During her PhD studies, Eva R. Kjærgaard explored the transfer and properties of nanoplastic particles from water to air by bubble bursting. She also analyzed seawater from Ajstrup Beach to examine its ice nucleating properties using an instrument she helped construct and test. Furthermore, her research investigated how seawater salinity, temperature, and chemical composition change the generation of particles from seawater.
These findings contribute to our understanding of how plastics and ice nucleating particles are emitted from water and what factors control the generation of particles from seawater. Thus, providing valuable insights into the factors influencing airborne nanoplastic particle and sea spray aerosol generation and their broader environmental impact.

The PhD study was completed at Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University.

This summary was prepared by the PhD student.

Time Tuesday, 3 December 2024 at 14:15
Place: Building 1514, room 213, Auditorium 1, Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, 8000 Aarhus
Title of PhD thesis: Seawater as a source of atmospheric particles, plastic and ice nuclei
Contact information: Eva R. Kjærgaard, e-mail: erk@chem.au.dk, tel.: +45 28244913

Members of the assessment committee:
Professor Penny Vlahos, Department of Marine Science, University of Connecticut, USA

Associate Professor Paul Zieger, Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Sweden

Associate Professor Tobias Weidner (chair), Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Denmark

Main supervisor:
Professor Merete Bilde, Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Denmark

Co-supervisor:
Associate Professor Marianne Glasius, Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Denmark

Language: The PhD dissertation will be defended in English

The defense is public.
The PhD thesis is available for reading at the Graduate School of Natural Sciences (GSNS), Ny Munkegade 120, building 1521, 8000 Aarhus C