Modifications to the ambient ion monitor method for use in agricultural environments

Authors: Silva, Philip - Phil

Submitted to: Air and Waste Management Annual Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/16/2023
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The ambient ion monitor has been used to sample and analyze ambient air for ionic particulate matter composition and gas phase precursors to particulate matter. However, its use as a detection method in the agricultural environment has several problematic issues such as slow response times and the presence of high ammonia that cannot be adequately collected using normal denuder solutions. Here we present information on how to better use the ambient ion monitor in the agricultural environment to obtain more efficient response times and better dynamic range for analysis. The denuder solution that is used for the agricultural environment needs to have a more acidic component to account for the elevated ammonia near source. Experimental data show that an acidic denuder solution effectively captures the gas phase ammonia. Choice of which acid for the solution depends on the experiment to be run since the acid counter ion will interfere with the analysis.