On the volatility and production mechanisms of newly formed nitrate and water soluble organic aerosol in Mexico City

Autor: Hennigan, C. J., Sullivan, A. P., Fountoukis, C. I., Nenes, A., Hecobian, A., Vargas, O., Case Hanks, A. T., Huey, L. G., Lefer, B. L., Russell, A. G., Weber, R. J.
Přispěvatelé: EGU, Publication
Rok vydání: 2008
Předmět:
DOI: 10.5194/acpd-8-4811-2008
Popis: Measurements of atmospheric gases and fine particle chemistry were made in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA) at a site ~30 km down wind of the city center. Ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) dominated the inorganic aerosol fraction and showed a distinct diurnal signature characterized by rapid morning production and a rapid mid-day concentration decrease. The concentration increase was due to both secondary formation and entrainment from the free troposphere. A majority (approximately two-thirds) of the midday concentration decrease was caused by dilution from boundary layer expansion, however a significant fraction (approximately one-third) of the nitrate loss was due to particle evaporation. The water-soluble organic carbon fraction of fine particles (WSOC) and nitrate were highly correlated (R2=0.80) for the entire three-day analysis period, however the WSOC-nitrate correlation was highest (R2=0.88) between the hours of 08:00?12:45, indicating similar sources and processing during this period. The results show that WSOC also experienced evaporation losses and that a significant fraction of the MCMA secondary organic aerosol (SOA) measured at the surface was semi-volatile.
Databáze: OpenAIRE