Sulfates in the atmosphere: A progress report on project MISTT

Abstract

The size and sulfate content of atmospheric aerosols and the rate and mechanisms for sulfate formation from sulfur dioxide in power plant plumes are reviewed. Emphasis is given to results from the recent USEPA study, Project MISTT (Midwest Interstate Sulfur Transformation and Transport). The rate of conversion of sulfur dioxide to sulfate aerosol in power plant plumes is low near the point of emission, but increases to several per cent h −1 as ambient air mixes with the plume. Tall stacks reduce ground level concentrations of sulfur dioxide, resulting in a reduction of the amount removed by dry deposition. In urban plumes, which are well-mixed to the ground near the source, sulfur dioxide is removed more rapidly by dry deposition. Thus, tall stacks increase the atmospheric residence time of sulfur dioxide, which leads to an increase in atmospheric sulfate formation. These sulfate aerosols may be transported over distances of several hundred kilometers and produce air pollution episodes far from the pollution source.