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Published 1986 | Submitted
Journal Article Open

Verification of a mathematical model for aerosol nitrate and nitric acid formation and its use for control measure evaluation

Abstract

A mathematical model for the formation of atmospheric nitric acid and aerosol nitrate has been developed and employed to study the effect of emission controls. Based on a Lagrangian formulation of the atmospheric diffusion equation, the model computes nitric acid concentrations from a description of daytime photochemical reactions and night-time reactions involving NO_3 and N_2O_5. Ammonium nitrate formation is computed at a thermodynamic equilibrium between HNO_3 and NH_3, and heterogeneous reactions between HNO_3 and preexisting aerosol are considered. The accuracy of the air quality model's predictions is verified by comparison to O_3, NO_2, HNO_3, NH_3, aerosol nitrate and PAN measurements made for this purpose in California's South Coast Air Basin during the period of 30–31 August 1982. Examination of emission control alternatives shows that reduction in NO_x emissions yields a nearly proportional decrease in total inorganic nitrate levels (HNO_3 + aerosol nitrates). Reduction in NH_3 emissions suppresses aerosol nitrate formation, resulting in higher HNO_3 levels. Control of organic species emissions by the amounts expected in Los Angeles in future years causes a partial shift away from PAN formation toward greater production of HNO_3. Emission control strategies can be formulated that include a combination of controls on NO_x organic gases and NH_3 emissions that will achieve a greater reduction in HNO_3, aerosol nitrate and O_3 levels than a strategy predicated on control of only a single precursor species.

Additional Information

© 1986 Pergamon Journals Ltd. First received 14 March 1985 and received for publication 22 January 1986. This work was supported by the California Air Resources Board under Agreement A2-150-32.

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Created:
August 22, 2023
Modified:
October 17, 2023