Abundance of NO3 Derived Organo-Nitrates and Their Importance in the Atmosphere

The chemistry of the nitrate radical and its contribution to organo-nitrate formation in troposphere has been investigated using a mesoscale 3-D transport model, WRF-Chem-CRI. model-measurement comparisons NO2, ozone night-time N2O5 mixing ratios show good agreement supporting model’s ability represent (NO3) reasonably. Thirty-nine organo-nitrates model are formed exclusively either from reaction RO2 with NO or by NO3 alkenes. Temporal analysis highlighted significant NO3-derived organo-nitrates, even during daylight hours. Night-time were found be 3-fold higher than that daytime. reactivity daytime could more competitive previously thought, losses due VOCs (and subsequent formation) likely just as important photolysis. This significance formation, potential implications for air quality, climate human health. Estimated atmospheric lifetimes showed act NOx reservoirs, particularly short-lived species impacting on quality contributors downwind formation.