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Formation of Atmospheric Acidity

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Acid Deposition

Summary

Atmospheric oxidation is a natural process which is largely driven by photochemistry. In the case of oxides of nitrogen and sulphur emitted from the combustion of fossil fuels, oxidation leads to the formation of strong acids which cause acidification of rain in areas far removed from their source. The mechanisms of the various oxidation processes are dealt with in this paper. They can occur in the gas phase, in liquid droplets or possibly on the surface of some aerosol particles. They are very complex and involve free radicals, such as the hydroxyl radical, strong oxidant molecules, such as ozone and hydrogen peroxide and transition metal catalysts.

Much progress in the understanding of these phenomena was made under the auspices of the COST 61A program but many outstanding problems remain. Some recent work in this field is reviewed and a list of current research priorities is appended. Emphasis is placed on the need to understand seasonal phenomena, the role of droplet phase chemistry and the interaction of fossil fuel emissions with the emissions from motor vehicles.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Atomic Energy Research Establishment Harwell, Didcot Oxon, UK

    R. A. Cox & S. A. Penkett

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  1. R. A. Cox
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  2. S. A. Penkett
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Pilotstation Frankfurt, Umweltbundesamt, Federal Republic of Germany

    S. Beilke

  2. N.V. Kema, Arnhem, The Netherlands

    A. J. Elshout

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© 1983 ECSC, EEC, EAEC, Brussels and Luxembourg

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Cox, R.A., Penkett, S.A. (1983). Formation of Atmospheric Acidity. In: Beilke, S., Elshout, A.J. (eds) Acid Deposition. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-7139-4_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-7139-4_7

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