigation actions.
Evelyn Freney, Karine Sellegri, Alessia Nicosia, Leah R. Williams, Matteo Rinaldi, Jonathan T. Trueblood, André S. H. Prévôt, Melilotus Thyssen, Gérald Grégori, Nils Haëntjens, Julie Dinasquet, Ingrid Obernosterer, France Van Wambeke, Anja Engel, Birthe Zäncker, Karine Desboeufs, Eija Asmi, Hilkka Timonen, and Cécile Guieu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 10625–10641, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-10625-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-10625-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
In this work, we present observations of the organic aerosol content in primary sea spray aerosols (SSAs) continuously generated along a 5-week cruise in the Mediterranean. This information is combined with seawater biogeochemical properties also measured continuously along the ship track to develop a number of parametrizations that can be used in models to determine SSA organic content in oligotrophic waters that represent 60 % of the oceans from commonly measured seawater variables.
Magdalena Okuljar, Heino Kuuluvainen, Jenni Kontkanen, Olga Garmash, Miska Olin, Jarkko V. Niemi, Hilkka Timonen, Juha Kangasluoma, Yee Jun Tham, Rima Baalbaki, Mikko Sipilä, Laura Salo, Henna Lintusaari, Harri Portin, Kimmo Teinilä, Minna Aurela, Miikka Dal Maso, Topi Rönkkö, Tuukka Petäjä, and Pauli Paasonen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 9931–9953, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-9931-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-9931-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
To estimate the relative contribution of different sources to the particle population in an urban environment, we conducted simultaneous measurements at a street canyon and an urban background station in Helsinki. We investigated the contribution of traffic and new particle formation to particles with a diameter between 1 and 800 nm. We found that during spring traffic does not dominate the particles smaller than 3 nm at either of the stations.
Luis M. F. Barreira, Aku Helin, Minna Aurela, Kimmo Teinilä, Milla Friman, Leena Kangas, Jarkko V. Niemi, Harri Portin, Anu Kousa, Liisa Pirjola, Topi Rönkkö, Sanna Saarikoski, and Hilkka Timonen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 6297–6314, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-6297-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-6297-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We present results from the long-term measurements (5 years) of highly time-resolved atmospheric PM1 composition at an urban street canyon site. Overall, the results increased knowledge of the variability of PM1 concentration, composition, and sources in a traffic site and the implications for urban air quality. The investigation of pollution episodes showed that both local and long-range-transported pollutants can still cause elevated PM1 and PM2.5 concentrations in northern Europe.
Sami D. Seppälä, Joel Kuula, Antti-Pekka Hyvärinen, Sanna Saarikoski, Topi Rönkkö, Jorma Keskinen, Jukka-Pekka Jalkanen, and Hilkka Timonen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 3215–3234, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-3215-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-3215-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
The effects of fuel sulfur content restrictions implemented by the International Maritime Organization in the Baltic Sea (in July 2010 and January 2015) on the particle properties of ship exhaust plumes and ambient aerosol were studied. The restrictions reduced the particle number concentrations and median particle size in plumes and number concentrations in ambient aerosol. These changes may improve human health in coastal areas and decrease the cooling effect of exhaust emissions from ships.
Krista Luoma, Jarkko V. Niemi, Minna Aurela, Pak Lun Fung, Aku Helin, Tareq Hussein, Leena Kangas, Anu Kousa, Topi Rönkkö, Hilkka Timonen, Aki Virkkula, and Tuukka Petäjä
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 1173–1189, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-1173-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-1173-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
This study combined black carbon measurements from 15 Finnish sites that represented different environments (traffic, detached housing area, urban background, and regional background). The seasonal and diurnal variations in the black carbon concentration were associated with local emissions from traffic and residential wood burning. The study observed decreasing trends in the black carbon concentration and associated them with decreases in traffic emissions.
Mona Kurppa, Pontus Roldin, Jani Strömberg, Anna Balling, Sasu Karttunen, Heino Kuuluvainen, Jarkko V. Niemi, Liisa Pirjola, Topi Rönkkö, Hilkka Timonen, Antti Hellsten, and Leena Järvi
Geosci. Model Dev., 13, 5663–5685, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-13-5663-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-13-5663-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
High-resolution modelling is needed to solve the aerosol concentrations in a complex urban area. Here, the performance of an aerosol module within the PALM model to simulate the detailed horizontal and vertical distribution of aerosol particles is studied. Further, sensitivity to the meteorological and aerosol boundary conditions is assessed using both model and observation data. The horizontal distribution is sensitive to the wind speed and stability, and the vertical to the wind direction.
Liine Heikkinen, Mikko Äijälä, Matthieu Riva, Krista Luoma, Kaspar Dällenbach, Juho Aalto, Pasi Aalto, Diego Aliaga, Minna Aurela, Helmi Keskinen, Ulla Makkonen, Pekka Rantala, Markku Kulmala, Tuukka Petäjä, Douglas Worsnop, and Mikael Ehn
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 3151–3180, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-3151-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-3151-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Atmospheric aerosols are solid or liquid particles suspended in the air. They are known as a health risk, but they also influence the Earth's climate. The composition of aerosols becomes important when predicting their effect on climate. We show both seasonal and year-to-year variability of aerosol chemical composition in the boreal forest of Finland. We observed a consistent bimodal seasonal trend: a biogenic summertime maximum and an anthropogenic wintertime maximum in the mass concentration.
Miska Olin, Heino Kuuluvainen, Minna Aurela, Joni Kalliokoski, Niina Kuittinen, Mia Isotalo, Hilkka J. Timonen, Jarkko V. Niemi, Topi Rönkkö, and Miikka Dal Maso
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 1–13, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-1-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-1-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Photochemically formed sulfuric acid is generally considered the main source for new particle formation in the atmosphere. Contrary to current understanding, our measurements of nanoclusters and gaseous sulfuric acid performed in an urban area imply that traffic contributes to sulfuric acid concentration and that even for the smallest particles, the traffic-emitted fraction mostly exceeds the photochemistry-driven regional new particle formation.
Sanna Saarikoski, Leah R. Williams, Steven R. Spielman, Gregory S. Lewis, Arantzazu Eiguren-Fernandez, Minna Aurela, Susanne V. Hering, Kimmo Teinilä, Philip Croteau, John T. Jayne, Thorsten Hohaus, Douglas R. Worsnop, and Hilkka Timonen
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 3907–3920, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-3907-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-3907-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
An air-to-air ultrafine particle concentrator (Aerosol Dynamics Inc. concentrator; ADIc) has been tailored for the low (~ 0.08 L min−1) inlet flow of aerosol mass spectrometers, and it provides a factor of 8–21 enrichment in the concentration of particles. The ADIc was evaluated in laboratory and field measurements. The results showed that the concentration factor depends primarily on the ratio between the sample flow and the output flow and is independent of particle size above about 10 nm.
Martti Honkanen, Juha-Pekka Tuovinen, Tuomas Laurila, Timo Mäkelä, Juha Hatakka, Sami Kielosto, and Lauri Laakso
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 11, 5335–5350, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-11-5335-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-11-5335-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
The exchange rate of carbon dioxide (CO2) between the atmosphere and the sea is typically small compared to the fluxes observed in the terrestrial ecosystems, causing technical challenges for the measurements of the CO2 sea–air fluxes. In this paper, we examine CO2 sea–air flux measurements carried out on a fixed station on an island. The problems generated by water vapor interference and unmet theoretical assumptions of the eddy covariance method are addressed.
Guilherme Martins Pereira, Kimmo Teinilä, Danilo Custódio, Aldenor Gomes Santos, Huang Xian, Risto Hillamo, Célia A. Alves, Jailson Bittencourt de Andrade, Gisele Olímpio da Rocha, Prashant Kumar, Rajasekhar Balasubramanian, Maria de Fátima Andrade, and Pérola de Castro Vasconcellos
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 11943–11969, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-11943-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-11943-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
São Paulo, Brazil, has relatively relaxed regulations for ambient air pollution standards and often presents high air pollution levels due to emissions of airborne particles from local sources and long-range transport of biomass burning smoke. High risks associated with particulate matter exposure were observed in most samples. The results highlighted the contribution of vehicular emissions and the significant input from biomass combustion in the dry season.
Jenni Alanen, Pauli Simonen, Sanna Saarikoski, Hilkka Timonen, Oskari Kangasniemi, Erkka Saukko, Risto Hillamo, Kati Lehtoranta, Timo Murtonen, Hannu Vesala, Jorma Keskinen, and Topi Rönkkö
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 8739–8755, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-8739-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-8739-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
Secondary organic and inorganic aerosols deteriorate air quality. Their formation from a natural gas engine was studied and compared with the emitted primary particulate emission. The volatility of the formed particles was defined as a function of temperature. Photochemical ages 4–11 days, mimicked by a potential aerosol mass chamber, produced 9–20 mg kg−1 fuel SOA. Aged emission particles were found to be less volatile than the fresh, implicating longer stability in the atmosphere.
Hilkka Timonen, Panu Karjalainen, Erkka Saukko, Sanna Saarikoski, Päivi Aakko-Saksa, Pauli Simonen, Timo Murtonen, Miikka Dal Maso, Heino Kuuluvainen, Matthew Bloss, Erik Ahlberg, Birgitta Svenningsson, Joakim Pagels, William H. Brune, Jorma Keskinen, Douglas R. Worsnop, Risto Hillamo, and Topi Rönkkö
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 5311–5329, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-5311-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-5311-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
The effect of fuel ethanol content (10–100 %) on primary emissions and the subsequent secondary aerosol formation was investigated for a Euro 5 flex-fuel gasoline vehicle. The emissions were characterized during the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) using high time-resolution instruments. The chemical composition of the exhaust particulate matter was studied using a soot particle aerosol mass spectrometer (SP-AMS), and the secondary aerosol formation was studied with an oxidation chamber.
Pauli Simonen, Erkka Saukko, Panu Karjalainen, Hilkka Timonen, Matthew Bloss, Päivi Aakko-Saksa, Topi Rönkkö, Jorma Keskinen, and Miikka Dal Maso
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 10, 1519–1537, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-10-1519-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-10-1519-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
Atmospheric particles affect climate, health and visibility, and a large source of these particles is secondary aerosol formation. We developed a new oxidation flow reactor for studying the secondary aerosol formation potential of rapidly changing emission sources. Using laboratory measurements, we show that this flow reactor is suitable for studying the secondary aerosol potential of, for example, light duty vehicle emissions during a transient driving cycle.
Heidi Hellén, Leena Kangas, Anu Kousa, Mika Vestenius, Kimmo Teinilä, Ari Karppinen, Jaakko Kukkonen, and Jarkko V. Niemi
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 3475–3487, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-3475-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-3475-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
Estimating impacts of wood combustion on ambient levels of PAHs is challenging. In this study effect of residential wood combustion on the benzo[a]pyrene concentrations in the air of Helsinki metropolitan area was studied, using ambient air measurements, emission estimates and dispersion modeling. Combining all this information enabled a quantitative characterization of the influence of residential wood combustion, which was found to be the main local source and more important than for PM2.5.
Hilkka Timonen, Mike Cubison, Minna Aurela, David Brus, Heikki Lihavainen, Risto Hillamo, Manjula Canagaratna, Bettina Nekat, Rolf Weller, Douglas Worsnop, and Sanna Saarikoski
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 9, 3263–3281, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-9-3263-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-9-3263-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
The applicability, methods and limitations of constrained peak fitting on mass spectra of low mass resolving power (m∕Δm50 ∼ 500) recorded with a time-of-flight aerosol chemical speciation monitor (ToF-ACSM) are explored. Calibration measurements and ambient data are used to exemplify the methods that should be applied to maximise data quality and assess confidence in peak-fitting results.
Panu Karjalainen, Hilkka Timonen, Erkka Saukko, Heino Kuuluvainen, Sanna Saarikoski, Päivi Aakko-Saksa, Timo Murtonen, Matthew Bloss, Miikka Dal Maso, Pauli Simonen, Erik Ahlberg, Birgitta Svenningsson, William Henry Brune, Risto Hillamo, Jorma Keskinen, and Topi Rönkkö
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 8559–8570, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-8559-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-8559-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
We characterized time-resolved primary particulate emissions and secondary particle formation from a modern gasoline passenger car. In mass terms, the amount of secondary particles was 13 times the amount of primary particles. The highest emissions were observed after a cold start when the engine and catalyst performance were suboptimal. The key parameter for secondary particle formation was the amount of gaseous hydrocarbons in the exhaust.
S. Carbone, T. Onasch, S. Saarikoski, H. Timonen, K. Saarnio, D. Sueper, T. Rönkkö, L. Pirjola, A. Häyrinen, D. Worsnop, and R. Hillamo
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 8, 4803–4815, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-8-4803-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-8-4803-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
The purpose of this study was to develop a method for the quantification of trace metal content in black carbon aerosol in real time, such as combustion-related emissions, by using the SP-AMS. The properties of 13 different trace metals (Na, Al, Ca, V, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr and Ba) were investigated in a controlled laboratory experiment. The results from the laboratory tests were applied to study fine particles in emissions of a heavy-fuel-oil-fired heating station.
R. Weller, K. Schmidt, K. Teinilä, and R. Hillamo
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 11399–11410, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-11399-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-11399-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
We measured condensation particle (CP) concentrations and particle size distributions at the coastal Antarctic station Neumayer. Several nucleation events were observed, but particles did not grow up to sizes required for acting as cloud condensation nuclei. A simple estimation indicated that apart from sulfuric acid, the derived growth rates required other low volatile precursor vapours.
K. E. Yttri, J. Schnelle-Kreis, W. Maenhaut, G. Abbaszade, C. Alves, A. Bjerke, N. Bonnier, R. Bossi, M. Claeys, C. Dye, M. Evtyugina, D. García-Gacio, R. Hillamo, A. Hoffer, M. Hyder, Y. Iinuma, J.-L. Jaffrezo, A. Kasper-Giebl, G. Kiss, P. L. López-Mahia, C. Pio, C. Piot, C. Ramirez-Santa-Cruz, J. Sciare, K. Teinilä, R. Vermeylen, A. Vicente, and R. Zimmermann
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 8, 125–147, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-8-125-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-8-125-2015, 2015
K. Saarnio, K. Teinilä, S. Saarikoski, S. Carbone, S. Gilardoni, H. Timonen, M. Aurela, and R. Hillamo
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 6, 2839–2849, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-6-2839-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-6-2839-2013, 2013
H. Timonen, J. L. Ambrose, and D. A. Jaffe
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 2827–2836, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-2827-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-2827-2013, 2013
Related subject area
Subject: Aerosols | Technique: Laboratory Measurement | Topic: Instruments and Platforms
Design of a wide-particle-size-range aerodynamic injection system with a new pre-focus structure
A comprehensive characterization of empirical parameterizations for OH exposure in the Aerodyne Potential Aerosol Mass Oxidation Flow Reactor (PAM-OFR)
The UNAM-MARine Aerosol Tank (UNAM-MARAT): an evaluation of the ice-nucleating abilities of seawater from the Gulf of Mexico and the Mexican Pacific
Characterization of the Newly Designed Wall-Free Particle Evaporator (WALL-E) for Online Measurements of Atmospheric Particles
Determining optimal sampling conditions in the TSI Nanometer Aerosol Sampler 3089
Characterization of filter photometer artefacts in soot and dust measurements – laboratory and ambient experiments using a traceably-calibrated aerosol absorption reference
A novel methodology for assessing the hygroscopicity of aerosol filter samples
Direct calibration using atmospheric particles and performance evaluation of Particle Size Magnifier (PSM) 2.0 for sub-10 nm particle measurements
The Coupling of a High-efficiency Aerosol Collector with Electrospray Ionisation/Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry as a novel tool for Real-time Chemical Characterisation of Fine and Ultrafine Particles
Merging holography, fluorescence, and machine learning for in situ continuous characterization and classification of airborne microplastics
Rapid quantitative analysis of semi-volatile organic compounds in indoor surface film using direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry: a case study on phthalates
Design and performance of the Cluster Ion Counter (CIC)
Exploring non-soluble particles in hailstones through innovative confocal laser and scanning electron microscopy techniques
A comprehensive evaluation of enhanced temperature influence on gas and aerosol chemistry in the lamp-enclosed oxidation flow reactor (OFR) system
An oxidation flow reactor for simulating and accelerating secondary aerosol formation in aerosol liquid water and cloud droplets
Surface equilibrium vapor pressure of organic nanoparticles measured from the dynamic-aerosol-size electrical mobility spectrometer
Quality assurance and quality control of atmospheric organosulfates measured using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC)
Micro-PINGUIN: microtiter-plate-based instrument for ice nucleation detection in gallium with an infrared camera
Characterization of the Vaporization Inlet for Aerosols (VIA) for online measurements of particulate highly oxygenated organic molecules (HOMs)
Development and characterization of a high-performance single-particle aerosol mass spectrometer (HP-SPAMS)
Characterization of the planar differential mobility analyzer (DMA P5): resolving power, transmission efficiency and its application to atmospheric relevant cluster measurements
Airborne bacteria viability and air quality: a protocol to quantitatively investigate the possible correlation by an atmospheric simulation chamber
The viscosity and surface tension of supercooled levitated droplets determined by excitation of shape oscillations
Acoustic levitation of pollen and visualisation of hygroscopic behaviour
Concept, absolute calibration, and validation of a new benchtop laser imaging polar nephelometer
A new smog chamber system for atmospheric multiphase chemistry study: design and characterization
Stability assessment of organic sulfur and organosulfate compounds in filter samples for quantification by Fourier- transform infrared spectroscopy
Design and evaluation of a thermal precipitation aerosol electrometer (TPAE)
An automated online field instrument to quantify the oxidative potential of aerosol particles via ascorbic acid oxidation
Online measurement of highly oxygenated compounds from organic aerosol
The AERosol and TRACe gas Collector (AERTRACC): an online-measurement-controlled sampler for source-resolved emission analysis
Quantitative chemical assay of nanogram-level particulate matter using aerosol mass spectrometry: characterization of particles collected from uncrewed atmospheric measurement platforms
An optimised organic carbon ∕ elemental carbon (OC ∕ EC) fraction separation method for radiocarbon source apportionment applied to low-loaded Arctic aerosol filters
Investigating the dependence of mineral dust depolarization on complex refractive index and size with a laboratory polarimeter at 180.0° lidar backscattering angle
Evaluation of a low-cost dryer for a low-cost optical particle counter
Effects of temperature and salinity on bubble-bursting aerosol formation simulated with a bubble-generating chamber
A new hot-stage microscopy technique for measuring temperature-dependent viscosities of aerosol particles and its application to farnesene secondary organic aerosol
Characterization of a modified printed optical particle spectrometer for high-frequency and high-precision laboratory and field measurements
Design and fabrication of an electrostatic precipitator for infrared spectroscopy
Combined application of online FIGAERO-CIMS and offline LC-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (MS) to characterize the chemical composition of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) in smog chamber studies
High-frequency gaseous and particulate chemical characterization using extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (Dual-Phase-EESI-TOF)
An evaluation of the heat test for the ice-nucleating ability of minerals and biological material
Development, characterization, and application of an improved online reactive oxygen species analyzer based on the Monitor for AeRosols and Gases in ambient Air (MARGA)
Characterization of soot produced by the mini inverted soot generator with an atmospheric simulation chamber
LED-based solar simulator to study photochemistry over a wide temperature range in the large simulation chamber AIDA
Laboratory evaluation of the scattering matrix of ragweed, ash, birch and pine pollen towards pollen classification
Cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity analysis of low-hygroscopicity aerosols using the aerodynamic aerosol classifier (AAC)
Characterisation of the Manchester Aerosol Chamber facility
A study on the fragmentation of sulfuric acid and dimethylamine clusters inside an atmospheric pressure interface time-of-flight mass spectrometer
A semi-automated instrument for cellular oxidative potential evaluation (SCOPE) of water-soluble extracts of ambient particulate matter
Junhong Huang, Lei Li, Xue Li, Zhengxu Huang, and Zhi Cheng
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 18, 2739–2749, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-2739-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-2739-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
We developed a sampling system that extends the transmission range of the five-stage lens to 10 µm. This innovative design reduces the beam incidence angle and narrows the width. Using polystyrene latex spheres, we validated the high transmission efficiency. Additionally, a standard dust test demonstrated consistency with the aerodynamic particle sizer. This study introduces a novel design framework that not only enhances transmission range and efficiency but also supports instrument miniaturization.
Qianying Liu, Dan Dan Huang, Andrew T. Lambe, Shengrong Lou, Lulu Zeng, Yuhang Wu, Congyan Huang, Shikang Tao, Xi Cheng, Qi Chen, Ka In Hoi, Hongli Wang, Kai Meng Mok, Cheng Huang, and Yong Jie Li
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 18, 2509–2521, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-2509-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-2509-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
We evaluate the applicability of empirical equations to estimate OH exposure (OHexp) in an oxidative flow reactor (OFR). The fitting parameters obtained within a narrow range of conditions can generally be extended to estimate the OHexp for wide ranges of conditions in the OFR, except for external OH reactivity, which requires new fitting. At least 20–30 data points from SO2 or CO decay with varying conditions are required to fit a set of empirical parameters that can accurately estimate OHexp.
M. Fernanda Córdoba, Rachel Chang, Harry Alvarez-Ospina, Aramis Olivos-Ortiz, Graciela B. Raga, Daniel Rosas-Ramírez, Guadalupe Campos, Isabel Márquez, Telma Castro, and Luis A. Ladino
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 18, 2463–2479, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-2463-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-2463-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
The present study shows the development of the UNAM-MARine Aerosol Tank (UNAM-MARAT), a device that simulates wave breaking to generate marine aerosol particles. The portable and automatic tank is able to generate particle concentrations as high as 2000 cm-3, covering a wide range of sizes, similar to those found in the ambient marine boundary layer. The sea spray aerosol generated from three natural seawater samples was found to act as ice-nucleating particles (INPs) via immersion freezing.
Linyu Gao, Imad Zgheib, Evangelos Stergiou, Cecilie Carstens, Félix Sari Doré, Michel Dupanloup, Frederic Bourgain, Sebastien Perrier, and Matthieu Riva
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1072, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1072, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
In this work, we introduce WALL-E, a newly designed Wall-Free Particle Evaporator that enables real-time, online aerosol analysis while minimizing wall interactions and fragmentation, offering a more accurate and efficient approach to studying aerosol properties. WALL-E provides molecular-level insights into aerosol composition, quantification, and volatility distributions.
Behnaz Alinaghipour, Sadegh Niazi, Robert Groth, Branka Miljevic, and Zoran Ristovski
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 18, 1063–1071, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-1063-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-1063-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Airborne particles are crucial in environmental and health studies, requiring precise sampling for accurate characterisation. Our study examines the optimal sampling time for the TSI Nanometer Aerosol Sampler 3089 at different input concentrations. Aerosols from low-, medium-, and high-concentration environments were sampled over 1, 3, and 6 h. A linear relationship was observed using a regression model between the deposition densities and the product of input concentration and sampling time.
Jesús Yus-Díez, Luka Drinovec, Lucas Alados-Arboledas, Gloria Titos, Elena Bazo, Andrea Casans, Diego Patrón, Xavier Querol, Adolfo Gonzalez-Romero, Carlos Perez García-Pando, and Griša Močnik
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3995, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3995, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
We have used absorption from a photo-thermal interferometer and scattering measurements, to evaluate the most deployed filter photometers used to measure absorption at monitoring networks. We used soot and dust-dominated aerosol samples in both laboratory and ambient settings. Our results indicated that one of these filter photometers, the MAAP, usually used as a pseudo-reference instrument, had 47 % higher absorption values than our reference measurements.
Nagendra Raparthi, Anthony S. Wexler, and Ann M. Dillner
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 18, 603–618, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-603-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-603-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Quantifying the composition-dependent hygroscopicity of aerosol particles is essential for advancing our understanding of atmospheric processes. Existing methods do not integrate chemical composition with hygroscopicity. We developed a novel method to assess the water uptake of particles sampled on aerosol filters at relative humidity levels up to 97 % and link it with their composition. This approach allows for the separation of total water uptake into inorganic and organic components.
Yiliang Liu, Arttu Yli-Kujala, Fabian Schmidt-Ott, Sebastian Holm, Lauri Ahonen, Tommy Chan, Joonas Enroth, Joonas Vanhanen, Runlong Cai, Tuukka Petäjä, Markku Kulmala, Yang Chen, and Juha Kangasluoma
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 18, 431–442, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-431-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-431-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Accurate measurement of nanoparticles is crucial for understanding their impact on new particle formation and climate change. In this study, we calibrated the Particle Size Magnifier version 2.0 (PSM 2.0), using both laboratory-generated and atmospheric particles. Some differences were observed in the calibration results, with direct calibration using atmospheric particles enhancing measurement accuracy.
Yik-Sze Lau, Zoran Ristovski, and Branka Miljevic
Atmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2024-192, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2024-192, 2025
Revised manuscript accepted for AMT
Short summary
Short summary
The chemical properties of aerosols in the atmosphere significantly influence their impact on global climate and human health. The current study constructed an instrumental system (HEAC/ESI-Orbitrap-MS) for the real-time chemical analysis of aerosol samples. The combined system successfully identified over three hundred chemical compounds in aerosol samples in real-time, showing the robustness of the technique for the chemical characterisation of aerosols under atmospheric relevant conditions.
Nicholas D. Beres, Julia Burkart, Elias Graf, Yanick Zeder, Lea Ann Dailey, and Bernadett Weinzierl
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 6945–6964, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-6945-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-6945-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We tested a method to identify airborne microplastics (MPs), merging imaging, fluorescence, and machine learning of single particles. We examined whether combining imaging and fluorescence data enhances classification accuracy compared to using each method separately and tested these methods with other particle types. The tested MPs have distinct fluorescence, and a combined imaging and fluorescence method improves their detection, making meaningful progress in monitoring MPs in the atmosphere.
Ying Zhou, Longkun He, Jiang Tan, Jiang Zhou, and Yingjun Liu
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 6415–6423, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-6415-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-6415-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We present a sensitive DART-MS/MS method for the fast and accurate quantification of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in organic films without the need for pre-treatment. This method offers greatly improved repeatability in the absence of internal standards. By utilizing MS/MS analysis, the separation of isomeric components within films becomes possible. These developments increase the feasibility of the DART-MS approach for studying the dynamics of SVOCs in indoor surface films.
Sander Mirme, Rima Balbaaki, Hanna Elina Manninen, Paap Koemets, Eva Sommer, Birte Rörup, Yusheng Wu, Joao Almeida, Sebastian Ehrhart, Stefan Karl Weber, Joschka Pfeifer, Juha Kangasluoma, Markku Kulmala, and Jasper Kirkby
Atmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2024-138, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2024-138, 2024
Revised manuscript accepted for AMT
Short summary
Short summary
The manuscript describes the design and performance of the Cluster Ion Counter (CIC, Airel OÜ), a device which simultaneously measures the number concentrations of positively- and negatively-charged ions and particles below 5 nm mobility diameter. The presented measurements and operational experience demonstrate that the CIC provides precise and robust long-term measurements of small ion concentrations of both polarities, with low noise, fast time response and excellent reliability.
Anthony C. Bernal Ayala, Angela K. Rowe, Lucia E. Arena, William O. Nachlas, and Maria L. Asar
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 5561–5579, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-5561-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-5561-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Hail is a challenging weather phenomenon to forecast due to an incomplete understanding of hailstone formation. Microscopy temperature limitations required previous studies to melt hail for analysis. This paper introduces a unique technique using a plastic cover to preserve particles in their location within the hailstone without melting. Therefore, CLSM and SEM–EDS microscopes can be used to determine individual particle sizes and their chemical composition related to hail-formation processes.
Tianle Pan, Andrew T. Lambe, Weiwei Hu, Yicong He, Minghao Hu, Huaishan Zhou, Xinming Wang, Qingqing Hu, Hui Chen, Yue Zhao, Yuanlong Huang, Doug R. Worsnop, Zhe Peng, Melissa A. Morris, Douglas A. Day, Pedro Campuzano-Jost, Jose-Luis Jimenez, and Shantanu H. Jathar
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 4915–4939, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-4915-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-4915-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study systematically characterizes the temperature enhancement in the lamp-enclosed oxidation flow reactor (OFR). The enhancement varied multiple dimensional factors, emphasizing the complexity of temperature inside of OFR. The effects of temperature on the flow field and gas- or particle-phase reaction inside OFR were also evaluated with experiments and model simulations. Finally, multiple mitigation strategies were demonstrated to minimize this temperature increase.
Ningjin Xu, Chen Le, David R. Cocker, Kunpeng Chen, Ying-Hsuan Lin, and Don R. Collins
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 4227–4243, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-4227-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-4227-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
A flow-through reactor was developed that exposes known mixtures of gases or ambient air to very high concentrations of the oxidants that are responsible for much of the chemistry that takes place in the atmosphere. Like other reactors of its type, it is primarily used to study the formation of particulate matter from the oxidation of common gases. Unlike other reactors of its type, it can simulate the chemical reactions that occur in liquid water that is present in particles or cloud droplets.
Ella Häkkinen, Huan Yang, Runlong Cai, and Juha Kangasluoma
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 4211–4225, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-4211-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-4211-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We report measurements of evaporation kinetics and surface equilibrium vapor pressures for various laboratory-generated organic nanoparticles using the dynamic-aerosol-size electrical mobility spectrometer (DEMS), a recent advancement in aerosol process characterization. Our findings align well with literature values, demonstrating DEMS's effectiveness. We suggest future improvements to DEMS and anticipate its potential for probing aerosol-related kinetic processes with unknown mechanisms.
Ping Liu, Xiang Ding, Bo-Xuan Li, Yu-Qing Zhang, Daniel J. Bryant, and Xin-Ming Wang
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 3067–3079, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-3067-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-3067-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
In this paper, we further optimize the measurement of atmospheric organosulfates by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC), offering an improved method for quantifying and speciating atmospheric organosulfates. These efforts will contribute to a deeper understanding of secondary organic aerosol precursors, formation mechanisms, and the contribution of organosulfate to atmospheric aerosols, ultimately guiding research in the field of air pollution prevention and control.
Corina Wieber, Mads Rosenhøj Jeppesen, Kai Finster, Claus Melvad, and Tina Šantl-Temkiv
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 2707–2719, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-2707-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-2707-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We developed a novel instrument to determine the quality and number of biological and non-biological particles, with respect to their ice-promoting capacity as a function of temperature. The measurement uncertainty was determined, and the instrument produced reliable results. Further, repeated measurements of the same suspension showed that the instrument had high reproducibility.
Jian Zhao, Valter Mickwitz, Yuanyuan Luo, Ella Häkkinen, Frans Graeffe, Jiangyi Zhang, Hilkka Timonen, Manjula Canagaratna, Jordan E. Krechmer, Qi Zhang, Markku Kulmala, Juha Kangasluoma, Douglas Worsnop, and Mikael Ehn
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 1527–1543, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-1527-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-1527-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Organic aerosol constitutes a significant portion of atmospheric fine particles but is less characterized due to its vast number of constituents. Recently, we developed a system for online measurements of particle-phase highly oxygenated organic molecules (HOMs). In this work, we systematically characterized the system, developed a new unit to enhance its performance, and demonstrated the essential role of thermograms in inferring volatility and quantifying HOMs in organic aerosols.
Xubing Du, Qinhui Xie, Qing Huang, Xuan Li, Junlin Yang, Zhihui Hou, Jingjing Wang, Xue Li, Zhen Zhou, Zhengxu Huang, Wei Gao, and Lei Li
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 1037–1050, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-1037-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-1037-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Currently, the limitations of single-particle mass spectrometry detection capabilities render it not yet well suited for analyzing complex aerosol components in low-concentration environments. In this study, a new high-performance single-particle aerosol mass spectrometer (HP-SPAMS) is developed to enhance instrument performance regarding the number of detected particles, transmission efficiency, resolution, and sensitivity, which will help in aerosol science.
Zhengning Xu, Jian Gao, Zhuanghao Xu, Michel Attoui, Xiangyu Pei, Mario Amo-González, Kewei Zhang, and Zhibin Wang
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 16, 5995–6006, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-5995-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-5995-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Planar differential mobility analyzers (DMAs) have higher ion transmission efficiency and sizing resolution compared to cylindrical DMAs and are more suitable for use with mass spectrometers (MSs). Performance of the latest planar DMA (P5) was characterized. Sizing resolution and ion transmission efficiency were 5–16 times and ∼10 times higher than cylindrical DMAs. Sulfuric acid clusters were measured by DMA(P5)-MSs. This technique can be applied for natural products and biomolecule analysis.
Virginia Vernocchi, Elena Abd El, Marco Brunoldi, Silvia Giulia Danelli, Elena Gatta, Tommaso Isolabella, Federico Mazzei, Franco Parodi, Paolo Prati, and Dario Massabò
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 16, 5479–5493, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-5479-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-5479-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Bioaerosol are airborne particles or droplets that contain living organisms or biological materials, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, pollen, or other organic matter. The study of the relationship between bioaerosol viability and air quality or meteorological conditions is an open field, and running experiments of the bioareosol viability in an atmospheric simulation chamber gives the possibility to set up well-defined conditions to evaluate the interaction between bioaerosol and pollutants.
Mohit Singh, Stephanie Helen Jones, Alexei Kiselev, Denis Duft, and Thomas Leisner
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 16, 5205–5215, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-5205-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-5205-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We introduce a novel method for simultaneous measurement of the viscosity and surface tension of metastable liquids. Our approach is based on the phase analysis of excited shape oscillations in levitated droplets. It is applicable to a wide range of atmospheric conditions and can monitor changes in real time. The technique holds great promise for investigating the effect of atmospheric processing on the viscosity and surface tension of solution droplets in equilibrium with water vapour.
Sophie A. Mills, Adam Milsom, Christian Pfrang, A. Rob MacKenzie, and Francis D. Pope
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 16, 4885–4898, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-4885-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-4885-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Pollen grains are important components of the atmosphere and have the potential to impact upon cloud processes via their ability to help in the formation of rain droplets. This study investigates the hygroscopicity of two different pollen species using an acoustic levitator. Pollen grains are levitated, and their response to changes in relative humidity is investigated. A key advantage of this method is that it is possible study pollen shape under varying environmental conditions.
Alireza Moallemi, Robin L. Modini, Benjamin T. Brem, Barbara Bertozzi, Philippe Giaccari, and Martin Gysel-Beer
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 16, 3653–3678, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-3653-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-3653-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Polarimetric data, i.e., the angular and polarization dependence of light scattering by aerosols, contain ample information on optical and microphysical properties. Retrieval of these properties is a central approach in aerosol remote sensing. We present a description, calibration, validation, and a first application of a new benchtop polar nephelometer, which provides in situ polarimetric measurements of an aerosol. Such data facilitate agreement between retrieval results and independent data.
Taomou Zong, Zhijun Wu, Junrui Wang, Kai Bi, Wenxu Fang, Yanrong Yang, Xuena Yu, Zhier Bao, Xiangxinyue Meng, Yuheng Zhang, Song Guo, Yang Chen, Chunshan Liu, Yue Zhang, Shao-Meng Li, and Min Hu
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 16, 3679–3692, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-3679-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-3679-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
This study developed and characterized an indoor chamber system (AIR) to simulate atmospheric multiphase chemistry processes. The AIR chamber can accurately control temperature and relative humidity (RH) over a broad range and simulate diurnal variation of ambient atmospheric RH. The aerosol generation unit can generate organic-coating seed particles with different phase states. The AIR chamber demonstrates high-quality performance in simulating secondary aerosol formation.
Marife B. Anunciado, Miranda De Boskey, Laura Haines, Katarina Lindskog, Tracy Dombek, Satoshi Takahama, and Ann M. Dillner
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 16, 3515–3529, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-3515-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-3515-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Organic sulfur compounds are used to identify sources and atmospheric processing of aerosol. Our paper evaluates the potential of using a non-destructive measurement technique to measure organic sulfur compounds in filter samples by assessing their chemical stability over time. Some were stable, but some evaporated or changed chemically. Future work includes evaluating the stability and potential interference of multiple organic sulfur compounds in laboratory mixtures and ambient aerosol.
Shipeng Kang, Tongzhu Yu, Yixin Yang, Jiguang Wang, Huaqiao Gui, Jianguo Liu, and Da-Ren Chen
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 16, 3245–3255, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-3245-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-3245-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
A new aerosol electrometer, the thermal precipitation aerosol electrometer (TPAE), was designed for particles in sizes less than 300 nm, and its prototype performance was experimentally evaluated. The TPAE combines the thermal precipitator in the disk-to-disk configuration with a microcurrent measurement circuit board (i.e., pre-amplifier) for measuring the current carried by collected particles. Our performance study shows that the TPAE performance is consistent with the reference.
Battist Utinger, Steven John Campbell, Nicolas Bukowiecki, Alexandre Barth, Benjamin Gfeller, Ray Freshwater, Hans-Rudolf Rüegg, and Markus Kalberer
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 16, 2641–2654, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-2641-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-2641-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Exposure to atmospheric aerosols can lead to adverse health effect, but particle components responsible for this are unknown. Redox-active compounds, some with very short lifetimes, are considered to be a toxic class of compounds in particles. We developed the first online field instrument to quantify short-lived and stable redox-active compounds with a physiological assay based on ascorbic acid and a high time resolution and detection limits to allow measurements at unpolluted locations.
Ella Häkkinen, Jian Zhao, Frans Graeffe, Nicolas Fauré, Jordan E. Krechmer, Douglas Worsnop, Hilkka Timonen, Mikael Ehn, and Juha Kangasluoma
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 16, 1705–1721, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-1705-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-1705-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Highly oxygenated compounds contribute to the formation and growth of atmospheric organic aerosol and thus impact the global climate. Knowledge of their transformations and fate after condensing into the particle phase has been limited by the lack of suitable detection techniques. Here, we present an online method for measuring highly oxygenated compounds from organic aerosol. We evaluate the performance of the method and demonstrate that the method is applicable to different organic species.
Julia Pikmann, Lasse Moormann, Frank Drewnick, and Stephan Borrmann
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 16, 1323–1341, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-1323-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-1323-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Aerosols measured in complex environments are usually a mixture of emissions from different sources. To characterize sources individually, we developed a sampling system for particles and organic trace gases which is coupled to real-time data of physical and chemical aerosol properties, gas concentrations, and meteorological variables. Using suitable sampling conditions for individual aerosols which are compared with the real-time data the desired aerosols are sampled separately from each other.
Christopher R. Niedek, Fan Mei, Maria A. Zawadowicz, Zihua Zhu, Beat Schmid, and Qi Zhang
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 16, 955–968, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-955-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-955-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
This novel micronebulization aerosol mass spectrometry (MS) technique requires a low sample volume (10 μL) and can quantify nanogram levels of organic and inorganic particulate matter (PM) components when used with 34SO4. This technique was successfully applied to PM samples collected from uncrewed atmospheric measurement platforms and provided chemical information that agrees well with real-time data from a co-located aerosol chemical speciation monitor and offline data from secondary ion MS.
Martin Rauber, Gary Salazar, Karl Espen Yttri, and Sönke Szidat
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 16, 825–844, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-825-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-825-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Carbon-containing aerosols from ambient air are analysed for radioactive isotope radiocarbon to determine the contribution from fossil-fuel emissions. Light-absorbing soot-like aerosols are isolated by water extraction and thermal separation. This separation is affected by artefacts, for which we developed a new correction method. The investigation of aerosols from the Arctic shows that our approach works well for such samples, where many artefacts are expected.
Alain Miffre, Danaël Cholleton, Clément Noël, and Patrick Rairoux
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 16, 403–417, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-403-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-403-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
The depolarization ratio of hematite, silica, Arizona and Asian dust is evaluated in a lab with a π-polarimeter operating at lidar 180 ° and at (355, 532) nm wavelengths. The hematite depolarization equals (10±1) % at 355 nm for coarser particles, while that of silica is (33±1) %. This huge difference is explained by accounting for the high imaginary part of the hematite complex refractive index, thus revealing the key role played by light absorption in mineral dust lidar depolarization.
Miriam Chacón-Mateos, Bernd Laquai, Ulrich Vogt, and Cosima Stubenrauch
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 7395–7410, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-7395-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-7395-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The study evaluates a low-cost dryer to avoid the negative effect of hygroscopic growth and fog droplets in the particulate matter (PM) concentrations of sensors. The results show a reduction in the overestimation of the PM but also an underestimation compared to reference devices. Special care is needed when designing a dryer as high temperatures change the sampled air by evaporating the most volatile particulate species. Low-cost dryers are very promising for different sensor applications.
Svetlana Sofieva, Eija Asmi, Nina S. Atanasova, Aino E. Heikkinen, Emeline Vidal, Jonathan Duplissy, Martin Romantschuk, Rostislav Kouznetsov, Jaakko Kukkonen, Dennis H. Bamford, Antti-Pekka Hyvärinen, and Mikhail Sofiev
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 6201–6219, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-6201-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-6201-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
A new bubble-generating glass chamber design with an extensive set of aerosol production experiments is presented to re-evaluate bubble-bursting-mediated aerosol production as a function of water parameters: bubbling air flow, water salinity, and temperature. Our main findings suggest modest dependence of aerosol production on the water salinity and a strong dependence on temperature below ~ 10 °C.
Kristian J. Kiland, Kevin L. Marroquin, Natalie R. Smith, Shaun Xu, Sergey A. Nizkorodov, and Allan K. Bertram
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 5545–5561, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-5545-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-5545-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Information on the viscosity of secondary organic aerosols is needed when making air quality, climate, and atmospheric chemistry predictions. Viscosity depends on temperature, so we developed a new method for measuring the temperature-dependent viscosity of small samples. As an application of the method, we measured the viscosity of farnesene secondary organic aerosol at different temperatures.
Sabin Kasparoglu, Mohammad Maksimul Islam, Nicholas Meskhidze, and Markus D. Petters
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 5007–5018, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-5007-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-5007-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
A modified version of a Handix Scientific printed optical particle spectrometer is introduced. The paper presents characterization experiments, including concentration, size, and time responses. Integration of an external multichannel analyzer card removes counting limitations of the original instrument. It is shown that the high-resolution light-scattering amplitude data can be used to sense particle-phase transitions.
Nikunj Dudani and Satoshi Takahama
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 4693–4707, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-4693-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-4693-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
We designed and fabricated an aerosol collector with high collection efficiency that enables quantitative infrared spectroscopy analysis. By collecting particles on optical windows, typical substrate interferences are eliminated. New methods for fabricating aerosol devices using 3D printing with post-treatment to reduce the time and cost of prototyping are described.
Mao Du, Aristeidis Voliotis, Yunqi Shao, Yu Wang, Thomas J. Bannan, Kelly L. Pereira, Jacqueline F. Hamilton, Carl J. Percival, M. Rami Alfarra, and Gordon McFiggans
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 4385–4406, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-4385-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-4385-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Atmospheric chemistry plays a key role in the understanding of aerosol formation and air pollution. We designed chamber experiments for the characterization of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) from a biogenic precursor with inorganic seed. Our results highlight the advantages of a combination of online FIGAERO-CIMS and offline LC-Orbitrap MS analytical techniques to characterize the chemical composition of SOA in chamber studies.
Chuan Ping Lee, Mihnea Surdu, David M. Bell, Josef Dommen, Mao Xiao, Xueqin Zhou, Andrea Baccarini, Stamatios Giannoukos, Günther Wehrle, Pascal André Schneider, Andre S. H. Prevot, Jay G. Slowik, Houssni Lamkaddam, Dongyu Wang, Urs Baltensperger, and Imad El Haddad
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 3747–3760, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-3747-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-3747-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Real-time detection of both the gas and particle phase is needed to elucidate the sources and chemical reaction pathways of organic vapors and particulate matter. The Dual-EESI was developed to measure gas- and particle-phase species to provide new insights into aerosol sources or formation mechanisms. After characterizing the relative gas and particle response factors of EESI via organic aerosol uptake experiments, the Dual-EESI is more sensitive toward gas-phase analyes.
Martin I. Daily, Mark D. Tarn, Thomas F. Whale, and Benjamin J. Murray
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 2635–2665, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-2635-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-2635-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Mineral dust and particles of biological origin are important types of ice-nucleating particles (INPs) that can trigger ice formation of supercooled cloud droplets. Heat treatments are used to detect the presence of biological INPs in samples collected from the environment as the activity of mineral INPs is assumed unchanged, although not fully assessed. We show that the ice-nucleating ability of some minerals can change after heating and discuss how INP heat tests should be interpreted.
Jiyan Wu, Chi Yang, Chunyan Zhang, Fang Cao, Aiping Wu, and Yanlin Zhang
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 2623–2633, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-2623-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-2623-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
We introduced an online method to simultaneously determine the content of inorganic salt ions and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in PM2.5 hour by hour. We verified the accuracy and precision of the instrument. And we got the daily changes in ROS and the main sources that affect ROS. This breakthrough enables the quantitative assessment of atmospheric particulate matter ROS at the diurnal scale, providing an effective tool to study sources and environmental impacts of ROS.
Virginia Vernocchi, Marco Brunoldi, Silvia G. Danelli, Franco Parodi, Paolo Prati, and Dario Massabò
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 2159–2175, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-2159-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-2159-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The performance of a mini inverted soot generator was investigated at a simulation chamber facility by studying the soot generated by ethylene and propane combustion, together with the number, size, optical properties, and EC / OC concentrations. Mass absorption coefficients and Ångström absorption exponents are compatible with the literature, with some differences. The characterization of MISG soot particles is fundamental to design and perform experiments in atmospheric simulation chambers.
Magdalena Vallon, Linyu Gao, Feng Jiang, Bianca Krumm, Jens Nadolny, Junwei Song, Thomas Leisner, and Harald Saathoff
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 1795–1810, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-1795-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-1795-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
A LED-based light source has been constructed for the AIDA simulation chamber at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. It allows aerosol formation and ageing studies under atmospherically relevant illumination intensities and spectral characteristics at temperatures from –90 °C to 30 °C with the possibility of changing the photon flux and irradiation spectrum at any point. The first results of photolysis experiments with 2,3-pentanedione, iron oxalate and a brown carbon component are shown.
Danaël Cholleton, Émilie Bialic, Antoine Dumas, Pascal Kaluzny, Patrick Rairoux, and Alain Miffre
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 1021–1032, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-1021-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-1021-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
While pollen impacts public health and the Earth’s climate, the identification of each pollen taxon remains challenging. In this context, a laboratory evaluation of the polarimetric light-scattering characteristics of ragweed, ash, birch and pine pollen, when embedded in ambient air, is here performed at two wavelengths. Interestingly, the achieved precision of the retrieved scattering matrix elements allows unequivocal light scattering characteristics of each studied taxon to be identified.
Kanishk Gohil and Akua A. Asa-Awuku
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 1007–1019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-1007-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-1007-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
This work develops a methodology and software to study and analyze the cloud-droplet-forming ability of aerosols with an aerodynamic aerosol classifier (AAC). This work quantifies the uncertainties in size-resolved measurements and subsequent uncertainties propagated to cloud droplet parameterizations. Lastly, we present the best practices for AAC cloud droplet measurement.
Yunqi Shao, Yu Wang, Mao Du, Aristeidis Voliotis, M. Rami Alfarra, Simon P. O'Meara, S. Fiona Turner, and Gordon McFiggans
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 539–559, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-539-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-539-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
A comprehensive description and characterisation of the Manchester Aerosol Chamber (MAC) was conducted. The MAC has good temperature and relative humidity homogeneity, fast mixing times, and comparable losses of gases and particles with other chambers. The MAC's bespoke control system allows improved duty cycles and repeatable experiments. Moreover, the effect of contamination on performance was also investigated. It is highly recommended to regularly track the chamber's performance.
Dina Alfaouri, Monica Passananti, Tommaso Zanca, Lauri Ahonen, Juha Kangasluoma, Jakub Kubečka, Nanna Myllys, and Hanna Vehkamäki
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 11–19, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-11-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-11-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
To study what is happening in the atmosphere, it is important to be able to measure the molecules and clusters present in it. In our work, we studied an artifact that happens inside a mass spectrometer, in particular the fragmentation of clusters. We were able to quantify the fragmentation and retrieve the correct concentration and composition of the clusters using our dual (experimental and theoretical) approach.
Sudheer Salana, Yixiang Wang, Joseph V. Puthussery, and Vishal Verma
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 14, 7579–7593, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-7579-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-7579-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Oxidative potential (OP) of particulate matter (PM) is an important indicator of PM toxicity. However, no automated instrument has ever been developed to provide a rapid high-throughput analysis of cell-based OP measurements. Here, we developed a semi-automated instrument, the first of its kind, for measuring oxidative potential using rat alveolar cells. We also developed a dataset on the intrinsic cellular OP of several compounds commonly known to be present in ambient PM.
Cited articles
Austin, E., Novosselov, I., Seto, E., and Yost, M. G.: Laboratory evaluation
of the Shinyei PPD42NS low-cost particulate matter sensor, PLoS One, 10,
1–17, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0137789, 2015.
Badura, M., Batog, P., Drzeniecka-Osiadacz, A., and Modzel, P.: Evaluation of
low-cost sensors for ambient PM2.5 monitoring, J. Sensors, 2018, 5096540, https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/5096540, 2018.
Bai, L., Huang, L., Wang, Z., Ying, Q., Zheng, J., Shi, X., and Hu, J.:
Long-term field Evaluation of Low-cost Particulate Matter Sensors in
Nanjing, Aerosol Air Qual. Res., 20, 1–12, https://doi.org/10.4209/aaqr.2018.11.0424, 2019.
Berglund, R. N. and Liu, B. Y. H.: Generation of Monodisperse Aerosol
Standards, Environ. Sci. Technol., 7, 147–153, https://doi.org/10.1021/es60074a001,
1973.
Budde, M., D. Schwarz, A., Müller, T., Laquai, B., Streibl, N.,
Schindler, G., Köpke, M., Riedel, T., Dittler, A., and Beigl, M.:
Potential and Limitations of the Low-Cost SDS011 Particle Sensor for
Monitoring Urban Air Quality, 3rd International Conference on
Atmospheric Dust (DUST2018), ProScience, 5, 6–12, https://doi.org/10.14644/dust.2018.002, 2018.
Bulot, F. M. J. J., Johnston, S. J., Basford, P. J., Easton, N. H. C. C.,
Apetroaie-Cristea, M., Foster, G. L., Morris, A. K. R. R., Cox, S. J., and
Loxham, M.: Long-term field comparison of multiple low-cost particulate
matter sensors in an outdoor urban environment, Sci. Rep., 9, 7497,
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-43716-3, 2019.
Burkart, J., Steiner, G., Reischl, G., Moshammer, H., Neuberger, M., and
Hitzenberger, R.: Characterizing the performance of two optical particle
counters (Grimm OPC1.108 and OPC1.109) under urban aerosol conditions, J.
Aerosol Sci., 41, 953–962, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaerosci.2010.07.007, 2010.
Caubel, J. J., Cados, T. E., Preble, C. V., and Kirchstetter, T. W.: A
Distributed Network of 100 Black Carbon Sensors for 100 Days of Air Quality
Monitoring in West Oakland, California, Environ. Sci. Technol., 53,
7564–7573, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.9b00282, 2019.
Feenstra, B., Papapostolou, V., Hasheminassab, S., Zhang, H., Boghossian, B.
Der, Cocker, D., and Polidori, A.: Performance evaluation of twelve low-cost
PM2.5 sensors at an ambient air monitoring site, Atmos. Environ.,
216, 116946, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2019.116946, 2019.
Feinberg, S. N., Williams, R., Hagler, G., Low, J., Smith, L., Brown, R.,
Garver, D., Davis, M., Morton, M., Schaefer, J., and Campbell, J.: Examining
spatiotemporal variability of urban particulate matter and application of
high-time resolution data from a network of low-cost air pollution sensors,
Atmos. Environ., 213, 579–584, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2019.06.026, 2019.
Gao, M., Cao, J., and Seto, E.: A distributed network of low-cost continuous
reading sensors to measure spatiotemporal variations of PM2.5 in Xi'an,
China, Environ. Pollut., 199, 56–65, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2015.01.013,
2015.
Grimm 1.108: Aerosol spectrometer user manual, available
at: https://wmo-gaw-wcc-aerosol-physics.org/files/opc-grimm-model--1.108-and-1.109.pdf (last access: 11 February 2020), GRIMM Aerosol Technik GmbH, Germany, 2020.
Hapidin, D. A., Saputra, C., Maulana, D. S., Munir, M. M., and Khairurrijal,
K.: Aerosol chamber characterization for commercial particulate matter (PM)
sensor evaluation, Aerosol Air Qual. Res., 19, 181–194,
https://doi.org/10.4209/aaqr.2017.12.0611, 2019.
Holstius, D. M., Pillarisetti, A., Smith, K. R., and Seto, E.: Field calibrations of a low-cost aerosol sensor at a regulatory monitoring site in California, Atmos. Meas. Tech., 7, 1121–1131, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-7-1121-2014, 2014.
Jayaratne, R., Liu, X., Thai, P., Dunbabin, M., and Morawska, L.: The influence of humidity on the performance of a low-cost air particle mass sensor and the effect of atmospheric fog, Atmos. Meas. Tech., 11, 4883–4890, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-11-4883-2018, 2018.
Jiao, W., Hagler, G., Williams, R., Sharpe, R., Brown, R., Garver, D., Judge, R., Caudill, M., Rickard, J., Davis, M., Weinstock, L., Zimmer-Dauphinee, S., and Buckley, K.: Community Air Sensor Network (CAIRSENSE) project: evaluation of low-cost sensor performance in a suburban environment in the southeastern United States, Atmos. Meas. Tech., 9, 5281–5292, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-9-5281-2016, 2016.
Johnson, K. K., Bergin, M. H., Russell, A. G., and Hagler, G. S. W.: Field
test of several low-cost particulate matter sensors in high and low
concentration urban environments, Aerosol Air Qual. Res., 18, 565–578,
https://doi.org/10.4209/aaqr.2017.10.0418, 2018.
Johnson, N. E., Bonczak, B., and Kontokosta, C. E.: Using a gradient boosting
model to improve the performance of low-cost aerosol monitors in a dense,
heterogeneous urban environment, Atmos. Environ., 184, 9–16,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2018.04.019, 2018.
Karagulian, F., Barbiere, M., Kotsev, A., Spinelle, L., Gerboles, M.,
Lagler, F., Redon, N., Crunaire, S., and Borowiak, A.: Review of the
Performance of Low-Cost Sensors for Air Quality Monitoring, Atmosphere, 10, 506, https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10090506, 2019.
Kumar, P., Morawska, L., Martani, C., Biskos, G., Neophytou, M., Di
Sabatino, S., Bell, M., Norford, L., and Britter, R.: The rise of low-cost
sensing for managing air pollution in cities, Environ. Int., 75, 199–205,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2014.11.019, 2015.
Kuula, J., Mäkelä, T., Hillamo, R., and Timonen, H.: Response
characterization of an inexpensive aerosol sensor, Sensors, 17, 2915, https://doi.org/10.3390/s17122915, 2017.
Kuula, J., Kuuluvainen, H., Rönkkö, T., Niemi, J. V., Saukko, E.,
Portin, H., Aurela, M., Saarikoski, S., Rostedt, A., Hillamo, R., and
Timonen, H.: Applicability of Optical and Diffusion Charging-Based
Particulate Matter Sensors to Urban Air Quality Measurements, Aerosol Air
Qual. Res., 122, 1–16, https://doi.org/10.4209/aaqr.2018.04.0143, 2018.
Laquai, B.: Impact of Particle Mass Distribution on the Measurement Accuracy
of Low-Cost PM-Sensors, October, available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320537200_Impact_of_Particle_Mass_Distribution_on_the_Measurement_Accuracy_of_Low-Cost_PM-Sensors (last access: 1 April 2020), 2017a.
Laquai, B.: Particle Distribution Dependent Inaccuracy of the Plantower
PMS5003 low-cost PM-sensor Particle Distribution Dependent Inaccuracy of
the Plantower PMS5003 low-cost PM-sensor, October, available
at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320555036_Particle Distribution_Dependent_Inaccuracy_of_the_Plantower_PMS5003_low-cost_PM-sensor (last access: 10 September 2019), 2017b.
Levy Zamora, M., Xiong, F., Gentner, D., Kerkez, B., Kohrman-Glaser, J., and
Koehler, K.: Field and Laboratory Evaluations of the Low-Cost Plantower
Particulate Matter Sensor, Environ. Sci. Technol., 53, 838–849,
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.8b05174, 2019.
Li, J. and Biswas, P.: Optical characterization studies of a low-cost
particle sensor, Aerosol Air Qual. Res., 17, 1691–1704,
https://doi.org/10.4209/aaqr.2017.02.0085, 2017.
Li, J., Mattewal, S. K., Patel, S., and Biswas, P.: Evaluation of Nine
Low-cost-sensor-based Particulate Matter Monitors, Aerosol Air Qual. Res.,
20, 1–17, https://doi.org/10.4209/aaqr.2018.12.0485, 2019.
Liu, H. Y., Schneider, P., Haugen, R., and Vogt, M.: Performance assessment
of a low-cost PM2.5 sensor for a near four-month period in Oslo, Norway,
Atmosphere, 10, 41, https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10020041, 2019.
Magi, B. I., Cupini, C., Francis, J., Green, M., and Hauser, C.: Evaluation
of PM2.5 measured in an urban setting using a low-cost optical particle
counter and a Federal Equivalent Method Beta Attenuation Monitor, Aerosol
Sci. Technol., 0, 1–13, https://doi.org/10.1080/02786826.2019.1619915, 2019.
Malings, C., Tanzer, R., Hauryliuk, A., Saha, P. K., Robinson, A. L.,
Presto, A. A., and Subramanian, R.: Fine particle mass monitoring with
low-cost sensors: Corrections and long-term performance evaluation, Aerosol
Sci. Technol., 0, 1–15, https://doi.org/10.1080/02786826.2019.1623863, 2019.
Manikonda, A., Zikova, N., Hopke, P. K., and Ferro, A. R.: Laboratory
assessment of low-cost PM monitors, J. Aerosol Sci., 102, 29–40, 2016.
Morawska, L., Thai, P. K., Liu, X., Asumadu-Sakyi, A., Ayoko, G., Bartonova,
A., Bedini, A., Chai, F., Christensen, B., Dunbabin, M., Gao, J., Hagler,
G., Jayaratne, R., Kumar, P., Lau, A. K. H., Louie, P. K. K., Mazaheri, M.,
Ning, Z., Motta, N., Mullins, B., Rahman, M. M., Ristovski, Z., Shafiei, M.,
Tjondronegoro, D., Westerdahl, D., and Williams, R.: Applications of low-cost
sensing technologies for air quality monitoring and exposure assessment: How
far have they gone?, Environ. Int., 116, 286–299,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2018.04.018, 2018.
Papapostolou, V., Zhang, H., Feenstra, B. J., and Polidori, A.: Development
of an environmental chamber for evaluating the performance of low-cost air
quality sensors under controlled conditions, Atmos. Environ., 171, 82–90,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2017.10.003, 2017.
Peters, T. M., Ott, D., and O'Shaughnessy, P. T.: Comparison of the Grimm
1.108 and 1.109 portable aerosol spectrometer to the TSI 3321 aerodynamic
particle sizer for dry particles, Ann. Occup. Hyg., 50, 843–850,
https://doi.org/10.1093/annhyg/mel067, 2006.
Popoola, O. A. M., Carruthers, D., Lad, C., Bright, V. B., Mead, M. I.,
Stettler, M. E. J., Saffell, J. R., and Jones, R. L.: Use of networks of low
cost air quality sensors to quantify air quality in urban settings, Atmos.
Environ., 194, 58–70, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2018.09.030, 2018.
Rai, A. C., Kumar, P., Pilla, F., Skouloudis, A. N., Di Sabatino, S., Ratti,
C., Yasar, A., and Rickerby, D.: End-user perspective of low-cost sensors for
outdoor air pollution monitoring, Sci. Total Environ., 607–608, 691–705, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.06.266, 2017.
Sayahi, T., Kaufman, D., Becnel, T., Kaur, K., Butterfield, A., Collingwoodd,
S., Zhang, Y., Gaillardon, P.-E., and Kelly, K. E.: Development of a
calibration chamber to evaluate the performance of low-cost particulate
matter sensors, Environ. Pollut., 255, 113131, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113131, 2019a.
Sayahi, T., Butterfield, A., and Kelly, K. E.: Long-term field evaluation of
the Plantower PMS low-cost particulate matter sensors, Environ. Pollut.,
245, 932–940, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2018.11.065, 2019b.
Schneider, P., Bartonova, A., Castell, N., Dauge, F. R., Gerboles, M.,
Hagler, G. S. W., Hüglin, C., Jones, R. L., Khan, S., Lewis, A. C.,
Mijling, B., Müller, M., Penza, M., Spinelle, L., Stacey, B., Vogt, M.,
Wesseling, J., and Williams, R. W.: Toward a Unified Terminology of
Processing Levels for Low-Cost Air-Quality Sensors, Environ. Sci. Technol.,
53, 8485–8487, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.9b03950, 2019.
Snyder, E. G., Watkins, T. H., Solomon, P. A., Thoma, E. D., Williams, R.
W., Hagler, G., Shelow, D., Hindin, D. A., Kilaru, V. J., and Preuss, P. W.:
The changing paradigm of air pollution monitoring, Environ. Sci. Technol.,
47, 11369–11377, https://doi.org/10.1021/es4022602, 2013.
Sousan, S., Koehler, K., Thomas, G., Park, J. H., Hillman, M., Halterman, A., and Peters, T. M.: Inter-comparison of low-cost sensors for measuring the
mass concentration of occupational aerosols, Aerosol Sci. Technol., 50,
462–473, https://doi.org/10.1080/02786826.2016.1162901, 2016.
South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD): Field Evaluation
Sensirion SPS30 Evaluation Kit Background, available at:
http://www.aqmd.gov/docs/default-source/aq-spec/field-evaluations/sensirion-sps30-evaluation-kit---field-evaluation.pdf, last access: 5 November 2019.
Volckens, J. and Peters, T. M.: Counting and particle transmission efficiency
of the aerodynamic particle sizer, J. Aerosol Sci., 36, 1400–1408, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaerosci.2005.03.009, 2005.
Wang, Y., Li, J., Jing, H., Zhang, Q., Jiang, J., and Biswas, P.: Laboratory
Evaluation and Calibration of Three Low-Cost Particle Sensors for
Particulate Matter Measurement, Aerosol Sci. Technol., 49, 1063–1077,
https://doi.org/10.1080/02786826.2015.1100710, 2015.
Yuval, Magen Molho, H., Zivan, O., Broday, D. M., and Raz, R.: Application of
a sensor network of low cost optical particle counters for assessing the
impact of quarry emissions on its vicinity, Atmos. Environ., 211, 29–37,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2019.04.054, 2019.
Zheng, T., Bergin, M. H., Johnson, K. K., Tripathi, S. N., Shirodkar, S., Landis, M. S., Sutaria, R., and Carlson, D. E.: Field evaluation of low-cost particulate matter sensors in high- and low-concentration environments, Atmos. Meas. Tech., 11, 4823–4846, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-11-4823-2018, 2018.
Short summary
Particle-size-dependent detection ranges of low-cost particulate matter sensors were evaluated in a laboratory experiment. Six different sensor models were evaluated altogether. The results showed that none of the sensor models adhered to the technical specifications provided by the manufacturers, and thus a high risk of sensor misuse is posed. It is paramount that the limitations regarding the particle size discrimination of low-cost sensors are acknowledged properly.
Particle-size-dependent detection ranges of low-cost particulate matter sensors were evaluated...
