Real-time monitoring of pyrotechnically derived aerosol particles in the troposphere

Aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ATOFMS) allows for simultaneous determination of the aerodynamic particle size and chemical composition of individual particles in realtime, Polydisperse particles originating from July 4, 1995, fireworks displays were monitored using ATOFMS over a 4-day period. Fireworks particles were identified by ion combinations in the single-particle mass spectra of potassium, aluminum, magnesium, barium, and lead and grouped into chemically specific categories, The relative number of ambient fireworks particles peaked on the morning of July 5, 1995, with representative particles being detected as late as July 19, 1995. The mass spectra of the detected particles are indicative of the original chemical composition of typical fireworks mixtures. This study demonstrates the ability of ATOFMS to serve as a real-time monitor of aerosols in the atmosphere, capable of detecting and tracking aerosol particles of a specific size and chemical composition from a particular source over time.