To study air, clouds, and climate, good data goes a long way

The Center for Atmospheric Particle Studies (CAPS) at Carnegie Mellon University is home to experts in air quality and climate research. 

Albert Presto, director of CAPS, used support from the Scott Institute for Energy Innovation’s hardware and software tool upgrade program to acquire a new sulfur dioxide (SO₂) monitor, which enables CAPS researchers to conduct critical field work and gather insightful data. 

“One of the really important processes that happens in the atmosphere is the formation of brand new, tiny particles,” said Presto. “Understanding the very initial formation of particles is important for understanding the impact of particulate matter on clouds and ultimately, the climate,” said Presto. 

Understanding the very initial formation of particles is important for understanding the impact of particulate matter on clouds and ultimately, the climate.

Albert Presto, Director, Center for Atmospheric Particle Studies

Oxidizing SO₂ is one way that new tiny particles are formed, a process that also creates sulfuric acid. Those tiny particles can turn into the bigger particles that support cloud formation.

The presence of SO₂ is an important metric because it is a known precursor to harmful fine particulate matter, a type of air pollutant that can penetrate deep lung tissue when inhaled, potentially causing cardiovascular and respiratory issues. 

The ability to collect quality SO₂ measurement data benefits a range of CAPS research projects. For instance, Presto studies SO₂ as an air pollutant in its own right. Other CAPS researchers, such as Neil Donahue, use SO₂ measurements to investigate if there are methods besides its oxidation that could promote new particle formation. Coty Jen’s work includes a focus on building new tools to measure tiny particles; a robust SO₂ dataset is instrumental to this process. 

The SO₂ monitor is a compact, portable device that’s conducive to field work. CAPS researchers have used the device to collect air samples of air quality in New Jersey, new particle formation in a marine environment in Maine, and new particle formation and industrial plumes locally in the Pittsburgh area. 

With new hardware, that field work is poised to continue.