Using a unique, sea spray aerosol generation facility with breaking waves, the physicochemical properties of nascent sea spray particles have been measured using a combination of off-line microscopy and spectroscopy (TEM-EDX, EF-TEM, and Raman spectromicroscopy) with on-line mass spectrometry (ATOFMS) on sea spray generated in an isolated setting where seawater chemistry could be systematically altered to study changes in the aerosols produced. The data show a range of particle types, morphologies and chemical composition. These same techniques were then used to probe changes in physicochemical properties of sea spray particles following heterogeneous chemical reactions. Upon reaction with nitric acid (HNO3), these particles were observed to undergo a phase separation leading to changes in the distribution of cations, anions, and organic species that can alter trace gas uptake, mass transfer, and partitioning. These changes have important implications for the environmental and climate impacts of sea spray aerosol.

Heterogeneous reactions of nitric acid at the interface of nascent sea spray aerosol: Phase changes caused by anthropogenic contaminants

246th National Meeting (2013)

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