2005 Ohio Student Research Forum
Abstract
Summertime
Reactivity of Atmospheric Organic Species in Athens, Ohio
Charlotta Fields
Ohio University, Department of Chemical Engineering
Mentor: Dr. Valerie Young
Ozone (O3) exists in a balance with NOx (primarily NO2 and NO) gases in the troposphere. However, organic compounds can disrupt this balance by reacting with the hydroxyl radical (OH) to produce more ozone. This ozone is a major component of atmospheric smog. Organic compounds are divided into two types: anthropogenic and biogenic. Anthropogenic compounds result from human actions. Biogenic compounds are produced in natural processes. This study uses the reactivity of several organic compounds with OH to determine the anthropogenic and biogenic contribution to the production of ozone during May, June, and July in Athens, Ohio. Samples were taken at two sites in Athens: one chiefly affected by activity in Athens and one affected by regional activity.
During these months, anthropogenic compounds make up 82 percent of the compounds studied. However, these compounds only contribute 23 percent of the reactivity. Studying each month individually shows an increase in reactivity over the summer mainly due to the increase in biogenic activity. These results illustrate the large impact of biogenic compounds on ozone production during the summer months. Studies of the individual sites show only an eight percent difference in biogenic reactivity between the two. This suggests that there is not enough difference between the activity in Athens and the activity in the region to justify a study into the effect the city of Athens has on the regional air shed.
