CONFERENCE
TOPICS
Topics
EAC2024 topics include all the research and development fields in which aerosols are relevant. Authors can submit their abstract to one of the available topics (several subtopics can be selected) or special sessions.
WG1: Aerosol Technology
1.1 Synthesis, structuring and applications of functional nanoparticles
1.2 Nanoparticle surface modification, deposition and thin film formation
1.3 Process analysis and monitoring
1.4 Transportation aerosol emissions and control technologies combustion aerosols from vehicles, airplanes and ships
1.5 Electrical effects including electrosprays and electric discharges
1.6 High temperature aerosols and biomass combustion
1.7 Filtration for functional materials, combustion and industrial aerosols
1.8 Aerosol and emissions standards
WG2: Atmospheric Aerosol Studies
2.1 Aerosols and clouds in polar regions
2.2 Aerosol-cloud-interaction and role in climate feedbacks
2.3 Atmospheric ice nucleation
2.4 New particle formation
2.5 Homogeneous, heterogeneous and multiphase chemistry, secondary aerosols
2.6 Transport of atmospheric aerosols, modelling and climate forcing.
2.7 Molecular characterization of atmospheric aerosols
2.8 Chemical characterization of carbonaceous aerosols
2.9 Sources and source apportionment of atmospheric aerosols
2.10 Optical properties, remote sensing, black and brown carbon
2.11 Physico-chemical properties of atmospheric aerosols
WG3: Aerosol Measurement Techniques
3.1 Instrument and sampler calibration and performance evaluation
3.2 Instrumentation for physical aerosol characterization
3.3 Instrumentation for chemical aerosol characterization
3.4 Instrumentation for biological aerosol characterization
3.5 Novel measurement principles and new instrumentation
3.6 Miniaturized and low cost instrumentation
3.7 Comparison of different measurement methods
3.8 Measurement techniques for combustion aerosols
3.9 Implementation of existing measurement methods and instruments for novel studies
3.10 Interpretation of data
WG4: Aerosols and Health
4.1 Exposure: sources, levels and assessment techniques
4.2 Human exposure and health studies
4.3 Health-relevant aerosols and their characteristics
4.4 Bioaerosols and allergens
4.5 Biological and toxicological responses
4.6 Health effects of aerosols
4.7 Medical and therapeutic applications
4.8 Respiratory tract uptake, translocation and clearance
4.9 Exposure in specific microenvironments
4.10 Occupational exposures
WG5: Basic Aerosol Processes
5.1 Smog chamber and flowtube simulations and experiments
5.2 Quantum chemical calculation of aerosol formation and gas-phase kinetics
5.3 Molecular dynamics
5.4 Nucleation and growth
5.5 Aerosol growth and evaporation, agglomeration, fragmentation, material synthesis and filtration
5.6 Aerosol-surface interactions, coatings, and deposition
5.7 Aerosol transport properties and fluid dynamics
5.8 Aerosol optical properties
5.9 Data science in aerosol research
5.10 Modeling and experiments of bioaerosol emission, mixing, dispersion, survival, activity, and pathogenicity
5.11 Advanced detection and analysis techniques of primary biological aerosols
Special sessions for EAC 2024
Characterization and impact of aerosol emissions from aviation (WG1)
Aviation emissions are not limited to greenhouse gases like CO2 or water but include as well other gases like nitrogen oxides (NOx) or sulfur oxides (SOx) and volatile and non-volatile particulate matter (vPM and nvPM respectively). Recent studies show that approximately 50-75% of aviation’s climate impact is caused by non-CO2 emissions, with the main contribution coming from contrails and NOx emissions. while these studies have improved our knowledge on this topic, a number of open questions still need to be answered to assess the impact of aviation on climate. This session aims to provide an overview of this topic’s state of the art.
Oxidative potential of aerosol particles and health risks (WG2 & WG 4)
The chemical reactivity of airborne particles and their ability to cause oxidative stress in biological organisms is an increasingly studied topic. The session invites talks on the mechanisms by which aerosols interact with environmental factors and human health, the impact of oxidative stress due to aerosols on respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and measurement techniques for quantifying the oxidative potential of particulate matter and its components.
Conveners: Pourya Shahpoury (), Athanasios Nenes (), Daniele Contini ()
The Po Valley open air-laboratory: lessons learned and current challenges
Advances in bioaerosol monitoring technologies (WG2)
We invite contributions on latest developments in techniques and instruments used to detect and measure biological particles in the air, such as viruses, bacteria, pollen, and fungal spores. Presentations might include topics on innovative sampling methods, real-time detection systems, and the integration of data analytics and machine learning to improve the identification and quantification of bioaerosols for environmental and public health applications.
Aerosol remote sensing (WG2)
We invite talks on the methodologies and advancements in the use of satellite and ground-based remote sensing technologies to observe and analyze aerosol particles in the Earth’s atmosphere. This includes the development of new sensors and algorithms for aerosol characterization, data assimilation techniques, and the role of remote sensing in understanding the impacts of aerosols on climate, weather, and human health on a global scale.
Conveners: Martine Collaud Coen (), Rob Modini, (), Hugo Ricketts (), Francisco Navas Guzmán ()
New measurement and analytical techniques for microplastics (WG3)
We invite presentations on novel approaches to detecting and analyzing microplastic contamination in various environments. For example, innovative sampling methods, advancements in microscopic, spectroscopic, and chemical analysis techniques, and the development of standardized protocols for monitoring and quantifying microplastics, especially in air.
UAV/drones platforms and instrumentation (WG3)
This session covers the latest developments in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones as platforms for monitoring and studying aerosols, including the design, instrumentation, and capabilities of drones for collecting aerosol samples, the challenges and advantages of using drones compared to traditional sampling methods, and how these tools can enhance our understanding of aerosol distribution, composition, and dynamics in the atmosphere. The session can also include use case studies demonstrating the application of drone technology in field campaigns and environmental monitoring.
Air quality supersites (WG3)
We invite presentations on the role and importance of highly instrumented research facilities designed to monitor and study air quality at a comprehensive scale. This includes the integration of advanced monitoring technologies at these sites, the insights gained from the high-resolution data collected on atmospheric composition and pollution levels, and the contribution of these findings to understanding regional and urban air quality dynamics. Also studies that explore how these supersites aid in policy-making and public health strategies by providing detailed and reliable data on aerosol pollutants are invited.
Air pollution in low-income countries (WG4)
Here, presentations that address the unique challenges and concerns regarding air quality issues in economically disadvantaged regions are invited. sources and composition of air pollutants in these areas, the impact of air pollution on health and the environment, and the socio-economic factors that exacerbate these issues. Also welcome are talks that discuss strategies for monitoring, controlling, and reducing air pollution, as well as the implementation of policies and technologies that are both effective and economically feasible for low-income countries.
Toxicity of Aerosols: Exploring Air-Liquid Interface Exposure (WG4)
The session invites interdisciplinary research on air-liquid interface (ALI) methods in aerosol toxicity assessment. Contributions can encompass but are not not limited to ALI exposure parameters, metrology and instrumentation, cell models, targeted endpoints, cell exposure dose evaluation, toxicity of both primary and secondary aerosols (gaseous and primary particulate phases), as well as laboratory, bench-scale (e.g., combustion sources) and ambient air experiments indoor and outdoors. Studies between ALI methods and conventional in vitro approaches, investigations exploring the aerosol physicochemical characteristics and biological effects, and new approach methodologies, also covering organ-on-a-chip applications, relevant to this field are highly encouraged.
Airborne nano/microplastics (WG5)
This session invites talks around the emerging research on the presence, distribution, and potential health effects of nano and micro-sized plastic particles in the atmosphere. For example, the pathways through which nano- and microplastics become airborne and the environmental and public health implications of inhaling such particles could be topics. Studies that consider the challenges in quantifying and addressing the spread of nano/microplastics and their role as pollutants in both indoor and outdoor air are also welcome.
Bioaerosols (WG5)
We invite talks covering mechanisms governing the generation, survival, and interaction of biological particles in the atmosphere. This includes examining the life cycles of these particles, their resilience to atmospheric conditions, and their role in biogeochemical cycles. Additionally, the session covers bioaerosols’ transformation processes while airborne and their interactions with non-biological aerosols. Presentations can also extend to bioaerosols’ ecological and climatic impacts, such as their influence on cloud formation, precipitation, and radiative forcing.
