Characterization of vertical aerosol flows by single particle mass spectrometry for micrometeorological analysis

A single particle mass spectrometer LAMPAS 2 (Laser Mass Analyzer for Particles in the Airborne State) was combined with an ultrasonic anemometer to provide a measurement system for monitoring environmental substance exchange as caused by emission/deposition of aerosol particles. For this study, 681 mass spectra of detected particles were sorted into groups of similarity by a clustering algorithm leading to five classes of different particle types. Each single mass spectrum was correlated to corresponding anemometer data (vertical wind vector and wind speed) in a time-resolved analysis. Due to sampling constraints time-resolution was limited to 36 s, as a result of transition time distributions through the sampling tube. Vertical particle flow (emission/deposition) was determined for all particles based on these data as acquired during a measuring campaign in Giessen, Germany. For a selected particle class a detailed up- and downwards flow consideration was performed to prove the developed approach. Particle flow of that class was dominated by an emission trend as expected. The presented combination of single-particle mass spectrometry and ultrasonic anemometry provides for the possibility to correlate chemical particle data and wind data in a distinct assignment for the description of turbulent particle behavior near earth surface. Results demonstrate the ability to apply the method to real micrometeorological systems, if sampling issues are properly considered for an intended time resolution.

► Mass spectrometric single particle analysis and ultrasonic anemometry were combined.
► Chemical composition of particles and wind data near earth surface were correlated.
► The method describes vertical exchange of matter based on turbulent particle behavior.