Accurate observation of black and brown carbon in atmospheric fine particles via a versatile aerosol concentration enrichment system (VACES).

Carbonaceous aerosols (CAs) are major components of fine particulate matter (PM) that dramatically influence the energy budget of Earth. However, accurate assessment of the climatic impacts of CAs is still challenging due to the large uncertainties remaining in the measurement of their optical properties. In this respect, a modified versatile aerosol concentration enrichment system integrated into optical instruments (VACES-OPTS) was set up to increase particle concentration and amplify signal-noise ratio during optical measurement.

PM-Nitrite Heterogeneous Formation Demonstrated via a Modified Versatile Aerosol Concentration Enrichment System Coupled with Ion Chromatography.

Particulate nitrite is a critical source of hydroxyl radicals; however, it lacks high-resolution methods due to its low abundance and stability to explore its formation mechanism. In this study, a modified versatile aerosol concentration enrichment system (VACES) coupled with ion chromatography (IC) was used to measure particulate NO hourly online and achieve a lowered detection limit of 10 μg m. VACES-IC was used to observe a high- and low-concentration events of PM-NO in Shanghai, corresponding to the ambient-level concentrations of 0.