Abstract

Nitrate particle size distributions were determined at the Nitrogen Species Methods Comparison Study at Claremont, CA during September 1985 with the Berner nine stage cascade impactor. Particle bounce was minimized by an inert fluorocarbon grease substrate. Interference from nitric acid was eliminated with a vertical acid gas denuder designed to prevent large particle loss. Samples were taken with and without the grease or denuder to test the techniques. Volatile nitrate loss was less than 10%, based on comparisons with fine nitrate from parallel filter samplers. Aerosol size distributions for the major ionic species were determined under varying atmospheric conditions and good ion balances achieved. Nitrate was bimodal during both day and night-time periods. Fine mode nitrate was associated with ammonium while coarse mode nitrate was associated with both ammonium and sodium. Extensive evidence including size distributions, temporal associations and species balances is given for the reaction of nitric acid and sea salt to produce hydrochloric acid and coarse mode nitrate. Sulfate was primarily in two submicrometer modes. Strong acid was associated with the smaller sulfate mode.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.