Ice‐nucleating particle emissions from biomass combustion and the potential importance of soot aerosol

• DOI: 10.1002/2016jd024879
• Publication Date: 2016-05-08T06:32:28Z
• Authors: E. J. T. Levin; G. R. McMeeking; P. J. DeMott; C. S. McCluskey; C. M. Carrico; S. Nakao; T. Jayarathne; E. A. Stone; C. E. Stockwell; R. J. Yokelson; S. M. Kreidenweis
• Keywords: Cloud condensation nuclei; Particle (ecology)

Abstract Ice‐nucleating particles (INPs) are required for initial ice crystal formation in clouds at temperatures warmer than about −36°C and thus play a crucial role cloud precipitation formation. Biomass burning has been found to be source of INPs previous studies is also major contributor atmospheric black carbon (BC) concentrations. This study focuses on isolating the BC contribution INP population associated with biomass combustion. Emissions condensation mode from number globally relevant fuels were measured −30°C above water saturation as fires progressed ignition extinguishment laboratory setting. Number emissions highest during intense flaming combustion (modified efficiency > 0.95). Overall, 13 22 different fuel types produced measurable concentrations least one replicate experiment. On average, all burns that measureable had higher efficiency, which emissions, those did not produce INPs. Across INPs, ranged 0.1 10 cm −3 , median emission factor was 2 × 7 per kilogram burned. For subset burns, refractory (rBC) determined by removing rBC via laser‐induced incandescence. Reductions 0–70% observed, indicating an important some especially marsh grasses.