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Published 1983 | public
Journal Article

Mathematical modeling of the formation and transport of ammonium nitrate aerosol

Abstract

A mathematical model describing the transport and formation of aerosol NH_4NO_3 is presented. Based on a vertically resolved Lagrangian trajectory formulation incorporating gas phase kinetics, NH_4NO_3 concentrations are computed at thermodynamic equilibrium with precursor HNO_3 vapor and NH_3 concentrations. Sensitivity analysis shows that NH_4NO_3 concentration predictions are strongly influenced by ambient temperature and NH_3 levels. A brief description of the NH_3 emissions inventory used in this study is included to indicate the important sources. The model was tested by comparison to ambient NH_3, NH_4+ and NO_3− concentrations measured at El Monte, California during June 1974. Model results compare favorably with the ambient measurements and are used to explain trends in those measurements. An early morning nitrate peak develops as HNO_3 produced soon after sunrise reacts with NH_3 accumulated overnight. A second peak in nitrate concentration is predicted and observed at El Monte later in the day. Potential applications of this model to control strategy decisions and to study the fate of NO_x are discussed.

Additional Information

© 1983 Pergamon Press Ltd. First received 19 April 1982; and in revised form 11 August 1982. This work was supported by the California Air Resources Board under contract No. A7-169- 30. The authors wish to acknowledge the assistance of Arthur Stelson and John Seinfeld in formulating the equilibrium model and William Goodin with help in supplying the necessary computational resources.

Additional details

Created:
August 19, 2023
Modified:
October 26, 2023