Research project used aircraft to study the complex chemistry that forms air pollution

A National Science Foundation (NSF) research aircraft is operating out of the Trenton-Robbinsville Airport through the end of the month as part of a multi-institution study of atmospheric chemistry over the New York metropolitan area.

The project, named the Greater New York Oxidant, Trace Gas, Halogen, and Aerosol Airborne Mission (GOTHAAM), began on July 16 and is scheduled to conclude on August 31, 2025.

The mission utilizes a specially equipped NSF NCAR C-130 aircraft to collect data on the chemical processes that form pollutants like ozone and particulate matter.

The aircraft is conducting flights, often during nighttime and early morning hours, to sample the boundary layer—the part of the atmosphere closest to the Earth’s surface. These operations sometimes involve low-altitude approaches into Trenton-Robbinsville Airport (N87) to gather crucial samples.

Robbinsville Township officials stated they were notified of the flight patterns on August 13, after the missions had commenced.

Led by researchers from Stony Brook University, the project involves scientists from several institutions, including the University of Washington and Colorado State University.

The primary objective is to understand how emissions from various sources—such as urban traffic, consumer products, and the region’s extensive forests—interact and contribute to air pollution.

“New York suffers some of the worst air quality in the U.S., and findings from GOTHAAM will help inform decision makers to develop new strategies to address concerns,” the research team stated.

Reports from the American Lung Association indicate that New Jersey shows mixed results in air quality. While some areas and counties experience high levels of pollution, others have shown improvement and even receive high grades for clean air.

The C-130 aircraft functions as a flying laboratory, outfitted with mass spectrometers to identify chemical compounds in real time, particle analyzers, and sensors for key atmospheric oxidants. This instrumentation allows scientists to observe how pollution evolves as it moves between urban, marine, and forested environments.

A key focus of the research is to analyze the full diurnal cycle, including nocturnal chemistry. During nighttime, different chemical reactions can create compounds that build up overnight and set the stage for poor air quality the following day.

The data collected is expected to improve air quality models and provide insights applicable to other major urban centers worldwide. The National Science Foundation is funding the mission.