Development of an Enhanced Analytical Capability for Measuring Polar Atmospheric Organic Compounds

The objective of this project is to improve the chemical characterization of polar organic compounds within the lower troposphere. Polar organic compounds contribute to degradation in air quality and may be associated with the adverse health impacts of air pollution. The project includes the development of a relatively new instrument configuration to identify polar organic material by combining Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry with Atmospheric Pressure Electrospray Ionization Analysis. Protocols will be developed for extracting polar organic compounds from fine particulate samples into aqueous solutions and using high-pressure liquid chromatography for separating complex mixtures containing polar organic compounds before introducing them into the instrument. A searchable library of polar organic compounds will be generated using prepared standards that are analyzed by this technique.