文摘
Nitrous acid (HONO), nitric acid (HNO3), and organic aerosol were measured simultaneously atop an 18-story tower in Houston, TX during August and September of 2006. HONO and HNO3 were measured using a mist chamber/ion chromatographic technique, and aerosol size and chemical composition were determined using an Aerodyne quadrupole aerosol mass spectrometer. Observations indicate the potential for a new HONO formation pathway: heterogeneous conversion of HNO3 on the surface of primary organic aerosol (POA). Significant HONO production was observed, with an average of 0.97 ppbv event−1 and a maximum increase of 2.2 ppb in 4 h. Nine identified events showed clear HNO3 depletion and well-correlated increases in both HONO concentration and POA-dominated aerosol surface area (SA). Linear regression analysis results in correlation coefficients (r2) of 0.82 for HONO/SA and 0.92 for HONO/HNO3. After correction for established HONO formation pathways, molar increases in excess HONO (HONOexcess) and decreases in HNO3 were nearly balanced, with an average HONOexcess/HNO3 value of 0.97. Deviations from this mole balance indicate that the residual HNO3 formed aerosol-phase nitrate. Aerosol mass spectral analysis suggests that the composition of POA could influence HONO production. Several previously identified aerosol-phase PAH compounds were enriched during events, suggesting their potential importance for heterogeneous HONO formation.
