Molecular characterization of nitrogen-containing organic compounds in biomass burning aerosols using high-resolution mass spectrometry.
Although nitrogen-containing organic compounds (NOC) are important components of atmospheric aerosols, little is known about their chemical composition. Here we present detailed characterization of the NOC constituents of biomass burning aerosol (BBA) samples using high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI/MS). Accurate mass measurements combined with MS/MS fragmentation experiments of selected ions were used to assign molecular structures to individual NOC species. Our results indicate that N-heterocyclic alkaloid compounds (species naturally produced by plants and living organisms) comprise a substantial fraction of NOC in BBA samples collected from test burns of five biomass fuels. High abundance of alkaloids in test burns of ponderosa pine (a widespread tree in the western U.S. areas frequently affected by large scale fires) suggests that N-heterocyclic alkaloids in BBA may play a significant role in dry and wet deposition of fixed nitrogen in this region.
Laskin
Alexander
A
William R. Wiley Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory and Chemical and Materials Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, P.O. Box 999, MSIN K8-88, Richland, Washington 99352, USA. Alexander.Laskin@pnl.gov
Smith
Jeffrey S
JS
Laskin
Julia
J
D000336:Aerosols / Q000737:chemistry*; D018533:Biomass; D004602:Elements; D005390:Fires; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000032:analysis*; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D021241:Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization
D000336:Aerosols; D004602:Elements; D009930:Organic Chemicals; D009584:Nitrogen