Human exposures to particulate matter is among the leading causes of premature death worldwide. Particles in the air are also known to have large, but uncertain effects on the radiative balance of the earth. The health and climate effects of particulate matter depends on their chemical and physical properties, which reflect their origins and atmospheric processing. Atmospheric chemistry research in the Stone Group advances our understanding of the chemical composition and sources of atmospheric particulate matter. We conduct field research, apply analytical tools to study airborne particles, and apportion pollution to its sources.
Research Projects
- Characterization of atmospheric pollen under extreme weather conditions with chemical, physical, and biological methods
- In the NSF CCI, Center for Aerosol Impacts on Chemistry of the Environment (CAICE), our mission is to transform our ability to accurately predict the impact of aerosols on the chemistry of the environment. We apply analytical techniques to measure the molecular constituents of sea spray aerosol and its variation with biological processes in the ocean and post-emission chemical perturbations.
- Development of instrumental methods for the separation and quantification of organosulfates in atmospheric aerosols, using liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry.
- Source apportionment of ambient particulate matter in urban and remote locations.
- Characterization of emissions from biomass and garbage burning through field and laboratory experiments.