Human exposures to particulate matter are among the leading causes of premature death worldwide.
Particles in the air are also known to have large, but uncertain effects on the radiative balance of the earth. The health and climate effects of particulate matter depends on their chemical and physical properties, which reflect their origins and atmospheric processing. Atmospheric chemistry research in the Stone Group advances our understanding of the chemical composition and sources of atmospheric particulate matter. We conduct field research, apply analytical tools to study airborne particles, and apportion pollution to its sources.
Research projects
- Characterization of atmospheric pollen under extreme weather conditions with chemical, physical, and biological methods
- Development of instrumental methods for the separation and quantification of molecular markers of primary aerosol sources and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) tracers in atmospheric aerosols, using gas and liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry.
- Source apportionment of ambient particulate matter in urban and remote locations.
- Characterization of emissions from sea spray, biomass burning, and waste burning through field and laboratory experiments.