Scientists, led by researchers at the University of British Columbia, have discovered three liquid phases in aerosol particles, changing our understanding of air pollutants in the Earth’s atmosphere.
Scientists, led by researchers at the University of British Columbia, have discovered three liquid phases in aerosol particles, changing our understanding of air pollutants in the Earth’s atmosphere.
While aerosol particles were known to contain up to two liquid phases, the discovery of an additional liquid phase may be important to providing more accurate atmospheric models and climate predictions. The study was published today in PNAS.
“We’ve shown that certain types of aerosol particles in the atmosphere, including ones that are likely abundant in cities, can often have three distinct liquid phases.” says Dr. Allan Bertram, a professor in the department of chemistry. “These properties play a role in air quality and climate. What we hope is that these results improve models used in air quality and climate change policies.”
Aerosol particles fill the atmosphere and play a critical role in air quality. These particles contribute to poor air quality and absorb and reflect solar radiation, affecting the climate system. Nevertheless, how these particles behave remains uncertain. Prior to 2012, it was often assumed in models that aerosol particles contained only one liquid phase.
Read more at University of British Columbia
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