Measurement report: Elevated atmospheric ammonia may promote particle pH and HONO formation – insights from the COVID-19 pandemic
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: . The incongruity between atmospheric oxidizing capacity and NOx emissions during the COVID-19 pandemic remains puzzling. Here, we show evidence from field observations of ten sites in China that there was a noticeable increase in NH3 concentrations during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the meteorological conditions, the significant decrease in sulfate and nitrate concentrations enhanced the portioning of NH4+ to NH3 Such conditions enable enhanced particle pH values, which in turn accelerate the redox reactions between NO2 and SO2 to form HONO. This mechanism partly explains the enhanced atmospheric oxidizing capacity during the pandemic and highlights the importance of coordinating the control of SO2, NOx, and NH3 emissions.
Institution: Zhengzhou University
Language: English
Subfield: Atmospheric Science
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,725
Award: G2669382126
OpenAlex ID: W4402311346