AAAR 35th Annual Conference October 17 - October 21, 2016 Oregon Convention Center Portland, Oregon, USA
Abstract View
Laboratory Studies of Freshwater Aerosol Production
NATHANIEL MAY, Jessica Axson, Peter Tirella, Andrew Ault, Kerri Pratt, University of Michigan
Abstract Number: 586 Working Group: Remote and Regional Atmospheric Aerosols
Abstract Wave breaking induced bubble bursting can eject particles from freshwater bodies into the atmosphere in the form of lake spray aerosol (LSA), similarly to the formation of sea spray aerosol (SSA) in marine environments. LSA may impact climate significantly in areas with large bodies of freshwater, such as the Great Lakes, by scattering solar radiation and acting as seeds for cloud formation. However, the relationship between the concentration and composition of inorganic ions, organics, and biological material in freshwater and the physiochemical properties of LSA that control climate impacts are not well understood. The production of particles from freshwater may also pose a currently unknown public health risk if toxic harmful algal bloom products present in freshwater bodies are aerosolized with LSA. With HABs becoming increasingly common in freshwater bodies, it is important to assess the extent that organic and biological material is incorporated into the LSA population. Determining how freshwater composition affects the physiochemical properties of LSA particles is therefore crucial for understanding the potential regional climate and health effects of LSA. To study this phenomenon, a laboratory LSA generator was used to produce particles from freshwater samples collected over multiple seasons from locations of varying organic and biological content, including those with harmful algal blooms present. Particles were analyzed for size and chemical composition to determine how seasonal and spatial variations in freshwater composition impacts LSA production and physiochemical properties. By understanding how the composition of freshwater affects the production of LSA, this study will provide novel insights into the impacts of freshwater environment on the atmosphere.