Effect of Hydrocarbon and NO_x on Photochemical Smog Formation under Simulated Transport Conditions

Abstract

The body of information presented in this paper is directed to those individuals concerned with the effect of urban pollution on downwind areas. Concern has been expressed over the appropriate hydrocarbon and NO _x control strategy to be used in minimizing the effects of ozone and NO₂ on urban population centers and their downwind environs. O₃ and NO₂ formation were studied in smog chamber irradiations as a function of the initial NO _x concentration at three hydrocarbon concentrations. By carrying out the irradiations for a period of time equivalent to one solar day in a continuously diluting system, smog formation in a chemically reacting pollutant system under transport was simulated. The results of this experimental simulation suggest that hydrocarbon reduction reduces O₃ in urban as well as downwind areas while NO _x reduction increases O₃ in the urban area and has little effect on O₃ in downwind areas. Both hydrocarbon and NO _x reduction will reduce atmospheric NO₂ levels, with the effect of NO _x reduction generally being more pronounced.