Abstract
Asian dust particles of diameter >1 μm collected in southwestern Japan were analyzed with environmental scanning electron microscopy. The hygroscopic behaviour of sea salt-free dust particles were investigated with respect to their contents of sulfate and nitrate. Sulfate- and nitrate-free dust particles (not containing sulfur and nitrogen), as well as sulfate-containing ones, did not change in their crystalline morphology as relative humidity (RH) was increased from 15% to 90%. In contrast, calcium nitrate-containing dust particles appeared in aqueous phase even at 15% RH. These results indicate that nitrate formation on coarse dust particles could substantially enhance the hydrophilicity of the particles and possibly vice versa, whereas sulfate formation could not.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 822-827 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Atmospheric Environment |
Volume | 42 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2008 Feb |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Asian dust
- Calcium nitrate
- Gypsum
- Heterogeneous chemistry
- Hygroscopicity
- Mineral aerosol
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Atmospheric Science
- Environmental Science(all)
- Pollution