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Controlling Biogenic Particle Mass with NOx and SOx
Annmarie G Carlton1, Sherri W Hunt2
1Dept. of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA.
EM (Pittsburgh, Pa.)
|February 12, 2020
Summary
Human activity emissions boost the formation of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from plant emissions, creating controllable air pollution. Emission control strategies are proving more effective than previously anticipated.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric chemistry and air quality modeling.
- Biosphere-atmosphere interactions and pollution formation.
Background:
- Ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are criteria air pollutants formed by interactions between human and natural emissions.
- Accurate air quality models are crucial for developing effective public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand complex biosphere-atmosphere interactions and the formation of O3 and PM2.5.
- To improve the incorporation of atmospheric chemistry into air quality models.
- To assess the impact of human activity on natural pollutant formation.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a large-scale atmospheric chemistry campaign in the southeastern U.S. during the summer of 2013.
- Utilized models constructed from first-principle chemical and physical laws.
- Tested and evaluated models with laboratory and field observations.
Main Results:
- Anthropogenic emissions were found to facilitate the formation of organic PM2.5 from biogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- This anthropogenic-facilitated PM2.5 is identified as controllable pollution.
- Reductions in SO2 and NOx emissions in the southeastern U.S. decreased biogenic organic PM2.5 concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Mechanistic insights from the campaign improved the EPA's air quality model, enhancing its representation of atmospheric processes.
- Existing Federal rules have been more effective than anticipated in reducing biogenic organic PM2.5.
- Further emission reductions may lead to new chemical regimes and feedback mechanisms in the atmosphere.
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