Articles | Volume 8, issue 10
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-8-4001-2015
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-8-4001-2015
Research article
 | 
01 Oct 2015
Research article |  | 01 Oct 2015

Bisulfate – cluster based atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometer for high-sensitivity (< 100 ppqV) detection of atmospheric dimethyl amine: proof-of-concept and first ambient data from boreal forest

M. Sipilä, N. Sarnela, T. Jokinen, H. Junninen, J. Hakala, M. P. Rissanen, A. Praplan, M. Simon, A. Kürten, F. Bianchi, J. Dommen, J. Curtius, T. Petäjä, and D. R. Worsnop

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Short summary
Atmospheric concentrations of amines are poorly known mainly due to challenges related to their reliable high-sensitivity detection. We have created a method and instrument that is capable for detecting amines with lowest limit of detection of around 0.01 parts per trillion. Application of the instrument in the field study indicates that concentrations of dimethyl amine in a boreal forest site are below 0.03ppt, not enough to account for the observed new particle formation rates.