Last
month, October 20-24, second-year master student Hongru Shen (me) and Prof.
Andrew Ault traveled to Orlando, FL to attend the 33rd Annual
Conference of the American Association for Aerosol Research (AAAR). Prof. Ault presented
the latest research findings of single particle diversity and its impact on
heterogeneous reactivity during the SOAS field, which was really exciting.
I
presented a poster of my work, elemental and individual particle analysis of
atmospheric aerosols from New Delhi, India. Few
particulate matter studies conducted in New Delhi have focused on individual
atmospheric particles, with most studies confined to bulk particles analysis. The
lack of such studies in New Delhi has motivated this work investigating the
particle sources and processing in the atmosphere. Both natural and
anthropogenic sources were determined. During
this analysis process, I discovered an unexpectedly large number of lead-rich
particles in New Delhi – even though lead has been phased out of gasoline since
1998. By further examining the chemical composition, size distribution, and
morphological characteristics of these lead-rich particles, all of properties
indicate that a poor regulation of lead-acid battery recycling is likely the
major source. This is further confirmed by the spatial variability of the lead
concentrations.
Presenting these results were
extremely rewarding. I was able to show experts in the aerosol field, including
our great collaborators, the findings I discovered. I was also very
excited to talk with someone from India, during which I further confirmed the
two sources of salt particles.
I
also served as the student assistance of the AAAR, which is a unique way to
interact with these excellent researchers. Meeting several people whose names
always appear on papers makes reading a new experience in the future as I can
match faces with their names on the page. Overall, AAAR was a fascinating time,
which confirmed my determination to work in the aerosol field. And I will be
very excited if I can return in the future.
