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Biomass Burning Marker Characterization in Phoenix Area High Particulate Matter Events

Undergraduate #91
Discipline: Chemistry and Chemical Sciences
Subcategory: Air
Session: 1
Room: Exhibit Hall

Ikumi R. Ellis - Arizona State University
Co-Author(s): Pierre Herckes, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ



Atmospheric particulates, largely constituted by biomass burning aerosols, are a significant source of air pollution in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, contributing to reduced visibility, adverse public health effects, poor regional air quality, and negative impacts on climate. Concerns regarding immediate and long-term effects on safety, air quality, and public health as adversely affected by biomass burning contribute to a growing need for the characterization and quantification of biomass burning markers in the Phoenix metropolitan area, particularly inter-seasonally during high particulate matter events. Identification of chemical differences in PM2.5 composition in Phoenix, AZ during summer and winter biomass burning impacted episodes aids in source appointment and provides crucial insight into seasonal variances, speciation, and distribution of source materials, further contributing to current understanding of aerosols emitted during biomass burning episodes and their presence in the Southwestern urban sphere. To understand the relative quantities and identities of the biomass burning markers, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed for trace analysis of prepared samples. Characterization of relevant chemical marker species will elucidate trends in seasonal variability of biomass burning aerosols and toxics composition and will lead to a greater understanding of composition and variance. The research conducted will provide insight into current and potential biomass burning mitigation strategies, as well as characterization of genotoxic and carcinogenic PAHs. In addition to primary combustion aerosol emissions, it is relevant for future studies to simultaneously observe and account for the formation of secondary organic aerosols as a result of photochemical aging of biomass burning aerosols.

Funder Acknowledgement(s): This research is supported by the Western Alliance to Expand Student Opportunities (WAESO) Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) National Science Foundation (NSF) Cooperative Agreement No. HRD-1619524.

Faculty Advisor: Pierre Herckes, Pierre.Herckes@asu.edu

Role: Of the research described in my abstract, I completed all components, including laboratory and analytical work, under the guidance of Dr. Pierre Herckes.

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This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under Grant No. DUE-1930047. Any opinions, findings, interpretations, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of its authors and do not represent the views of the AAAS Board of Directors, the Council of AAAS, AAAS’ membership or the National Science Foundation.

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