The effect of CO on sulfate aerosol formation

Abstract

A series of experiments were performed in an outdoor smog chamber to determine the effect of CO on the rate of SO2 oxidation in a rural air photochemical system. The presence of added CO, at concentrations ranging from 15 to 30 ppm, decreased the aerosol formation rate as measured by a condensation nuclei counter, an electrical aerosol analyzer, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis of collected aerosol. Enhanced O3 production due to the action of CO was also detected in one of the experiments. Comparison of the XRF data with results of a photochemical model shows good agreement concerning the effect of CO on the SO2 oxidation rate. This agreement supports the hypothesis that SO2 is oxidized principally by the hydroxyl and hydroperoxy radicals in the system studied. © 1978.