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Dynamics of residential indoor gas- and particle-phase water-soluble organic carbon: measurements during the CASA experiment.

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Title: Dynamics of residential indoor gas- and particle-phase water-soluble organic carbon: measurements during the CASA experiment.
Authors: Webb, Marc1 (AUTHOR), Morrison, Glenn1 (AUTHOR), Baumann, Karsten1 (AUTHOR), Li, Jienan2 (AUTHOR), Ditto, Jenna C.3 (AUTHOR), Huynh, Han N.3 (AUTHOR), Yu, Jie3 (AUTHOR), Mayer, Kathryn2 (AUTHOR), Mael, Liora4 (AUTHOR), Vance, Marina E.4 (AUTHOR), Farmer, Delphine K.2 (AUTHOR), Abbatt, Jonathan3 (AUTHOR), Poppendieck, Dustin5 (AUTHOR), Turpin, Barbara J.1 (AUTHOR) bjturpin@email.unc.edu
Source: Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts. Jun2025, Vol. 27 Issue 6, p1535-1550. 16p.
Subject Terms: *Indoor air quality, *Dissolved organic matter, *Particulate matter, *Environmental research, Chemical properties, Residential areas, Gas mixtures
Abstract: Previous time-integrated (2 h to 4 h) measurements show that total gas-phase water-soluble organic carbon (WSOCg) is 10 to 20 times higher inside homes compared to outside. However, concentration dynamics of WSOCg and total particle phase WSOC (WSOCp)—are not well understood. During the Chemical Assessment of Surfaces and Air (CASA) experiment, we measured concentration dynamics of WSOCg and WSOCp inside a residential test facility in the house background and during scripted activities. A total organic carbon (TOC) analyzer pulled alternately from a particle-into-liquid sampler (PILS) or a mist chamber (MC). WSOCg concentrations (215 ± 29 μg-C m−3) were generally 36× higher than WSOCp (6 ± 3 μg-C m−3) and 20× higher than outdoor levels. A building-specific emission factor (Ef) of 31 mg-C h−1 maintained the relatively high house WSOCg background, which was dominated by ethanol (46 μg-C m−3 to 82 μg-C m−3). When we opened the windows, WSOCg decayed slower (2.8 h−1) than the air change rate (21.2 h−1) and Ef increased (243 mg-C h−1). The response (increased Ef) suggests WSOCg concentrations are regulated by large near surface reservoirs rather than diffusion through surface materials. Cooking and ozone addition had a small impact on WSOC, whereas surface cleaning, volatile organic compound (VOC) additions, or wood smoke injections had significant impacts on WSOC concentrations. WSOCg concentration decay rates from these activities (0.4 h−1 to 4.0 h−1) were greater than the normal operating 0.24 h−1 air change rate, which is consistent with an important role for surface removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Abstract:Previous time-integrated (2 h to 4 h) measurements show that total gas-phase water-soluble organic carbon (WSOCg) is 10 to 20 times higher inside homes compared to outside. However, concentration dynamics of WSOCg and total particle phase WSOC (WSOCp)—are not well understood. During the Chemical Assessment of Surfaces and Air (CASA) experiment, we measured concentration dynamics of WSOCg and WSOCp inside a residential test facility in the house background and during scripted activities. A total organic carbon (TOC) analyzer pulled alternately from a particle-into-liquid sampler (PILS) or a mist chamber (MC). WSOCg concentrations (215 ± 29 μg-C m−3) were generally 36× higher than WSOCp (6 ± 3 μg-C m−3) and 20× higher than outdoor levels. A building-specific emission factor (Ef) of 31 mg-C h−1 maintained the relatively high house WSOCg background, which was dominated by ethanol (46 μg-C m−3 to 82 μg-C m−3). When we opened the windows, WSOCg decayed slower (2.8 h−1) than the air change rate (21.2 h−1) and Ef increased (243 mg-C h−1). The response (increased Ef) suggests WSOCg concentrations are regulated by large near surface reservoirs rather than diffusion through surface materials. Cooking and ozone addition had a small impact on WSOC, whereas surface cleaning, volatile organic compound (VOC) additions, or wood smoke injections had significant impacts on WSOC concentrations. WSOCg concentration decay rates from these activities (0.4 h−1 to 4.0 h−1) were greater than the normal operating 0.24 h−1 air change rate, which is consistent with an important role for surface removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:20507887
DOI:10.1039/d4em00340c