Modeling atmospheric chemistry: Interactions between gas-phase species and liquid cloud/aerosol particles

Abstract

For detailed modeling of atmospheric chemistry it is necessary to consider aqueous-phase reactions in cloud droplets and deliquesced aerosol particles. Often, the gas-phase concentration is in equilibrium with the aqueous phase. Then Henry's law can be used to describe the distribution between the phases provided that the Henry's law coefficient is known. In some cases, thermodynamic equilibrium will not be reached and it is necessary to use kinetic expressions of the rates involved. These rates depend on diffusion constants, accomodation coefficients, Henry's law coefficients, particle size distributions, and several other parameters. This review describes how these processes can be treated in computer modeling and how the necessary data can be obtained. Even though it is written primarily for use in modeling atmospheric chemistry, some parts will also be useful for waste water and pesticide control and in other areas where the distribution of chemicals between the aqueous and the gas phase is important.