Use of UV-DOAS for Determination of NO_x to HNO_3/NO_3 and SO_2 to H_2SO_4/SO_4~(2-) Transformation Rates

摘要

This research employs UV-DOAS to log ambient atmospheric measurements of criteria pollutants and to gather data specifically for determining transformation rates. Species of concern include oxides of nitrogen (NO + NO_2= NO_x) and sulfur dioxide (SO_2). Combustion sources such as coal fired power plants continuously emit NO_x and SO_2, which enter the atmosphere and become dispersed and transformed, resulting in the formation of HNO_3/NO_3~- and H_2SO_4/SO_4~(2-).The goal of this research is to determine the transformation rates from power plant plumes for NO_x to HNO_3/NO_3~- and SO_2 to H_2SO_4/SO_4~(2-) in a coastal environment. Continuous emission rates are known and ambient primary pollutant concentrations are continuously monitored with UV-DOAS. Secondary pollutant concentration levels are estimated from integrated annular denuder system measurements. The results of this research will be used to estimate the impacts of the nitrogen emissions from local power plants on the atmospheric nutrient loading to Tampa Bay and to assess the validity of current SO_2 to H_2SO_4/SO_4~(2-) modeled transformation rates in the Tampa environment.