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Haloacetic acids (HAAs) are usually taken to be man-made, regularly determined in drinking water as disinfection by-products; yet they have been demonstrated as a probable photooxidation products from atmospheric halogenated hydrocarbons. Here we determined a total of fourteen HAAs, including for the first time iodinated-HAAs, in aerosol samples collected from April to June 2023 at Parco Bissuola (urbanized area of Venice) and Rio Novo (Venice island). The study provides a first insight and source identification about the anthropogenic or natural origin of HAAs. To fulfil this aim, we improved existing methods with a highly sensitive technique by using high pressure anion exchange chromatography coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Five HAAs have been found to be above the detection limits at both sites, and the major source should be attributed to a mixed contribution from atmospheric oxidation of both organic precursor, sea spray and a minor contribution of an external swimming pool located near the Parco Bissuola site. Considering the presence of iodinated HAAs and their cytotoxicity, the present study also provides a basis for the assessment of risks for humans. [Display omitted] • A sensitive method was developed for fourteen HAAs in atmospheric aerosol. • The presence of iodinated organic acids was also evaluated. • Sea spray and atmospheric photo oxidation are the main source of HAAs. • The presence of a swimming pool slightly impacted in the airborne HAAs load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Aerosol samples were collected with a high-volume cascade impactor with a 10 day sampling frequency at the Gruvebadet observatory, close to Ny-Ålesund (Svalbard Islands). A total of 42 filters were analyzed for free and combined amino acids, as they are key components of bio-aerosol. This article provides the first investigation of free and combined L- and d -amino acids in Arctic atmospheric particulate matter. The main aim of this study was to determine how these compounds are distributed in size-segregated aerosols after short-range and long-range atmospheric transport and understand the possible sources of amino acids. The total load of free amino acids ranged from 2.0 to 10.8 pmol m−3, while combined amino acids ranged from 5.5 to 18.0 pmol m−3. At these levels amino compounds could play a role in the chemistry of cloud condensation nuclei and fine particles, for example by influencing their buffering capacity and basicity. Free and combined amino acids were mainly found in the fine aerosol fraction (<0.49 μm) and their concentrations could be affect by several sources, the most important of which were biological primary production and biomass burning. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • The article provides information about the presence of amino acids in the Arctic aerosol. • The study identifies mainly the phytoplanktonic bloom and biomass burning as sources. • For the first time free and combined L- and D-amino acids were studied in Arctic aerosol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]