Bromine chemistry, particularly in the tropics, has been suggested to play an important role in tropospheric ozone loss although a lack of measurements of active bromine species impedes a quantitative understanding of its impacts. Recent modelling and measurements of bromine monoxide (BrO) by Wang et al. (2015) have shown current models under predict BrO concentrations over the Pacific Ocean and allude to a missing source of BrO. Here, we present the first simultaneous aircraft measurements of atmospheric bromine monoxide, BrO (a radical that along with atomic Br catalytically destroys ozone) and the inorganic Br precursor compounds HOBr, BrCI and Br-2 over the Western Pacific Ocean from 0.5 to 7 km. The presence of 0.17-1.64 pptv BrO and 3.6-8 pptv total inorganic Br from these four species throughout the troposphere causes 10-20% of total ozone loss, and confirms the importance of bromine chemistry in the tropical troposphere; contributing to a 6 ppb decrease in ozone levels due to halogen chemistry. Observations are compared with a global chemical transport model and find that the observed high levels of BrO, BrCI and HOBr can be reconciled by active multiphase oxidation of halide (Br and Cl-) by HOBr and ozone in cloud droplets and aerosols. Measurements indicate that 99% of the instantaneous free Br in the troposphere up to 8 km originates from inorganic halogen photolysis rather than from photolysis of organobromine species. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Following measurements in the winter of 2012, formic acid (HCOOH) and nitric acid (HNO3) were measured using a chemical ionization mass spectrometer (CIMS) during the Summer Clean Air for London (ClearfLo) campaign in London, 2012. Consequently, the seasonal dependence of formic acid sources could be better understood. A mean formic acid concentration of 1.3 ppb and a maximum of 12.7 ppb was measured which is significantly greater than that measured during the winter campaign (0.63 ppb and 6.7 ppb, respectively). Daily calibrations of formic acid during the summer campaign gave sensitivities of 1.2 ion counts s−1 parts per trillion (ppt) by volume−1 and a limit of detection of 34 ppt. During the summer campaign, there was no correlation between formic acid and anthropogenic emissions such as NOx and CO or peaks associated with the rush hour as was identified in the winter. Rather, peaks in formic acid were observed that correlated with solar irradiance. Analysis using a photochemical trajectory model has been conducted to determine the source of this formic acid. The contribution of formic acid formation through ozonolysis of alkenes is important but the secondary production from biogenic VOCs could be the most dominant source of formic acid at this measurement site during the summer.

A global 3-D chemistry and transport model, STOCHEM integrated with a detailed VOC oxidation scheme (CRI v2-R5) has been employed to study the important NOx reservoir compound, peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN). Globally, PAN is produced entirely by the reaction of acetyl peroxy radicals (CH3CO3) with NO2 and up to 2.0 ppb of PAN is found over the polluted regions of North America during June- July-August for the present scenario. The imbalances between model and measurement data are noted, with STOCHEM-CRI overestimating PAN mixing ratios relative to the measurement data by +17 and +80 pptv for the lower and upper troposphere, respectively. The inclusion of additional HOx recycling mechanisms (e.g. related to isoprene oxidation) in STOCHEM-CRI causes a decrease in PAN in a present scenario by as much as 40% over sink regions and reduces the model-measurement disagreement by 90% for the lower troposphere and 40% for the upper troposphere. The lower NOx emissions and CH3CO3 formation upon including HOx recycling in a preindustrial scenario led to a decrease in PAN formation by as much as 40%. The decrease in PAN formation results in less nitrogen being transported to remote regions which in turn leads to the greatest percentage change in O3 concentration (9% decrease) in the equatorial regions.

Over the last two decades it has emerged that measured hydroxyl radical levels in the upper troposphere are often underestimated by models, leading to the assertion that there are missing sources. Here we report laboratory studies of the kinetics and products of the reaction between CH3O2 and BrO radicals that shows that this could be an important new source of hydroxyl radicals:BrO + CH3O2 → products (1). The temperature dependent value in Arrhenius form of k(T) is k1 = (2.42–0.72+1.02) × 10–14 exp[(1617 ± 94)/T] cm3 molecule–1 s–1. In addition, CH2OO and HOBr are believed to be the major products. Global model results suggest that the decomposition of H2COO to form OH could lead to an enhancement in OH of up to 20% in mid-latitudes in the upper troposphere and in the lower stratosphere enhancements in OH of 2–9% are inferred from model integrations. In addition, reaction 1 aids conversion of BrO to HOBr and slows polar ozone loss in the lower stratosphere.

The atmospheric global budget and distribution of C-1-C-3 alkyl nitrates have been investigated using a global three-dimensional chemistry transport model, STOCHEM-CRI. Alkyl nitrates (RONO2) are significant NOx reservoir species and the more detailed VOC oxidation mechanism (CRI v2-R5) leads to greater photochemical production. RONO2 are significant sources of NOx in regions remote from NOx sources. The study shows that the global burden and the atmospheric life-time of C-1-C-3 alkyl nitrates are 113 Gg and 9-10 days, respectively, which are in excellent agreement with estimates established by previous studies. The abundance of alkyl nitrates have been found to be higher in the continental atmosphere, with CH3ONO2 mixing ratios up to 20 ppt over the Amazon rainforest. Up to 15, 10, 2, and 5 ppt of modelled CH3ONO2, C2H5ONO2, n-C3H7INO2 and i-C3H7ONO2 have been found in the northern hemisphere over regions with large anthropogenic emissions of NOx and VOCs. The combination of atmospheric production and long-range transport led to high alkyl nitrate levels at high latitudes. The model performance for C-1-C-3 alkyl nitrates was established using observations from nine flights and nine field campaigns. The comparison shows a tendency towards model under-prediction of the observations, particularly in the southern hemispheric marine boundary layer, possibly due to the absence of oceanic production mechanisms and air-sea exchange processes in the model. The discrepancies between model and observed seasonal cycles, especially of CH3ONO2, in both hemispheres are discussed. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The first nitryl chloride (ClNO2) measurements in the UK were made during the summer 2012 ClearfLo campaign with a chemical ionization mass spectrometer, utilizing an I- ionization scheme. Concentrations of ClNO2 exceeded detectable limits (11ppt) every night with a maximum concentration of 724ppt. A diurnal profile of ClNO2 peaking between 4 and 5 A.M., decreasing directly after sunrise, was observed. Concentrations of ClNO2 above the detection limit are generally observed between 8 P.M. and 11 A.M. Different ratios of the production of ClNO2:N2O5 were observed throughout with both positive and negative correlations between the two species being reported. The photolysis of ClNO2 and a box model utilizing the Master Chemical Mechanism modified to include chlorine chemistry was used to calculate Cl atom concentrations. Simultaneous measurements of hydroxyl radicals (OH) using low pressure laser-induced fluorescence and ozone enabled the relative importance of the oxidation of three groups of measured VOCs (alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes) by OH radicals, Cl atoms, and O-3 to be compared. For the day with the maximum calculated Cl atom concentration, Cl atoms in the early morning were the dominant oxidant for alkanes and, over the entire day, contributed 15%, 3%, and 26% toward the oxidation of alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes, respectively.

?Nothing in science has any value to society if it is not communicated.? So goes the 1952 quote from Anne Roe, the noted twentieth century American psychologist and writer. She went on to say that ?scientists are beginning to learn their social obligations?, and now over 60 years later there is certainly evidence to support her assertions. As scientists, by communicating our research to the general public we not only better inform the tax payer where their money is being spent, but are also able to help put into context the topical environmental challenges and issues that society faces, as well as inspiring a whole new generation of future scientists. This process of communication is very much a two-way street; by presenting our work to people outside of our usual spheres of contemporaries, we expose ourselves to alternative thoughts and insights that can inspire us, as scientists, to take another look at our research from angles that we had never before considered. This work presents the results and experiences from a number of public engagement and outreach activities across the UK, in which geoscientists engaged and interacted with members of the general public. These include the design and implementation of Raspberry Pi based outreach activities for several hundred high school students; the process of running a successful podcast (http://thebarometer.podbean.com); hosting and participating in science events for thousands of members of the general public (e.g. http://www.manchestersciencefestival.com and http://sse.royalsociety.org/2013); and creating a citizen science activity that involved primary school children from across the UK.In communicating their research it is imperative that scientists interact with their audience in an effective and engaging manner, whether in an international conference, a classroom, or indeed down the pub. This work also presents a discussion of how these skills can be developed at an early stage in the careers of a research scientist, presenting the results and methodology of a groundbreaking lecture series at the University of Manchester, in which undergraduate and postgraduate students were taught how to be more effective communicators using methods derived from theatrical technique.Carl Sagan told us, ?Science is an absolutely essential tool for any society. And if the scientists will not bring this about, who will?? It is our job to engage with the general public to ensure that this is the case.

This study represents the first airborne, in-situ measurements of HC(O)OH in the European Arctic, across the winter and summer seasons. HC(O)OH concentrations are under predicted at present, particularly in the mid to high northern latitudes. Data presented here probe unconfirmed sources of HC(O)OH in the Arctic, and would suggest an ocean source of HC(O)OH is more significant than proposed land sources in both winter and summer environments. A maximum concentration of 420 ppt was recorded over the ocean during the July 2012 campaign. This was more than 1.7 times greater than the maximum land concentration reported. Calculated estimates on HC(O)OH production would suggest diiodomethane photolysis could represent a significant source of HC(O)OH in marine environments in the European Arctic. Enhanced HC(O)OH concentrations observed at altitudes greater than 2 km particularly during the March campaign highlight the significance of long range transport on the European Arctic budget. In addition, two HC(O)OH vertical profiles between the altitudes 0.3-6.6 km are presented to provide a more representative vertical profile for this latitude which may be used to improve forthcoming regional and global modelling of the HC(O)OH budget. (C) 2014 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Formic acid, an ubiquitous trace gas in the atmosphere, was measured using a chemical ionisation mass spectrometer (CIMS) during the winter ClearfLo campaign in London, 2012. Daily calibrations of formic acid gave sensitivities of 3 ion counts s(-1) pptv(-1) for the complete campaign and a limit of detection of 2 ppt. No correlation with nitric acid was observed, R-2 of 0.137, indicating no significant secondary source of formic acid. However, a strong positive correlation with NOx, CO, and production in line with rush hour periods indicated a direct anthropogenic emission of formic acid from vehicle emissions. Peaks of 6.7 ppb of formic acid were observed with a mean of 610 ppt Global models indicated that this emission source dominates in the northern hemisphere where global models underestimate formic acid most significantly, thus increasing the accuracy of modelling of global formic acid emissions. (C) 2013 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Laboratory based temperature-dependent kinetics and product yields for alkene ozonolysis and the reaction of CH3O2 with ClO and BrO have been measured via chamber studies and a turbulent flow tube coupled to CIMS (Chemical Ionisation Mass Spectrometry). In order to gain a better understanding of the fate of the products formed during hydrocarbon oxidation and their subsequent impact on the ozone budget (and so the oxidising capacity of the atmosphere) it is imperative to know the rate at which these reactions proceed and to identify their product yields.As tropospheric temperature varies, Arrhenius parameters were determined during the ozonolysis of selected alkenes. The temperature dependent kinetic database was extended and the activation energies for the ozonolysis of selected alkenes were correlated with an existing SAR (Structure Activity Relationship). Given the myriad organic species in the atmosphere, SARs are useful tools for the prediction of rate coefficients. Inclusion of Arrhenius parameters into the SAR allows for prediction over a range of temperatures, improving the conditions reflected in models. Achieving mass balance for alkene ozonolysis has proven to be a difficult challenge considering the numerous pathways of the Criegee Intermediate (CI). The product yield of formic acid ? an organic acid with significant atmospheric implications which is under predicted by models ? was determined as a function of relative humidity during ethene ozonolysis. This reaction exhibited a strong water dependence which lead to the prediction of the reaction rate of the CI with water which ranges between 1 � 10-12 ? 1 � 10-15 cm3 molecule-1 s-1 and will therefore dominate its loss with respect to bimolecular processes in the atmosphere.Peroxy radicals, strongly influence the total oxidising capacity of the troposphere. The reaction of peroxy radicals with halogen oxides is recognised to be responsible for considerable ozone depletion in the atmosphere, exacerbated by reactive halogens (X, XO) taking part in catalytic cycles. Arrhenius parameters were determined for ClO + CH3O2 and BrO + CH3O2. Temperature is an important parameter affecting rate, exemplified here as the reaction involving ClO exhibited a positive temperature dependence whereas for BrO a negative temperature dependence was evident. As a consequence, the impact of ClO + CH3O2 with respect to ozone loss is diminished. Global modelling predicts a reduction in ozone loss by a factor of around 1.5 and implicates regions such as clean marine environments rather than the polar stratosphere. Conversely, a more pronounced temperature dependence for the reaction of BrO with CH3O2 placed particular importance on lower stratospheric chemistry where the modelled CH3O2 oxidation is doubled. The main products for this reaction were identified to be HOBr and CH2O2. The decomposition of CH2O2 could enhance HOx in the lower and middle stratosphere and contribute to a significant source of HOx in the upper troposphere. Bimolecular reaction of CH2O2 with water could also provide a none negligible source HC(O)OH in the upper troposphere. Alkenes and peroxy radicals undergo chemical processing in the atmosphere whilst acting as a source and sink of ozone and thus can impose detrimental effects on the biosphere, climate and air quality of the Earth.

A temperature and pressure kinetic study for the CH3O2 + ClO reaction has been performed using the turbulent flow technique with a chemical ionisation mass spectrometry detection system. An Arrhenius expression was obtained for the overall rate coefficient of CH3O2 + ClO reaction: k(10)(T) = (1.96(-0.24)(+0.28)) x 10(-11) exp[(-626 +/- 35)/T] cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) where the uncertainty associated with the rate coefficient is given at the one standard deviation level. Over a range of pressure (100-200 Torr) and temperature (298-223 K) no pressure dependence is observed. The smaller rate coefficients measured at lower temperatures compared with both previous low temperature studies are believed to arise through the reduction of secondary chemistry and greater sensitivity in terms of reactant detection (hence much lower initial concentrations were employed). These new data reduce the effectiveness of ozone loss cycles involving reaction of CH3O2 + ClO in the polar stratosphere by around a factor of 1.5 and restrict the importance of the reaction to the tropical and extra-tropical clean marine environments in the troposphere.

Gas-phase ethene ozonolysis experiments were conducted at room temperature to determine formic acid yields as a function of relative humidity (RH) using the integrated EXTreme RAnge chamber-Chemical Ionisation Mass Spectrometry technique, employing a CH3I ionisation scheme. RHs studied were <1, 11, 21, 27, 30 % and formic acid yields of (0.07±0.01) and (0.41±0.07) were determined at <1 % RH and 30 % RH respectively, showing a strong water dependence. It has been possible to estimate the ratio of the rate coefficient for the reaction of the Criegee biradical, CH2OO with water compared with decomposition. This analysis suggests that the rate of reaction with water ranges between 1×10−12–1×10−15 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 and will therefore dominate its loss with respect to bimolecular processes in the atmosphere. Global model integrations suggest that this reaction between CH2OO and water may dominate the production of HC(O)OH in the atmosphere.

Heteroatomic unsaturated volatile organic compounds (HUVOCs) are common trace components of the atmosphere, yet their diverse chemical behaviour presents difficulties for predicting their oxidation kinetics using structure-activity relationships (SARs). An existing SAR is adapted to help meet this challenge, enabling the prediction of ozonolysis rates with unprecedented accuracy. The new SAR index, x(H), correlates strongly with available literature measurements of ozonolysis rate coefficients (R(2) = 0.87), a database representing 110 species. It was found that capturing the inductive effect rather than the steric effect is of primary importance in predicting the reactivity of these species, which is to be anticipated since HUVOCs can possess a variety of functional groups with a range of electron-withdrawing and donating tendencies. New experimental measurements of ozonolysis rate coefficients were conducted for 1-penten-3-ol, 3-methyl; ethene, 1,1-dimethoxy; E-2-pentenoic acid; E-1,2-dichloroethene; Z-1,2-dichloroethene; trichloroethene; tetrachloroethene; 1-butene, 3-chloro and 2-chloropropene, and were determined to be 5.15 × 10(-18), 4.82 × 10(-16), 3.07 × 10(-18), 8.05 × 10(-20), 4.88 × 10(-21), 6.04 × 10(-22), 1.56 × 10(-24), 2.26 × 10(-18) and 1.13 × 10(-19) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1), respectively. The index of the inductive effect, i(H), is compared with other indices of the electron-withdrawing capacity of a substitution, notably the Taft σ* constants and the rate of reaction of a given species with the hydroxyl radical, both of which are expected to be unaffected by steric factors. i(H) correlates strongly in both cases and suggests a universal response by olefinic species towards electrophilic addition.

In this paper, a real-time laboratory study of the heterogeneous oxidation reaction of gas-phase ozone with anthracene on surface substrates by using infrared spectroscopy in two distinctly different experimental configurations is reported. One set of kinetic measurements was made by attenuated total internal reflection infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy using approximately 75-nm films of anthracene adsorbed on ZnSe, for which the reactive uptake coefficient was determined to be (2.0 +/- 1.1) x 10(-7). Using an aerosol flow tube coupled to an infrared spectrometer (AFT-IR), similar measurements were made on (NH4)(2)SO4 (ammonium sulfate) aerosols coated with a 0.1-mu m film of anthracene. The aerosol kinetic results as a function of the ozone concentration are consistent with a Langmuir-Hinshelwood-type mechanism, for which the ozone-partitioning coefficient was KO3 = (1.4 +/- 1.7) x 10(-16) cm(3) molecule(-1), and the maximum pseudo-first-order rate coefficient was k(max)(I)=(0.035 +/- 0.016) s(-1). Infrared spectroscopic and mass spectrometric analysis of the ozonolysis reaction in the bulk phase identified the main ozonolysis products as dihydroxyanthrones, 9,10-endoperoxide-anthracene, 9,10-anthraquinone, and anthrone. Larger products were also seen in the mass spectra, most likely the result of secondary product and oligomer formation. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 694-707, 2011

The ozonolysis of olefinic species is an important tropospheric process impacting on climate and human health. However, few studies have investigated these reactions as a function of temperature and even less information is available upon the effects of alkene heteroatomic substitution on the Arrhenius parameters. The electron-withdrawing capacity of substituents about the olefinic bond strongly influences the rate of alkene ozonolysis. To understand better the effect of these substitutions, the temperature-dependence of a series of ozone–chloroalkene reactions is investigated. Experiments were conducted in the EXTreme RAnge (EXTRA) chamber, over the range of 292–409 K and 760 Torr. The experimentally determined rate coefficients were fitted using an Arrhenius-type analysis to yield the following activation energies: 30.80 ± 0.79, 23.18 ± 0.59, 65.2 ± 2.8, 116.9 ± 5.6, 29.5 ± 1.8, and 18.67 ± 0.96 kJ mol−1 and preexponential A-factors 1.22+0.39−0.29×10−15, 9.3+6.7−5.4×10−16, 1.6+2.5−1.0×10−10, 6+22−3.9×10−4, 1.7+1.6−0.8×10−14, and 4.2+1.9−1.3×10−15 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 for cis-1,2-dichloroethene, trans-1,2-dichloroethene, trichloroethene, tetrachloroethene, 2-chloropropene, and 3-chloro-1-butene, respectively. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 120–129, 2011

The kinetics of the reactions of ozone with several alkenes have been measured at atmospheric pressure between 217 and 301 K using EXTRA (EXTreme RAnge chamber). This work represents the first kinetic determinations of the system and focuses on the temperature-dependence of alkene ozonolysis, which is an important tropospheric process impacting upon climate and human health, yet few studies have investigated these reactions as a function of temperature. Temperature-dependent rate coefficients have been established for 3,3-dimethyl-1-butene, 2,4,4-trimethyl-1-pentene and 4-methyl-1-pentene at 217-301 K and atmospheric pressure. The derived Arrhenius expressions are as follows: k = (2.68+2.23-1.23) x 10-15 exp[-(16.29 +/- 1.20/RT)], k = (7.31+9.39-4.05) x 10-15 exp[-(15.33 +/- 1.84/RT)] and k = (5.21+2.85-1.85) x 10-15 exp[-(15.66 +/- 0.87/RT)] cm3 molecule-1 s-1 for 3,3-dimethyl-1-butene, 2,4,4-trimethyl-1-pentene and 4-methyl-1-pentene, respectively.A strong linear correlation has been observed between a simple structure-activity relationship (SAR) and the activation energy, Ea, possessing an R2 value of 0.90. However, no significant correlation was observed for the A-factor. Notwithstanding, with accurate predictions of the SAR for Ea and log k298, values for the A-factor can be retrieved, and hence the prediction of k at any temperature. The newly acquired data agree well with the original SAR and suggest that the factors controlling the rate of ozonolysis reaction are captured accurately by the SAR index.