Chemistry and modal parameters of major ionic aerosol components during the NICE campaigns at two altitudes

Size-segregated aerosol samples were collected in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard as a part of the EU-funded project NICE. The field study was performed during two field campaigns in February–March (“dark” campaign) and in April–May (“light” campaign), 2001. Samples were collected at two different altitudes: at sea level and on the Zeppelin mountain (470 m a.s.l). Samples were analyzed for major inorganic and some organic acid ions. Total concentrations of major inorganic ions were compared between the two measurement sites, as well as their modal structure. We found also evidence of severe positive nitrate artifact when collecting aerosol with filters, as well as indications of the volatile behavior of aerosol MSA− and oxalate.