Collaborative Research: Impacts of Sulfur Emission Reductions on Wintertime PM2.5 in Fairbanks, Alaska

NSF Award Search · 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $356,875 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

This research will focus on advancing the understanding of particle acidity in the atmosphere of cold environments and assessing the effects of fuel oil sulfur reductions on particulate sulfur and other species in Alaskan cities. A recent transition to lower-sulfur fuel oil as part of a government-mandated air quality mitigation strategy in Fairbanks and neighboring communities offers a rare opportunity to directly observe and quantify the atmospheric impacts of reduced sulfur emissions. This work advances public health and welfare by guiding national strategies to reduce exposure to fine particulate matter and addressing the unique air quality challenges faced by Arctic communities. The recently NSF-funded 2022 Alaskan Layered Pollution And Chemical Analysis (ALPACA) study in Fairbanks Alaska showed that a substantial portion of PM2.5 sulfur was found in sulfur compounds that are only formed via aqueous-phase chemistry within a narrow pH range. The unique Arctic winter conditions enabled a new understanding of aerosol processes that enhanced heterogeneous chemistry by partitioning gas-phase precursors (e.g., formaldehyde and sulfur dioxide) into the particle phase and influenced particle pH through the temperature-sensitive behavior of key semi-volatile species like ammonia. In this project, real-time monitoring instrumentation will be used to quantify PM2.5 sulfate, hydroxymethanesulfonate, and related sulfur species, while simultaneously characterizing aerosol thermodyn

Key facts

NSF award ID
2534332
Awardee
University of Alaska Fairbanks Campus (AK)
SAM.gov UEI
FDLEQSJ8FF63
PI
Jingqiu Mao
Primary program
01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES
Estimated total
$356,875
Funds obligated
$356,875
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
06/01/2026 → 05/31/2029