Simultaneous measurements of peroxy and nitrate radicals at Schauinsland

Abstract

We present simultaneous field measurements of NO3 and peroxy radicals made at night in a forested area (Schauinsland, Black Forest, 48° N, 8° N, 1150 ASL), together with measurements of CO, O3, NO x , NO y , and hydrocarbons, as well as meteorological parameters. NO2, NO3, HO2, and ∑(RO2) radicals are detected with matrix isolation/electron spin resonance (MIESR). NO3 and HO2 were found to be present in the range of 0–10 ppt, whilst organic peroxy radicals reached concentrations of 40 ppt. NO3, RO2, and HO2 exhibited strong variations, in contrast to the almost constant values of the longer lived trace gases. The data suggest anticorrelation between NO3 and RO2 radical concentrations at night. The measured trace gas set allows the calculation of NO3 and peroxy radical concentrations, using a chemical box model. From these simulations, it is concluded that the observed anthropogenic hydrocarbons are not sufficient to explain the observed RO2 concentrations. The chemical budget of both NO3 and RO2 radicals can be understood if emissions of monoterpenes are included. The measured HO2 can only be explained by the model, when NO concentrations at night of around 5 ppt are assumed to be present. The presence of HO2 radicals implies the presence of hydroxyl radicals at night in concentrations of up to 105 cm−3.