Chemical Coupling Between Atmospheric Ozone and Particulate Matter

Abstract

A major fraction of ambient particulate matter arises from atmospheric gas-to-particle conversion. Attempts to reduce particulate matter levels require control of the same organic and nitrogen oxide (NO_x) emissions that are precursors to urban and regional ozone formation. Modeling of the gas-aerosol chemical interactions that govern levels of particulate components showed that control of gas-phase organic and NO_x precursors does not lead to proportionate reductions of the gas-phase–derived components of atmospheric particles. The chemical coupling between ozone and particulate matter has implications for strategies to achieve the new ozone and particulate matter standards proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.