Sea spray aerosol (SSA) is composed of a myriad of complex organic and inorganic compounds that will dictate its physicochemical properties. Recent analyses of samples collected in a unique ocean-atmosphere facility reveal several different particle types that are the main components in SSA. These particles include polysaccharide, lipopolysaccharide and exopolymeric substances that are biologically derived compounds from marine environments. Here, we present results of the experiments on the water uptake properties of these particles types using Hygroscopicity Tandem Differential Analyzer (HTDMA) under varying relative humidity (RH) for size-selected particles at 100 nm. These particles show gradual deliquescence and efflorescence characterized by continuous uptake and loss of water upon hydration and dehydration processes, respectively. The mixtures of these compounds with NaCl demonstrate significant influence of sugars and biological components on the hydration properties and deliquescence/efflorescence phase transitions of NaCl. As will be discussed, phase transitions of these mixtures occur at a lower RH relative to the pure inorganic salt and the growth factor at 85% RH is suppressed. Additionally, Raman microscopy and atomic force microscopy was used to look at the water vibrational frequencies and morphology, respectively, of substrate deposited particle mixtures to aid in understanding the processes involved in water uptake of these mixtures.

Interaction of water vapor with sugars and biological components of sea spray aerosol and mixtures of sea-salt with biologically derived compounds

251st National Meeting (2016)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.