Measurement report: The chemical composition of and temporal variability in aerosol particles at Tuktoyaktuk, Canada, during the Year of Polar Prediction Second Special Observing Period

The chemical composition, sources, and concentrations of aerosol particles vary on a seasonal basis in the Arctic. While existing research has focused on understanding the occurrence of aerosol particles during the Arctic winter and spring, less is known of their occurrence during the Arctic summer. In this study, atmospheric aerosol particle chemical composition and concentration were determined during July-September 2018 at Tuktoyaktuk, NT, Canada (69.4 degrees N, 133.0 degrees W), to coincide with the Year of Polar Prediction's Second Special Observing Period in the Arctic. The chemical composition of fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM10-2.5) aerosol filter samples suggests the ocean, mineral and/or road dust, and combustion were sources of the sampled aerosol particles. Mass concentrations of PM2 and PM10, estimated from optical particle counter measurements, remained within a similar range during the study. However, elevated mass concentrations coincided with a festival in the community of Tuktoyaktuk, suggesting local human activity was an important source of aerosol particles. Mass concentrations of PM2, which promote negative health effects in humans, were significantly lower at Tuktoyaktuk than the national air quality standard recommended by the government of Canada. These measurements provide an important baseline to compare with future measurements associated with the assessment of aerosol chemistry and air quality in the Arctic.

Automated summary

The chemical composition, sources, and concentrations of aerosol particles in the Arctic vary seasonally. Research in Tuktoyaktuk during the summer found that aerosol particles may be sourced from local human activities.