The reaction of N2O5 at aqueous chloride-containing atmospheric interfaces, including the ocean surface and aerosol particles, impacts the lifetime of reactive nitrogen and the production rate of chlorine radicals. Recent field observations indicate net N2O5 deposition to the ocean, yet minimal corresponding ClNO2 emission. Laboratory studies using real ocean water from various locations and under varied biological conditions confirm this field result and consistently produce ClNO2 yields between 16-30%. Hypothesized reasons for these observations include: 1) presence of surface active organics competing with Cl-(aq) for reaction with NO2+(aq) 2) possible repartitioning of surface active Cl-(aq) due to cation presence, and 3) ClNO2(aq) reaction within the sea-surface microlayer preventing its release into the gas-phase. Here, we present laboratory-based investigations into N2O5 reaction with organic/inorganic aqueous interfaces and the subsequent ClNO2 production yields to probe these hypotheses. This work has implications for both reactive halogen and nitrogen budgets in polluted marine environments.

Ocean organics vs. inorganics: The contributions to suppressed ClNO2 yield from the ocean surface following N2O5 uptake

249th National Meeting (2015)

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