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Chemical speciation of sulfate emissions from catalyst-equipped automobiles under ambient conditions

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:7260058

Airborne particles samples were obtained on treated quartz filters during five days of the GM Sulfate Dispersion Experiment and analyzed for total acidity, sulfuric acid, ammonium, soluble sulfate (two methods), total sulfur and nitrate. From the resultant data the roadside impact from sulfate emissions by the observed fleet of catalyst-equipped autos is calculated to be in the range 3-6 ..mu..g/m/sup 3/, probably all in the form of sulfuric acid. This particulate sulfuric acid emission is apparently neutralized by ambient ammonia with a half-life of tens of seconds with the rate dependent on the ambient ammonia concentration. Experimental examples of sulfuric acid impact; ammonia-neutralized sulfate impact; and partially neutralized sulfate impact at 30 meters or 100 meters downwind from the roadway are cited.

Research Organization:
Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
EY-76-C-02-0016
OSTI ID:
7260058
Report Number(s):
BNL-21040(Rev.)
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English