Catching the Freshwater Wave: Lakes, Aerosols, and Algal Blooms

Abstract:

Aerosol production from wave breaking is one of the most abundant sources of aerosol globally, but emissions from freshwater lakes are poorly understood in comparison to sea spray aerosol (SSA). In addition, harmful algal blooms (HABs) can lead to aerosolization of toxins, like microcystins, which have the potential to lead to aerosol exposures to local populations. Given their small size and chemical complexity there is a significant analytical challenge when measuring these environmental contaminants. Herein, the chemical and physical properties of lake spray aerosol (LSA) from pristine freshwater and HABS are discussed. We will discuss measurements of particles along the coasts of the Great Lakes, inland, and aloft at cloud heights from flight measurements using a suite of microscopy, spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry measurements. As LSA can be generated and act as CCN, IN or eject toxic materials from HABs, an improved understanding of LSA emission and physicochemical properties is needed to determine the impacts on meteorology, climate, and health in the Great Lakes and many other regions.