Detailed Measurements of Submicron Particles from an Independence Day Fireworks Event in Albany, New York Using HR-ToF-AMS

To study the impact of fireworks (FW) events on air quality, aerosol particles from FW displays were measured using a high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (HR-ToF-AMS) and collocated instruments during the Independence Day (July 4, 2017) holiday period at Albany, NY, U.S.A. The FW influenced periods were identified using potassium ion (K⁺) signals in the aerosol mass spectra. The FW influenced peak mass concentration of submicron particles (PM₁, or particles with aerodynamic diameter less than 1 μm) measured at the uptown site (approximately 8 km from the FW launch location) was 61.8 μg m^–3. The Independence Day FW events resulted in significant increases in concentrations of both organic and inorganic chemical components, including potassium, sulfate, and chloride. An FW-related oxidized organic aerosol factor (FW-OOA) was identified during the most intense FW event of the measurement period. The intense emission of FW particles from the Independence Day celebration contributed about 77% (36.3 μg m^–3) of total PM₁ (47.0 μg m^–3) measured at the uptown site during Independence Day FW significantly influenced period (07/04 23:00–07/05 03:00). A collocated wind LiDAR at the uptown site measured atmospheric transport characteristics during the night of July 4/5. The low observed winds and high aerosol emissions highlight the significant episodic influence of FW burning on fine aerosol mass concentration and chemical characteristics while large numbers of people were clustered together and breathing the outdoor air.