Atmospheric Chemistry Program Seminar

Diffusion of organics in secondary organic aerosol by Allan Bertram, University of British Columbia

"Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) can modify Earth’s climate by scattering and absorbing solar radiation and by modifying the properties of clouds. SOA can also negatively affect air quality and reduce visibility in urban environments. To predict the role of SOA in climate, air quality and visibility, a good understanding of the diffusion of organics within SOA particles is required. Through a series of laboratory studies, we have shown that the diffusion rate of organics within SOA particles depends strongly on several factors including the relative humidity and the precursors used to generate SOA. More recently, we have used these results to estimate the mixing times of organics within SOA particles in the planetary boundary layer and free troposphere."