Articles | Volume 17, issue 21
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-13089-2017
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-13089-2017
Research article
 | 
06 Nov 2017
Research article |  | 06 Nov 2017

Characterization of free amino acids, bacteria and fungi in size-segregated atmospheric aerosols in boreal forest: seasonal patterns, abundances and size distributions

Aku Helin, Outi-Maaria Sietiö, Jussi Heinonsalo, Jaana Bäck, Marja-Liisa Riekkola, and Jevgeni Parshintsev

Abstract. Primary biological aerosol particles (PBAPs) are ubiquitous in the atmosphere and constitute ∼ 30 % of atmospheric aerosol particle mass in sizes  > 1 µm. PBAP components, such as bacteria, fungi and pollen, may affect the climate by acting as cloud-active particles, thus having an effect on cloud and precipitation formation processes. In this study, size-segregated aerosol samples (< 1.0, 1–2.5, 2.5–10 and  > 10 µm) were collected in boreal forest (Hyytiälä, Finland) during a 9-month period covering all seasons and analysed for free amino acids (FAAs), DNA concentration and microorganism (bacteria, Pseudomonas and fungi). Measurements were performed using tandem mass spectrometry, spectrophotometry and qPCR, respectively. Meteorological parameters and statistical analysis were used to study their atmospheric implication for results. Distinct annual patterns of PBAP components were observed, late spring and autumn being seasons of dominant occurrence. Elevated abundances of FAAs and bacteria were observed during the local pollen season, whereas fungi were observed at the highest level during autumn. Meteorological parameters such as air and soil temperature, radiation and rainfall were observed to possess a close relationship with PBAP abundances on an annual scale.

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Short summary
Bioaerosols are ubiquitous in the atmosphere and may affect the cloud and precipitation formation processes. In this study, size-segregated aerosol samples were collected in boreal forest during 1 year and analysed for free amino acids, deoxyribonucleic acid, bacteria and fungi. Distinct annual patterns of bioaerosol components were observed. Also, air and soil temperature, radiation and rainfall were observed to possess a close relationship with bioaerosol abundances on an annual scale.
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