Instrumentation and Atmospheric Reactivity (IRA)
The research conducted by the IRA team (Instrumentation and Atmospheric Reactivity) falls within the broader context of tropospheric chemistry. Specifically, our work focuses on the formation processes, sources, and evolution of atmospheric particles and the chemical substances they transport. Our objectives are to contribute to a better understanding of the role of atmospheric chemistry in the quality of outdoor, indoor, and industrial atmospheres, as well as in major environmental phenomena such as the oxidative capacity of the troposphere and climate change.
The team develops its research activities :
Axis 1: The study of multiphase processes in natural and confined atmospheres.
Axis 2: The identification and quantification of atmospheric particle sources.
Our team relies on a vast array of analytical instruments, enabling the analysis of a wide range of organic compounds in both particulate and gaseous phases. Our analytical expertise is particularly focused on pesticides (60 compounds), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (16 reference compounds), and a broad range of source tracers (approximately 100 compounds, including levoglucosan, methoxyphenols, nitrocatechols, hopanes/steranes, sterols, fatty acids, etc.).
The Orbitrap LC-MS instrument is a high-resolution mass spectrometry platform that allows for in-depth analysis of organic species. It is particularly well-suited for structural elucidation and untargeted, suspected, or effect-directed analysis (Imagine 2). Our analytical capabilities are constantly evolving and can be quickly adapted to emerging issues.
The team is also responsible for the MASSALYA instrumental platform, which brings together state-of-the-art instruments for high-time-resolution analysis of submicron particles and volatile organic compounds.
Since January 2017, we have been working closely with AtmoSud to develop a super-site for atmospheric particle studies. Located near the Palais Longchamp, the Marseille-Longchamp super-site aims to provide long-term insights into the origins of particle pollution for both the scientific community and the public. This initiative will be a valuable tool for policy decision-making and evaluating air pollution reduction strategies.
