Hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide in the atmosphere of Mexico city
- Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico City (Mexico)
- Instituto Nacional de Ecologia, Mexico City (Mexico)
- Servicio LOA, Mexico City (Mexico)
In Mexico City, the use and composition of fuels determine that carbon monoxide (CO) comes mostly from mobile sources, and sulfur dioxide (SO{sub 2}) from fixed and mobile sources. By simultaneously measuring hydrocarbons (HC), CO, and SO{sub 2} in the atmosphere of Mexico City, the relative amounts coming from different sources can be estimated. Assuming that some HC are emitted proportionally to CO emissions, we can establish that [HC]{sub 1} = m1{center_dot}[CO], where the proportionality constant m1 corresponds to the ratio of emissions factor for HC and CO in mobile sources. Similarly for fuels containing sulfur, it can be assumed that [HC]{sub 2} = m2{center_dot}[SO{sub 2}]. In this way, the total HC are [HC]{sub total}= [HC]{sub 0} +m1{center_dot}[CO]+m2{center_dot}[SO{sub 2}], where [HC]{sub 0}, corresponds mainly to other sources like solvent evaporation, gas consumption, and natural emissions. In this way, it can be estimated that in Mexico City 75% of average HC comes from mobile sources, 5% from sulfur-related sources, and 19% from natural sources and solvent evaporation. Compared with the HC/CO ratio measured in the exhaust pipe of vehicles, we estimated that 70% of HC emitted from mobile sources are evaporative losses, and only 30% come through the exhaust system. 26 refs., 7 figs., 3 tabs.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 171472
- Journal Information:
- Journal of the Air and Waste Management Association, Journal Name: Journal of the Air and Waste Management Association Journal Issue: 12 Vol. 45; ISSN JAWAEB; ISSN 1047-3289
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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