Evaluation of the Effects of Emission Reductions on Secondary Particulate Matter in the South Coast Air Basin of California

Abstract

An Aerosol Trajectory Model (ATM) is applied to the South Coast Air Basin of California for a two-day episode in August 1982 to evaluate proposed control strategies that aim to reduce atmospheric aerosols. Model predictions Indicate that secondary organic aerosols decrease linearly with reactive hydrocarbon emissions. In addition, the model shows that If sulf ate is produced only in the gas phase by oxidation of SO₂, then reduction In SO₂ emissions yields a nearly proportional decrease In sulfate levels. Reduction in ammonia emissions, combined with reduction of NO_x emissions, gives the best results In terms of nitrate control. The order in which the emission controls are implemented Is predicted to have a major impact on the reduction of secondary atmospheric aerosols.