 |
|
Better measurements reveal seasonal changes in sulfur
October 10, 2005Researchers from the University of Maryland (UMD) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a new and improved technique for the simultaneous measurement of sulfur isotopic ratios and concentrations of atmospheric sulfate using snow samples from Greenland and Kyrgyzstan.
Sulfur plays an important role in the Earth's climate. Sulfate particles in the atmosphere scatter and absorb sunlight, provide "seeds" for cloud formation, and affect the reflectivity and radiance of clouds, and thus the temperatures at the Earth's surface. Atmospheric sulfate comes from natural sources, including oceans and volcanoes, but a large fraction comes from the burning of fossil fuels. Researchers can distinguish between various natural and anthropogenic sources in snow by measuring sulfur isotopes-forms of the element with different numbers of neutrons.
To study how these particulates have changed over time, scientists dig holes in snow that provide an archive of atmospheric particles deposited on the Earth's surface. The standard analysis technique, gas-source isotope ratio mass spectroscopy (GIRMS), requires relatively large samples-up to four kilograms (about 9 pounds) of snow and ice, but the cycling of sulfur in the atmosphere is dynamic and variable, so samples this large blur seasonal changes.
To solve this problem, the UMD/NIST team developed a new analytical tool based on thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS), which requires much smaller samples. The researchers used an advanced calibration technique known as double isotopic spiking to correct measurement drift and obtain isotope ratio measurements comparable to or better than GIRMS. The smaller snow samples required for TIMS make it possible to distinguish seasonal changes in sulfur particulate composition. The technique also can be used for making highly precise and accurate measurements of sulfur in low-sulfur fossil fuels, and similar applications.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NI
To solve this problem, the UMD/NIST team developed a new analytical tool based on thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS), which requires much smaller samples. The researchers used an advanced calibration technique known as double isotopic spiking to correct measurement drift and obtain isotope ratio measurements comparable to or better than GIRMS. The smaller snow samples required for TIMS make it possible to distinguish seasonal changes in sulfur particulate composition. The technique also can be used for making highly precise and accurate measurements of sulfur in low-sulfur fossil fuels, and similar applications.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NI
Sulfur Current Events and Sulfur News RSSNext-generation adaptive optics produces sharper Jupiter images
A two-hour observation of Jupiter using an improved technique to remove atmospheric blur has produced the sharpest whole-planet picture ever taken from the ground, according to astronomers from the University of California, Berkeley, and the European Southern Observatory (ESO).
Fuel Emissions From Marine Vessels Remain a Global Concern
Marine vessels are no longer resting in a safe harbor. The forecast for clear skies and smooth sailing for oceanic vessels has been impeded by worldwide concerns of their significant contributions to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions that impact the Earth's climate.
Up, Up and Away: Studying Volcanoes With Balloon
People do all kinds of crazy things in Hawaii, but flying balloons over a volcano usually isn't one of them. Unless you're Adam Durant, that is.
NIST membrane model may unlock secrets of early-stage Alzheimer's
Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and three collaborating institutions are using a new laboratory model of the membrane surrounding neurons in the brain to study how a protein long suspected of a role in early-stage Alzheimer's disease actually impairs a neuron's structure and function.
Controlling the Size of Nanoclusters: First Step in Making New Catalysts
Researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory and Stony Brook University have developed a new instrument that allows them to control the size of nanoclusters - groups of 10 to 100 atoms - with atomic precision.
Air monitoring helps anticipate possible ecosystem changes
When rain settles the atmosphere and brings air pollutants to the ground, it can have a lasting effect on ecosystems, sometimes hundreds of miles away, according to a Texas AgriLife Research agricultural engineer.
NIST chemists get scoop on crude 'oil' from pig manure
After a close examination of crude oil made from pig manure, chemists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) are certain about a number of things. Most obviously, "This stuff smells worse than manure," says NIST chemist Tom Bruno.
Carbon emissions trading in Europe: Lessons to be learned
For the past three years, the European Union has been operating the world's largest emissions trading system and the first system to limit and to trade carbon dioxide emissions.
A molecular 'salve' to soothe surface stresses
Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have shown for the first time that a single layer of molecular "salve" can significantly soothe the stresses affecting clean metal surfaces.
Iraq war service: A risk factor for bronchiolitis?
A large group of soldiers returning from Iraq have been diagnosed with bronchiolitis, a disease affecting the small airways of the lung, according to Vanderbilt University Medical Center physicians who will present their findings at the American Thoracic Society's 2008 International Conference in Toronto on Wednesday, May 21.
More Sulfur Current Events and Sulfur News Articles
| Sulfur Removal and Recovery from Industrial Processes (Advances in Chemistry Series : No 139) | |
| Organic Chemistry of Sulfur | |
 | Elemental Sulfur and Sulfur-Rich Compounds I (Topics in Current Chemistry) |
 | Cycles of Soil: Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulfur, Micronutrients, Second Edition by F. J. Stevenson, M. A. Cole An updated edition of the classic work on the inorganic chemistry of soils. * With its companion volume, Humus Chemistry, forms a complete, advanced-level treatment of both organic and inorganic aspects of soil chemistry. * Revised to keep pace with the latest developments in the field. * Provides more in-depth treatment of all... |
 | Sulfur and Sulfur Amino Acids, Volume 143: Volume 143: Sulfur and Sulfur Amino Acids (Methods in Enzymology) The critically acclaimed laboratory standard, Methods in Enzymology, is one of the most highly respected publications in the field of biochemistry. Since 1955, each volume has been eagerly awaited, frequently consulted, and praised by researchers and reviewers alike. The series contains much material still relevant today - truly an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life... |
 | Sulfur: History, Technology, Applications & Industry by Ph.D., Gerald Kutney Sulfur, through its major derivative, sulfuric acid is among the most used and important raw materials in industry today. It is a critical part of every sector of the world’s economies and is regarded as one of the best indices of a nation’s industrial development. In fact, sulfuric acid is the most produced chemical in the United States. This book is a scientific history of sulfur,... |
 | Sulfur-Mediated Rearrangements II (Topics in Current Chemistry) |
| The Analytical Chemistry of Sulfur and its Compounds. Part II. Chemical Analysis. A Series of Monographs on Analytical Chemistry and Its Applications. Volume 29 | |
 | MSM: On Our Way Back to Health with Sulfur by Beth M. Ley Our Best Seller!!!! MSM (methyl sulfonyl methane), is a rich source of organic sulfur, the 3rd largest existing mineral in our bodies important for connective tissue regeneration. Beneficial for arthritis and other joint problems, allergies, asthma, skin problems, TMJ, periodontal conditions, pain relief, and much more! Includes important "How to use"... |
 | Opus Mago-cabbalisticum Et Theosophicum: In Which The Origin, Nature, Characteristics, And Use Of Salt , Sulfur and Mercury are Described in Three Parts Together with much Wonderful Mathemati by Georg Von Welling After nearly 300 years, one of the most important alchemical and magical texts of all time has finally been translated into English! "For the modern student of the Western Mystery Traditions, it is impossible to over-estimate the importance of von Welling's work. Its influence can be traced through the doctrines and teachings of a host of European esoteric institutions - even those that... |
| © 2008 BrightSurf.com |