Sensitivity of PM2.5, and Nitrate Concentrations to NH3, HNO3, and SO42- Control in NH3-Rich Urban Areas: A Case Study of Seoul, South Korea
JOONHYEOK CHOI, Ji Yi Lee, Joonyoung Ahn, Mijung Song,
Jeonbuk National University Abstract Number: 91
Working Group: Aerosol Chemistry
AbstractSeoul, a megacity in East Asia, is currently grappling with significant air quality challenges caused by high levels of particulate matter (PM) pollution, specifically particulate NO
3-. To improve air quality and reduce nitrate pollution, it is imperative to control the concentrations of either nitric acid (HNO
3) or ammonia (NH
3). In this study, we analyzed water-soluble inorganic ions (WSIIs) and gaseous species (HNO
3, NH
3, and SO
2) in Seoul from 2020 to 2022 to investigate how PM
2.5 and nitrate concentrations are affected by NH
3, HNO
3, and SO
42- control in the NH
3-rich region. We used the ISORROPIA-II thermodynamic equilibrium model to assess the sensitivity of aerosol pH, PM
2.5, and NO
3- mass concentrations to NH
3, HNO
3, and SO
42- control. Our findings will be presented, and they can provide valuable insights for reducing PM
2.5 concentrations in NH
3-rich urban areas, informing policymakers and stakeholders to develop effective strategies for improving air quality.