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Sulfate formation in urban plumes

Conference · · Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6793748
Results are summarized for large-scale field studies aimed at determining the magnitude of sulfate formation and the presence of other air pollutants in composite urban plumes. The studies were carried out by using networks of nonurban sampling stations throughout the eastern U.S. by making measurements over the ocean downwind of the entire urbanized northwestern U.S., and by comparing sulfate concentrations in nonurban Northern and Southern Hemisphere locations. It is found that: (1) the sulfate formed in the urban plumes of eastern U.S. cities is obscured by a high nonurban sulfate background due to the combined effect of all anthropogenic sulfur oxide sources in the region, (2) the time period for appreciable SO/sub 2/ conversion to sulfates may be comparable to that required for plume transport over tens to hundreds of kilometers, (3) a significant amount of urban pollution is transported, 1000 km of more from land over the North Atlantic, (4) SO/sub 2/ may be converted to sulfate over the ocean, and (5) sulfate concentrations in the urban plumes may vary during transport, owing to both chemical and dynamic processes.
Research Organization:
Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
OSTI ID:
6793748
Report Number(s):
CONF-790115-
Conference Information:
Journal Name: Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci.; (United States)
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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