J. S. Gaffney
Bldg. 203, ER
Argonne National Laboratory
Argonne, IL 60439
630-252-5178
fax 630-252-7415
jsgaffney@anl.gov

Field and laboratory investigations are carried out on the tropospheric chemistry of organic oxidants and their precursors. Specific objectives are (1) to improve understanding of the chemical and physical properties of organic oxidants, their chemical reactions, and their formation from precursors and (2) to develop and apply novel instrumentation for the determination of the oxidants and precursors under different atmospheric conditions. The relationships among organic oxidants, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) are examined in field studies coupled with laboratory instrument development. Chemiluminescence detection methods for rapid measurement of NO₂, peroxyacyl nitrates (PANs), and reactive hydrocarbon precursors (olefins and oxygenates) are part of ongoing ACP field efforts. Chemiluminescence detection is also proposed for use in analysis of the difficult-to-measure peracids and peroxides. Past field efforts were completed in Mexico City; Phoenix, Arizona; and Centerton, New Jersey (Northeast Oxidant Particle Study). Data are analyzed from the New Jersey study, the Central California Oxidant Study (CCOS, June-July 2000), and the Texas 2000 air quality study in Houston (August 2000). CCOS work focuswa on measurements from the G-1 aircraft to assess the ozone-forming processes in the Central Valley. Texas 2000 work focuses on potential impacts of industrial chlorine release on peroxy radical formation rates and enhancement of organic oxidants (peroxides and PANs) and ozone. Field work in Puerto Rico is also being explored.

Some further information can be found in the viewgraphs (set 1; set 2) from presentations at the Atmospheric Sciences Program Annual Meeting held in February 2001.

Additional information can be found in the viewgraphs from a presentation at the Atmospheric Sciences Program Annual Meeting held in March 2002.