Multicomponent new particle formation from sulfuric acid, ammonia, and biogenic vapors.

ABSTRACT: A major fraction of atmospheric aerosol particles, which affect both air quality and climate, form from gaseous precursors in the atmosphere. Highly oxygenated organic molecules (HOMs), formed by oxidation of biogenic volatile organic compounds, are known to participate in particle formation and growth. However, it is not well understood how they interact with atmospheric pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides (NO _x ) and sulfur oxides (SO _x ) from fossil fuel combustion, as well as ammonia (NH₃) from livestock and fertilizers. Here, we show how NO _x suppresses particle formation, while HOMs, sulfuric acid, and NH₃ have a synergistic enhancing effect on particle formation. We postulate a novel mechanism, involving HOM

SUBMITTER: Lehtipalo K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6291317 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature