Emission factors and evolution of SO₂ measured from biomass burning in wildfires and agricultural fires

Abstract. Fires emit sufficient sulfur to affect local and regional air quality climate. This study analyzes SO2 emission factors variability in smoke plumes from US wildfires agricultural fires, as well their relationship sulfate hydroxymethanesulfonate (HMS) formation. Observed for various fuel types show good agreement with the latest reviews of biomass burning factors, producing an factor range 0.47–1.2 g kg−1 C. These vary geographic location a way that suggests deposition coal emissions application sulfur-containing fertilizers likely play role larger observed values, which are primarily associated burning. A 0-D box model generally reproduces trends total (inorganic + organic) aging wildfire plumes. In many cases, modeled HMS is consistent organosulfur concentrations. However, comparison multiple compounds responsible observations but chemistry these yields similar production loss rates HMS, resulting results. We provide suggestions constraining during flights, we can allow act S(IV) reservoir under conditions pH > 6 liquid water content >10−7 sm−3. facilitate long-range transport emissions, increased eventually transported smoke.