Fast-response measurements of organic trace species in the Earth's atmosphere

Focusing on the innovative development of an ultra-light-weight Proton-Transfer-Reaction Mass Spectrometer (PTR-MS), this work details its qualification and applications for studying volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions related to fossil fuel production. The system was deployed in a mobile laboratory to analyze chemical fingerprints from various emitters at oil and natural gas well pads, with specific investigations into aromatic hydrocarbon emissions at hydraulically fractured wells.