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Direct observation of heterogeneous chemistry in the atmosphere

Journal Article · · Science
; ;  [1]
  1. Univ. of California, Riverside, CA (United States); and others
The heterogeneous replacement of chloride by nitrate in individual sea-salt particles was monitored continuously over time in the troposphere with the use of aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Modeling calculations show that the observed chloride displacement process is consistent with a heterogeneous chemical reaction between sea-salt particles and gas-phase nitric acid, leading to sodium nitrate production in the particle phase accompanied by liberation of gaseous HCl from the particles. Such single-particle measurements, combined with a single-particle model, make it possible to monitor and explain heterogeneous gas/particle chemistry as it occurs in the atmosphere. 18 refs., 3 figs.
OSTI ID:
621400
Journal Information:
Science, Journal Name: Science Journal Issue: 5354 Vol. 279; ISSN SCIEAS; ISSN 0036-8075
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English