Developing X-ray Spectromicroscopic Techniques to Quantitatively Determine Population Statistics and Individual Particle Composition of Complex Mixed Aerosols

Author

Matthew Fraund, University of the PacificFollow

Date of Award

2019

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Department

Pharmaceutical and Chemical Sciences

First Advisor

Ryan C. Moffet

First Committee Member

Andreas Franz

Second Committee Member

James Hetrick

Third Committee Member

Jianhua Ren

Fourth Committee Member

Balint Sztaray

Abstract

Aerosols are a major source of uncertainty in estimates of anthropogenic effects on global radiative forcing and can pose serious health concerns. While many instrumental techniques capable of analyzing aerosol samples are available, individual-particle spectromicroscopic techniques like the ones presented here are the only ones to offer morphological and compositional measurements together. Studying the composition and mixing state of aerosol populations allowed for important aspects to be uncovered, such as: aerosol source, formation mechanism, hygroscopicity, optical properties, level of aging, and inhalation dangers. Ambient aerosols from the Amazon, both biogenic and anthropogenic, were apportioned based on their individual composition. Recently discovered organic aerosols from the central United States were identified and their chemical properties were characterized. The lead fraction of mixed lead- and zinc-rich particles from Mexico City was speciated to determine the lead’s solubility and possible bioavailability. It is through the use of these powerful spectromicroscopic techniques that a better understanding of complex mixed aerosols was achieved.

Pages

184

Recommended Citation

Fraund, Matthew. (2019). Developing X-ray Spectromicroscopic Techniques to Quantitatively Determine Population Statistics and Individual Particle Composition of Complex Mixed Aerosols. University of the Pacific, Dissertation. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/3622