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Final Report: Tracer Studies of Sulfur Dioxide Oxidation in Clouds

EPA Grant Number: R823422
Title: Tracer Studies of Sulfur Dioxide Oxidation in Clouds
Investigators: Husain, Liaquat
Institution: SUNY at Albany
EPA Project Officer: Shapiro, Paul
Project Period: September 1, 1995 through August 31, 1998
Project Amount: $335,659
RFA: Exploratory Research - Chemistry and Physics of Air (1995)
Research Category: Engineering and Environmental Chemistry

Description:

Objective:

The primary objective of this project was to quantify the oxidation of sulfur dioxide in cloud droplets in the Northeastern United States.

Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):

We have reported experimental evidence showing a sharp decrease in aerosol figure levels in northeastern United States caused by reduction in SO2 emissions in the midwestern United States. Continuous measurements were made at Whiteface Mountain in the Adirondack region of New York State from 1979 to 1996 and Mayville in the western part of the State from 1983 to 1996. The results show that from 1981 to 1991 the figure concentration remained the same within experimental uncertainties. Similarly, slight reductions occurred in SO2 emissions in the midwest during this period. However, reductions of nearly 47 percent in figure at Whiteface Mt and 30 percent at Mayville, compared to 1981-91 period, were observed during 1995 and 1996. This sharp decline in figure concentrations coincided with a 36 percent reduction in SO2 emissions in the midwest. Linear relationship between figure and total S (sum of S present as SO2 + figure) and the midwestern SO2 emissions was observed for the entire period at the two sites, 530 km apart. The mean ratio of figureconcentrations to SO2 emissions for the eighteen year period at Whiteface Mountain is 0.11 + 0.014 and for thirteen years at Mayville is 0.23 + 0.014 µg figure/m3 per 103 metric tons SO2 emitted per day. The data suggest that the observed relationship could be used to predict decreases in atmospheric figure levels based on SO2 emissions several years hence. Furthermore, it appears feasible to develop an empirical source-receptor relationship if similar data were acquired from a network of strategically located sampling sites.


Journal Articles on this Report: 2 Displayed | Download in RIS Format

Other project views: All 2 publications 2 publications in selected types All 2 journal articles

Type Citation Project Document Sources
Journal Article Dutkiewicz VA, Das M, Husain L. The relationship between regional SO2 emissions and downwind aerosol sulfate concentrations in the northeastern US. Atmospheric Environment 2000;34(11):1821-1832. R823422 (Final)
 not available
Journal Article Husain L, Dutkiewicz VA, Das M. Evidence for decrease in atmospheric sulfur burden in the eastern United States caused by reduction in SO2 emissions. Geophysical Research Letters 1998;25(7):967-970. R823422 (Final)
 not available
Supplemental Keywords:

air, ambient air, atmosphere, oxidants, sulfates, H2O2, SO2, environmental chemistry, monitoring, measurement methods, northeast, New York, NY, Region 2. , Air, Geographic Area, Scientific Discipline, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, Physics, Chemistry, EPA Region, Environmental Chemistry, State, fate and transport, aerosol particles, New York (NY), source receptor relationship, acid rain, meterology, field monitoring, Region 2, gas-phase oxidation, tracer studies, sulfur dioxide absorption, anthropogenic stress

Progress and Final Reports:
Original Abstract

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The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.

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