TY - JOUR ID - 10.1016/j.jes.2018.03.002 TI - Influence of gaseous and particulate species on neutralization processes of polar aerosol and snow — A case study from Ny-Ålesund AU - Roseline C. Thakur AU - Meloth Thamban VL - 31 IS - 2 PB - SP - 12 EP - 25 PY - JF - Journal of Environmental Sciences JA - J. Environ. Sci. UR - http://www.jesc.ac.cn/jesc_en/ch/reader/view_abstract.aspx?file_no=S1001074217329029&flag=1 KW - Particulate;Aerosol;Scavenging;Neutralization;Arctic AB - The inter-conversion of nitrogen and sulfur species between the gas and particulate phases and their interaction with alkaline species influences the acidity of the aerosols and surface snow. To better understand these processes, a short field campaign was undertaken in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, during 13th April 2012 to 24th April 2012. Air measurements were carried out through a particulate sampler equipped with denuders and filter packs for simultaneous collection of trace gases (HNO3, NO2, SO2 and reactive nitrogen compounds) and aerosols, with daily collection of snow samples. Ionic composition of the samples was analyzed using ion chromatography technique. The results suggested that nitrate-rich aerosols are formed when PAN (peroxy acetyl nitrate) disassociates to form NO2 and HNO3 which further hydrolyzes to form pNO3 (particulate nitrate). This resulted in a high contribution of pNO3 (62%) to the total nitrogen budget over the study area. The acidity of the aerosols and snow evaluated through cation/anion ratio (C/A) indicated alkaline conditions with C/A > 2. The bicarbonates/carbonates of Mg2 + played an important role in neutralization processes of surface snow while the role of NH3 was dominant in aerosol neutralization processes. Such neutralization processes can increase the aerosol hygroscopicity causing warming. Chloride depletion in the snow was significant as compared to the aerosols, indicating two important processes, scavenging of coarse sea salt by the snow and gaseous adsorption of SO2 on the snow surface. However, a more systematic and long term study is required for a better understanding of the neutralization processes and chemical inter-conversions. ER -