Snow - a photobiochemical exchange platform for volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds with the atmosphere

Abstract : Field and laboratory studies of organic compounds in snow (12 species; concentrations <= 17 μg L-1) were conducted and microorganisms in snow and aerosols at urban and Arctic sites were investigated (snow: total bacteria count <= 40000 colony forming units per millilitre (CFU mL(-1)), fungi <= 400 CFU mL(-1); air: bacteria <= 2.2 x 10(7) CFU m(-3), fungi <= 84 CFU m(-3)). Bio-organic material is transferred between snow and air and influence on snow-air exchange processes is demonstrated. Volatile organic compounds in snow are released into the air upon melting. In vitro photochemistry indicated an increase of <= 60 μg L-1 for 1,3- and 1,4-dimethylbenzenes. Bacillus cereus was identified and observed in snow and air with ice-nucleating being P. syringae absent. As a result snow photobiochemical reactions should be considered in describing organic matter air-snow exchanges, and the investigation of climate change.