The OLFA-ROA project has been built within this framework. It aims at developing a methodology to thoroughly study the first steps of the formation of SOA through laboratory experiments. A series of terpenic and aromatic compounds has been selected taking into account their atmospheric interest.
The project is based on
(i) an approach of experiments performed in a newly ESC-Q-UAIC smog chamber;
(ii) implementation of the best-available investigation techniques for the gaseous and particulate phases (time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometry, proton-transfer time-of-flight mass spectrometry and scanning mobility particle sizing).
Two principal difficulties have been identified and will be faced:
First, mastering the reaction time to observe the first progress steps after initiating the reaction;
Second, being able to detect the first reaction intermediates;
To tackle the OLFA-ROA’s project tasks the ESC-Q-UAIC environmental simulation chamber facilities will be used combined with a range of on-line cutting edge techniques such as AMS (Aerosol Mass Spectrometer) to analyze the particulate phase, a PTR-ToF-MS (Proton-Transfer Time-of-Flight MS).
The OLFA-ROA project is an ambitious project that can bring valuable information and data concerning the important secondary organic aerosol formation processes in the atmosphere. Thus, we believe that:
· Scientific repercussions will be obtained through publications and communications that could lead to new contacts with research groups, develop national and international collaborations and reinforce the position of the Romanian researchers into Atmospheric Chemistry scientific community;
· Technical advances will be gained via the development and implementation of the reactor as well as the analytical techniques that will be employed.
Environmental effects are expected too, in particular by integration of the obtained data in atmospheric chemistry models that can further help improving air quality and future life on Earth.