Preliminary Study of the Influence of Volatile Organic Compounds Emitted by Soil

Atmospheric oxidation of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) can produce a wide array of condensable organic compounds. These particular compounds can partition to the aerosol phases that are solid or liquid particles of very small sizes and interact in various ways with water vapor. Thus, VOC production by soil bacteria and fungi that partitioned to aerosols range from a few nanometers to several hundred microns can be studied by utilizing advanced equipments. Throughout the process of literature research, a large amount of studies had been done to investigate the VOCs and aerosols emitted by desert and waterways. This research took on a relatively different path and explored the particles emitted directly or produced indirectly by soil.

The following research investigated VOCs emitted by soil specific to the West Branch of Susquehanna River Bioregion. VOCs, particularly those of biogenic origin, suggest a significant influence on global warming and climate change. Professor Raymond’s laboratory focuses on characterizing aerosols and the influence they have on cloud formation. Aerosols are the “seeds” upon which cloud droplets form. The properties of aerosol particles, such as their chemical composition, size, and morphology influence the degree to which they will interact with water vapor. Therefore the main goal of this research project was to identify the emitted VOCs, compare the aerosol sizes and distributions within different soil types and take a comprehensive view of the aerosol concentrations and their water-interactions in the atmosphere. These VOC vapors, similar to those generated by plants, are the compounds that create the natural smells of soil.