An Examination of Organic Nitrates Using a 0-D Model and Experimental Data From an Isoprene Irradiation Chamber Experiment
Abstract
Isoprene (2-methyl-1,3-butadiene) is the most prevalent hydrocarbon that is emitted into the atmosphere by various plant species, at a global rate of approximately 500 Tg/year. Isoprene is highly reactive with hydroxyl radicals, and through this process contributes significantly to tropospheric ozone production in a sufficiently NOx- rich environment. Additionally, methyl vinyl ketone and methacrolein, both of which are major isoprene oxidation products, can lead to additional ozone formation due to their high reactivity with hydroxyl radicals. Formation of organic nitrates from isoprene, methyl vinyl ketone and methacrolein is one of the termination steps in the cycle that produces ozone, and that converts NOx into a form with an uncertain lifetime, depending on subsequent chemistry. Here we discuss results of simulations of isoprene photochemistry using a comprehensive 0-D model, to thoroughly evaluate the distribution of nitrogen in the isoprene/NOx photochemical system. The model includes detailed chemistry of the formation and removal of a wide variety of nitrates, produced from both OH and NO3 reaction with isoprene and its major oxidation products. The model simulations will be compared with data that was collected from a series of isoprene/NOx irradiation experiments that were performed in June of 2006. In particular, the sum of all nitrates have been measured, in order to further understand the important role that these nitrates play in the chemistry of the troposphere.
- Publication:
-
AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2007
- Bibcode:
- 2007AGUFM.A33D1538C
- Keywords:
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- 0315 Biosphere/atmosphere interactions (0426;
- 1610);
- 0365 Troposphere: composition and chemistry;
- 0426 Biosphere/atmosphere interactions (0315);
- 1610 Atmosphere (0315;
- 0325)