31. Aircraft vertical profiles during summertime regional and Saharan dust scenarios over the north-western Mediterranean basin: aerosol optical and physical propertiesJesús Yus-Díez, Marina Ealo, Marco Pandolfi, Noemi Perez, Gloria Titos, Griša Močnik, Xavier Querol, A. Alastuey, 2021, original scientific article Abstract: Accurate measurements of the horizontal and vertical distribution of atmospheric aerosol particle optical properties are key for a better understanding of their impact on the climate. Here we present the results of a measurement campaign based on instrumented flights over north-eastern Spain. We measured vertical profiles of size-segregated atmospheric particulate matter (PM) mass concentrations and multi-wavelength scattering and absorption coefficients in the western Mediterranean basin (WMB). The campaign took place during typical summer conditions, characterized by the development of a vertical multi-layer structure, under both summer regional pollution episodes (REGs) and Saharan dust events (SDEs). REG patterns in the region form under high insolation and scarce precipitation in summer, favouring layering of highly aged fine-PM strata in the lower few kma.s.l.
The REG scenario prevailed during the entire measurement campaign. Additionally, African dust outbreaks and plumes from northern African wildfires influenced the study area. The vertical profiles of climate-relevant intensive optical parameters such as single-scattering albedo (SSA); the asymmetry parameter (g); scattering, absorption and SSA Ångström exponents (SAE, AAE and SSAAE); and PM mass scattering and absorption cross sections (MSC and MAC) were derived from the measurements. Moreover, we compared the aircraft measurements with those performed at two GAW–ACTRIS (Global Atmosphere Watch–Aerosol, Clouds and Trace Gases) surface measurement stations located in north-eastern Spain, namely Montseny (MSY; regional background) and Montsec d'Ares (MSA; remote site).
Airborne in situ measurements and ceilometer ground-based remote measurements identified aerosol air masses at altitudes up to more than 3.5 kma.s.l.
The vertical profiles of the optical properties markedly changed according to the prevailing atmospheric scenarios. During SDE the SAE was low along the profiles, reaching values < 1.0 in the dust layers. Correspondingly, SSAAE was negative, and AAE reached values up to 2.0–2.5, as a consequence of the UV absorption increased by the presence of the coarse dust particles. During REG, the SAE increased to > 2.0, and the asymmetry parameter g was rather low (0.5–0.6) due to the prevalence of fine PM, which was characterized by an AAE close to 1.0, suggesting a fossil fuel combustion origin. During REG, some of the layers featured larger AAE (> 1.5), relatively low SSA at 525 nm (< 0.85) and high MSC (> 9 m2 g−1) and were associated with the influence of PM from wildfires. Overall, the SSA and MSC near the ground ranged around 0.85 and 3 m2 g−1, respectively, and increased at higher altitudes, reaching values above 0.95 and up to 9 m2 g−1. The PM, MSC and MAC were on average larger during REG compared to SDE due to the larger scattering and absorption efficiency of fine PM compared with dust. The SSA and MSC had quite similar vertical profiles and often both increased with height indicating the progressive shift toward PM with a larger scattering efficiency with altitude.
This study contributes to our understanding of regional-aerosol vertical distribution and optical properties in the WMB, and the results will be useful for improving future climate projections and remote sensing or satellite retrieval algorithms. Keywords: aerosol, climate change, Saharan dust, black carbon, aerosol absorption, aerosol scattering Published in RUNG: 14.01.2021; Views: 2456; Downloads: 0 This document has many files! More... |
32. A single-beam photothermal interferometer for in situ measurements of aerosol light absorptionBradley Visser, Jannis Röhrbein, Peter Steigmeier, Luka Drinovec, Griša Močnik, Ernest Weingartner, 2020, original scientific article Abstract: We have developed a novel single-beam photothermal interferometer and present here its application for the measurement of aerosol light absorption. The use of only a single laser beam allows for a compact optical set-up and significantly easier alignment compared to standard dual-beam photothermal interferometers, making it ideal for field measurements. Due to a unique configuration of the reference interferometer arm, light absorption by aerosols can be determined directly – even in the presence of light-absorbing gases. The instrument can be calibrated directly with light-absorbing gases, such as NO2, and can be used to calibrate other light absorption instruments. The detection limits (1σ) for absorption for 10 and 60 s averaging times were determined to be 14.6 and 7.4 Mm−1, respectively, which for a mass absorption cross section of 10 m2 g−1 leads to equivalent black carbon concentration detection limits of 1460 and 740 ng m−3, respectively. The detection limit could be reduced further by improvements to the isolation of the instrument and the signal detection and processing schemes employed. Keywords: aerosol, aerosol absorption, black carbon, photo-thermal interferometer, climate change Published in RUNG: 29.12.2020; Views: 2650; Downloads: 74 Full text (2,44 MB) |
33. X-ray absorption spectroscopy analysis: in situ, operando, in vivoIztok Arčon, 2020, published scientific conference contribution abstract (invited lecture) Abstract: X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) is a powerful tool for characterisation of local structure and chemical state of selected elements in different new functional materials and biological or environmental samples. The XAS spectroscopy is based on extremely bright synchrotron radiation X-rays sources, which allow precise characterisation of bulk, nanostructured or highly diluted samples. With its two methods (XANES and EXAFS) it enables monitoring changes in valence states and local structures of constituent elements during chemical reactions under controlled reaction conditions, and it offers a possibility of a combination of X-ray spectroscopy and microscopy with sub-micron lateral resolution, crucial for analysis of biological samples on sub-cellular level. In this talk some typical examples of advanced XAS analysis will be presented. Keywords: X-ray absorption spectroscopy, EXAFS, XANES, in-situ, operando Published in RUNG: 17.10.2020; Views: 3131; Downloads: 0 This document has many files! More... |
34. Structural and CO [sub] 2 capture properties of ethylenediamine-modified HKUST-1 metal-organic frameworkNika Vrtovec, Matjaž Mazaj, Gianpiero Buscarino, Angela Terracina, S. Agnello, Iztok Arčon, Janez Kovač, Nataša Zabukovec Logar, 5, original scientific article Keywords: functionalization, modification, adsorption, extended X-ray absorption fine structure, materials Published in RUNG: 17.10.2020; Views: 2684; Downloads: 0 |
35. Photo-thermal interferometerLuka Drinovec, Griša Močnik, 2020, patent Abstract: A photo-thermal interferometer for measuring the light absorption of an aerosol or gas comprises a first laser source emitting a laser beam and a beam splitter adapted to divide the laser beam into a probe beam and a reference beam. The interferometer further comprises first optical elements which are adapted to direct the probe beam such that it passes through the aerosol and interferes with the reference beam thereafter thereby causing interference patterns. A detector detects the interference patterns. The interferometer further comprises a second laser source configured to emit a pump beam for transferring energy to the aerosol. Second optical elements are adapted to direct the pump beam such that it overlaps with the probe beam at least partially in the aerosol or gas. At least one of the second optical elements modifying the pump beam is an axicon. Keywords: aerosol, absorption, black carbon Published in RUNG: 15.09.2020; Views: 2968; Downloads: 0 This document has many files! More... |
36. A new optical-based technique for real-time measurements of mineral dust concentration in PM10 using a virtual impactorLuka Drinovec, Jean Sciare, Iasonas Stavroulas, Spiros Bezantakos, Michael Pikridas, FLORIN UNGA, Chrysanthos Savvides, Bojana Višnjić, Maja Remškar, Griša Močnik, 2020, original scientific article Abstract: Atmospheric mineral dust influences Earth’s radiative
budget, cloud formation, and lifetime; has adverse
health effects; and affects air quality through the increase of
regulatory PM10 concentrations, making its real-time quantification
in the atmosphere of strategic importance. Only
few near-real-time techniques can discriminate dust aerosol
in PM10 samples and they are based on the dust chemical
composition. The online determination of mineral dust using
aerosol absorption photometers offers an interesting and
competitive alternative but remains a difficult task to achieve.
This is particularly challenging when dust is mixed with
black carbon, which features a much higher mass absorption
cross section. We build on previous work using filter photometers
and present here for the first time a highly timeresolved
online technique for quantification of mineral dust
concentration by coupling a high-flow virtual impactor (VI)
sampler that concentrates coarse particles with an aerosol absorption
photometer (Aethalometer, model AE33). The absorption
of concentrated dust particles is obtained by subtracting
the absorption of the submicron (PM1) aerosol fraction
from the absorption of the virtual impactor sample (VIPM1
method). This real-time method for detecting desert
dust was tested in the field for a period of 2 months (April and
May 2016) at a regional background site of Cyprus, in the
Eastern Mediterranean. Several intense desert mineral dust
events were observed during the field campaign with dust
concentration in PM10 up to 45 μgm Keywords: aerosol absorption, mineral dust, on-line detection, air quality Published in RUNG: 20.07.2020; Views: 2794; Downloads: 0 This document has many files! More... |
37. Substantial brown carbon emissions from wintertime residential wood burning over FranceYunjiang Zhang, Alexandre Albinet, Jean-Eudes Petit, Véronique Jacob, Florie Chevrier, Gregory Gille, Sabrina Pontet, Eve Chrétien, Marta Dominik-Sègue, Gilles Levigoureux, Griša Močnik, Valérie Gros, Jean-Luc Jaffrezo, Olivier Favez, 2020, original scientific article Abstract: Brown carbon (BrC) is known to absorb light at subvisible wavelengths but its optical properties and sources are still poorly documented, leading to large uncertainties in climate studies. Here, we show its major wintertime contribution to total aerosol absorption at 370 nm (18–42%) at 9 different French sites. Moreover, an excellent correlation with levoglucosan (r2 = 0.9 and slope = 22.2 at 370 nm), suggesting important contribution of wood burning emissions to ambient BrC aerosols in France. At all sites, BrC peaks were mainly observed during late evening, linking to local intense residential wood burning during this time period. Furthermore, the geographic origin analysis also highlighted the high potential contribution of local and/or small-regional emissions to BrC. Focusing on the Paris region, twice higher BrC mass absorption efficiency value was obtained for less oxidized biomass burning organic aerosols (BBOA) compared to more oxidized BBOA (e.g., about 4.9 ± 0.2 vs. 2.0 ± 0.1 m2 g−1, respectively, at 370 nm). Finally, the BBOA direct radiative effect was found to be 40% higher when these two BBOA fractions are treated as light-absorbing species, compared to the non-absorbing BBOA scenario. Keywords: Brown carbon, Multi sites, Residential wood burning, Mass absorption efficiency, France Published in RUNG: 20.07.2020; Views: 3100; Downloads: 0 This document has many files! More... |
38. X-ray absorption spectroscopy set-up for unstable gases: A study of 5p HydridesRobert Hauko, Jana Padežnik Gomilšek, Alojz Kodre, Iztok Arčon, 2020, original scientific article Abstract: An absorption cell is constructed for x-ray absorption spectroscopy of reactive, unstable or hazardous gases at
room temperature. In conjunction with in-situ micro-synthesis technique relying on handling the gas in syringes
it enabled a first measurement of x-ray absorption spectra in the region of K and L edges for the series of hydrides
of 5p elements (SnH4, SbH3, TeH2, HI). The signal-to-noise ratio above 103 was achieved, whereby fine detail is
discerned in the spectra, in particular the small sharp features above each absorption edge, testifying of coexcitations
of outer electrons in the core photoeffect. Keywords: X-ray absorption spectroscopy
Micro-synthesis absorption cell
Gaseous hydrides
Multielectron photoexcitations Published in RUNG: 10.02.2020; Views: 3540; Downloads: 0 This document has many files! More... |
39. Mineral element composition in grain of awned and awnletted wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars tissue-specific iron speciation and phytate and non-phytate ligand ratioPaula Pongrac, Iztok Arčon, Hiram Castillo Michel, Katarina Vogel-Mikuš, 2020, original scientific article Abstract: In wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), the awns—the bristle-like structures extending from
lemmas—are photosynthetically active. Compared to awned cultivars, awnletted cultivars produce
more grains per unit area and per spike, resulting in significant reduction in grain size, but their
mineral element composition remains unstudied. Nine awned and 11 awnletted cultivars were
grown simultaneously in the field. With no difference in 1000-grain weight, a larger calcium and
manganese—but smaller iron (Fe) concentrations—were found in whole grain of awned than in
awnletted cultivars. Micro X-ray absorption near edge structure analysis of different tissues of
frozen-hydrated grain cross-sections revealed that differences in total Fe concentration were not
accompanied by differences in Fe speciation (64% of Fe existed as ferric and 36% as ferrous species) or
Fe ligands (53% were phytate and 47% were non-phytate ligands). In contrast, there was a distinct
tissue-specificity with pericarp containing the largest proportion (86%) of ferric species and nucellar
projection (49%) the smallest. Phytate ligand was predominant in aleurone, scutellum and embryo
(72%, 70%, and 56%, respectively), while nucellar projection and pericarp contained only non-phytate
ligands. Assuming Fe bioavailability depends on Fe ligands, we conclude that Fe bioavailability from
wheat grain is tissue specific. Keywords: biofortification, phytate, iron, awn, X-ray fluorescence, X-ray absorption spectrometry, phosphorus, sulphur, nicotianamine Published in RUNG: 16.01.2020; Views: 2917; Downloads: 0 This document has many files! More... |
40. In-depth structural characterization and magnetic properties ofquaternary ferrite systems Co0.5Zn0.25M0.25Fe2O4(M¼Ni, Cu, Mn, Mg)Radu-G. Ciocarlan, Iztok Arčon, Aurel Pui, Myrjam Mertens, Nataša Novak Tušar, Elena M. Seftel, Pegie Cool, 2019, original scientific article Abstract: This paper investigates the structural and magnetic properties of a mixed series of ferrites having generalformula Co0.5Zn0.25M0.25Fe2O4(M¼Ni, Cu, Mn, Mg). Insights on surface chemistry, structural andmorphological parameters are presented in order to achieve highly tuned ferrite systems with specificcharacteristics. The site occupancy of the cations in the spinel structure was determined using XAS, XRDand Raman spectroscopy. A 100% occupancy of the tetrahedral sites was observed for the Zn cations forall the samples. Co cations occupied the octahedral sites in proportion of 100% for CoeZneCu, CoeZneMg and around 80% for CoeZneNi, CoeZneMn. Ni cations were found only in the octahedral sites,while Cu 80% in the octahedral sites and Mn 60% in the octahedral sites. The cation distribution resultswere correlated with the magnetic properties data. At the same time, not only the cation distribution, butalso the particles size distribution was observed to have a great influence on magnetic and opticalproperties of the ferrites. Given the importance of the surface chemistry of the nanoparticles, XPS and FT-IR analysis were used to prove the functionalization with groups belonging to the surfactant. Moreover,the peculiar behavior of manganese in spinel structures was clarified and the origin of the multiple states(Mn2þand Mn4þ) was elucidated. Finally, parallels have been drawn between the use of different cationsin mixed ferrites in order to gain specific properties. Keywords: FerritesMagnetic propertiesSpinel nanoparticlesX-ray absorption spectroscopyCo-precipitation Published in RUNG: 23.10.2019; Views: 3268; Downloads: 0 This document has many files! More... |