The effects of below-cloud aerosol on the acidification process of rain

Abstract

Using a model of the acidification process of rain, we calculate and analyze the effects and contributions of a below-cloud aerosol in its different concentrations and acidities on the pH and ion components of rain (SO 4 2− , H+, NO 3 − , NH 4 + , etc.) under the conditions of different concentrations of pollution gases. The results show that the aerosol has an acidification or alkalization effect on the rain which changes the pHs of rain and aerosol. As acidifying pollution gas concentrations (SO2, HNO3) are low, the acid aerosol has important effects on the pH and H+ of rain, but as the gas concentrations are high, the acid aerosol has very little effect. The alkalizing aerosol makes the pH of rain increase by between 0.3 and 0.5 and neutralizes about 60% of H+ in the rain. As alkalizing pollution gas NH3 exists, the acid aerosol has important effects on the pH and H+ of rain. But the alkalizing aerosol has very little effect, especially as the NH3 concentration is high. The percentage contribution of the aerosol to SO 4 2− in rain is generally 7–15%, the contribution of the aerosol to NO 3 − is nearly the same as that of HNO3=1 ppb, and the contribution of the aerosol to NH 4 + is nearly the same as that of NH3, from 5 to 7 ppb, and is an important source of NH 4 + in rain. Finally, according to the actual conditions of typical regions in the south and north of China (Chongqing and Beijing), we analyze the effects of aerosol and pollution gases on the ion components of rain.