Conversion of SO{sub 2} and NO{sub x} in the Kuwait oil-fire plume

Thesis/Dissertation · Fri Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1993

OSTI ID:106810

Smyth, S B

Data collected from the Kuwait oil fire smoke plumes during August 1991 from an aircraft platform are examined to provide estimates of the conversion rates of SO{sub 2} and NO{sub x}. A method based on using a Langrangian mass conservation equation for the ratios of SO{sub 2} and NO{sub x} to a conservative tracer is used to estimate plume dilution and conservation rates. The loss process was best expressed as first- and second-order, but the second-order loss weighted by plume transmittance was the best indicator of where oxidation rates were the highest in the plume. NO{sub x} concentration is used as a surrogate for the oxidizing species in the gas-phase reaction equation. SO{sub 2} and NO{sub x} conversion rates were approximately 1% h{sup {minus}1} and 3% h{sup {minus}1}, respectively, at distances of 100 km from the sources; they decreased further downwind. SO{sub 2} and NO{sub x} conversion rates predicted by the STEM-II box model were <1% h{sup {minus}1} and 2% h{sup {minus}1} to 30% h{sup {minus}1}, respectively, depending on time of day and distance from the source. The increase in aerosol particle size distribution for volume and mass is estimated by accounting for dilution and entrainment by mixing processes with background particles. The conversion rates estimated for SO{sub 2} and NO{sub x} are sufficient to account for the increase in mass by condensation on existing particles if 10% of the increase in the accumulation mode (0.3 {mu}m) in mass is sulfate. Small particles around 0.1 {mu}m and 0.3 {mu}m increased in number and volume, respectively, with travel time, suggesting condensation was shifting smaller particles into this region. Homogeneous nucleation of sulfate probably played only a minor role in new particle formation because estimates of the number of new particles formed below 0.075 {mu}m in diameter show no increase.

• Research Organization: Georgia Inst. of Tech., Atlanta, GA (United States)
• OSTI ID: 106810
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AEROSOLS
AIR POLLUTION
ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY
CONSERVATION LAWS
FIRES
KUWAIT
MASS TRANSFER
NITROGEN OXIDES
PARTICLE SIZE
PLUMES
POLLUTANTS
SULFUR DIOXIDE