RESIN DITERPENOIDS AS TRACERS FOR BIOMASS COMBUSTION AEROSOLS

Diterpenoids present in atmospheric particles produced by slash burns were analyzed by capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. This suite of compounds, originating in the resinous higher plants which we re combusted, was comprised of reaction intermediates in the thermal t ransformation sequence of components such as abietic acid and dehydroa bietin to retene. This sequence parallels the diagenetic alteration/de composition processes noted in sedimentary records. Since global trans port of combustion aerosols has been well documented, it is likely tha t the thermally-altered diterpenoids elucidated in this study can be d eposited directly to sedimentary sinks.