NO x and VOC Control and Its Effects on the Formation of Aerosols

This research analyzes the qualitative and quantitative behavior of aerosol dynamics resulting from the control of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions by calculating detailed pollutant isopleths. Several emission scenarios are evaluated using various norms to study the nonlinear impact of control strategies. The modeling episode studied is the Southern California Air Quality Study on August 27, 28, and 29, 1987. The modeling domain is the South Coast Air Basin of California. Research suggests that the reduction of NOx and VOC emissions traditionally implemented to control ozone also controls particulate matter, but to a limited extent. Furthermore, the effects of reducing NH3 are more effective in PM control than reducing both NOx and VOC. Simulations indicate that the combined control of NH3, NOx, and VOC emissions is most effective to reduce particulate matter and ozone in the South Coast Air Basin of California.