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Atmospheric chemistry of aldehydes: enhanced peroxyacetyl nitrate formation from ethanol-fueled vehicular emissions

Journal Article · · Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es00174a005· OSTI ID:6248827

A preliminary study of the effects of enhanced acetaldehyde emissions from vehicles using ethanol and ethanol-containing fuel on peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) concentrations in urban air has been conducted in Rio de Janeiro. During this study, part of the second Rio de Janeiro Aerosol Characterization Study (RIO-JACS II), high concentrations of aldehydes (with low HCHO/CH/sub 3/CHO ratios) were related to enhanced PAN formation rates, especially in the a.m. hours, leading to PAN concentrations as high as 5 ppbv even in the presence of high NO concentrations. Model simulations of smog photochemistry with high aldehyde emissions were in substantial agreement with observations, except nitric acid levels were higher than observed due in part to HNO/sub 3/ loss mechanisms not included in the model (e.g., uptake onto aerosol particles).

Research Organization:
Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-76CH00016
OSTI ID:
6248827
Journal Information:
Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 22:9; ISSN ESTHA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English