Urban atmospheric chlorine chemistry : mechanism development, evaluation and implications
Abstract
Detailed photochemical modeling is used to guide air quality management activities around the world. These models use condensed chemical mechanisms to describe the multiphase processes that lead to chemical transformations in the atmosphere. Condensed mechanisms have generally not included the reactions of halogens, yet an expanding body of ambient observational evidence indicates that halogen chemistry, particularly chlorine chemistry, can be important in urban environments. This thesis is focused on the development, implementation, and evaluation of condensed chemical mechanisms that incorporate chlorine chemistry pathways. Gas phase reactions involving molecular chlorine and nitryl chloride (ClNO₂), as well as heterogeneous reactions involving particulate chloride species are addressed. The predictions of the modeling work presented here are compared to environmental chamber experiments and field observations.