AAAR Annual Conference

Last month, October 20-24, second-year master student Hongru Shen (me) and Prof. Andrew Ault traveled to Orlando, FL to attend the 33^rd 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.