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Updated: Jun 14, 2025

Extraction and Characterization of Surfactants from Atmospheric Aerosols
Published on: April 21, 2017
Enhanced aqueous formation and neutralization of fine atmospheric particles driven by extreme cold
James R Campbell1, Michael Battaglia2, Kayane K Dingilian2
1Geophysical Institute and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA.
Abstract:
The prevailing view for aqueous secondary aerosol formation is that it occurs in clouds and fogs, owing to the large liquid water content compared to minute levels in fine particles. Our research indicates that this view may need reevaluation due to enhancements in aqueous reactions in highly concentrated small particles. Here, we show that low temperature can play a role through a unique effect on particle pH that can substantially modulate secondary aerosol formation. Marked increases in hydroxymethanesulfonate observed under extreme cold in Fairbanks, Alaska, demonstrate the effect. These findings provide insight on aqueous chemistry in fine particles under cold conditions expanding possible regions of secondary aerosol formation that are pH dependent beyond conditions of high liquid water.
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