Sampling Smoke from a Controlled Burn at UMBS!

On Tuesday October 10^th there was a controlled burn at the University of Michigan Biological Station. These burns are done every 20 years or so, allowing researchers to study how the forest responds to and recovers from fires. We were interested in sampling the smoke plume under these controlled conditions to gain a greater understanding that can be applied to wildfires that are currently ranging across the western US. Pratt Lab graduate students Nate and I (Nick) collaborated with Conner Daube and Ed Fortner from Aerodyne Research to conduct measurements the smoke plume during the burn. We used our new aircraft-aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometer (A-ATOFMS) to sample over 25 thousand aerosol particles! In addition we also used a DRUM impactor to collect particle samples for off-line analysis by electron microscopy. This was an excellent opportunity to learn about the impacts of fresh biomass burning aerosols on air quality in a minimal risk situation. This field study was conducted in the incredible Aerodyne Mobile Laboratory! 

 Aerodyne Mobile Lab as we prepared for the burn.

 An inside view of the Lab. In the very back of the picture you can see Maverick (A-ATOFMS).

As a result of wet weather conditions, this burn was incomplete (evidenced by the green ferns in the burn area). It did however create plenty of smoke for us to sample.

 Sampling performed on Riggsville Road near the Biological Station.

Aftermath of the controlled burn - As you can see the moisture prevented a complete burn, but we still had plenty of aerosol particles!