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Acidity and the multiphase chemistry of atmospheric aqueous particles and clouds

Authors :
A. Tilgner
T. Schaefer
B. Alexander
M. Barth
J. L. Collett Jr.
K. M. Fahey
A. Nenes
H. O. T. Pye
H. Herrmann
V. F. McNeill
Source :
Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, Vol 21, Pp 13483-13536 (2021)
Publication Year :
2021
Publisher :
Copernicus Publications, 2021.

Abstract

The acidity of aqueous atmospheric solutions is a key parameter driving both the partitioning of semi-volatile acidic and basic trace gases and their aqueous-phase chemistry. In addition, the acidity of atmospheric aqueous phases, e.g., deliquesced aerosol particles, cloud, and fog droplets, is also dictated by aqueous-phase chemistry. These feedbacks between acidity and chemistry have crucial implications for the tropospheric lifetime of air pollutants, atmospheric composition, deposition to terrestrial and oceanic ecosystems, visibility, climate, and human health. Atmospheric research has made substantial progress in understanding feedbacks between acidity and multiphase chemistry during recent decades. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge on these feedbacks with a focus on aerosol and cloud systems, which involve both inorganic and organic aqueous-phase chemistry. Here, we describe the impacts of acidity on the phase partitioning of acidic and basic gases and buffering phenomena. Next, we review feedbacks of different acidity regimes on key chemical reaction mechanisms and kinetics, as well as uncertainties and chemical subsystems with incomplete information. Finally, we discuss atmospheric implications and highlight the need for future investigations, particularly with respect to reducing emissions of key acid precursors in a changing world, and the need for advancements in field and laboratory measurements and model tools.

Subjects

Subjects :
Physics
QC1-999
Chemistry
QD1-999

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
16807316 and 16807324
Volume :
21
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.1b54fb8105694cba98929afcbc79eaa3
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-13483-2021