A recent study published in Science Advances revealed that lower sulphate concentrations in the air combined with low temperatures (around -35°C) reduce the acidity of particulate matter (PM) particles.
- This reduction in acidity increases the production of hydroxymethanesulphonate (HMS), a component of PM2.5, in the atmosphere.
About Particulate Matter Pollution
- Particulate Matter (PM): Refers to a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air. These particles come in various sizes and consist of numerous compounds.
- PM10 (Coarse Particles): These are particles with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less.
- PM2.5 (Fine Particles): These are smaller particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less.
- Sources of PM Pollution: These particles are emitted from activities such as construction, unpaved roads, agricultural fields, and fires.
- Impact of PM Pollution: Exposure to particulate matter can cause irregular heartbeats, aggravated asthma, and decreased lung function.
Impact of PM2.5
- Cardiovascular Diseases: Exposure to PM2.5 can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases.
- Natural Cycles: PM2.5 can alter atmospheric processes, affecting climate patterns and natural cycles like the water cycle.
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About the Hydroxymethanesulphonate
- Formation of Hydroxymethanesulphonate (HMS): HMS is a secondary aerosol formed when sulphur dioxide (SO₂) reacts with formaldehyde (CH₂O) in the presence of liquid water. It was previously believed to form only under warm conditions.
- Surprising Results: The study discovered that HMS can form even under extremely cold conditions, challenging earlier assumptions about its chemical pathways.
- HMS as a Secondary Aerosol: Hydroxymethanesulphonate is classified as a secondary aerosol because it forms in the atmosphere through chemical reactions involving primary pollutants like sulphur dioxide (SO₂).
- Multiplication Impact on PM2.5: The formation of HMS increases the acidity of particulate matter (PM2.5), which in turn promotes the formation of other secondary aerosols.
- This process exacerbates air quality issues by increasing pollution levels.
Applications of Hydroxymethanesulfonate (HMS)
- Environmental Science: HMS is a significant intermediate species in the formation of atmospheric aerosols, particularly during haze events. Studying HMS helps understand the formation and properties of aerosols.
- Air Quality Monitoring: It serves as a marker for the presence of certain pollutants and can be used to assess air quality.
- Industrial Applications: HMS can be used as a precursor for various chemical compounds and reactions.
- It could potentially be used as a sulfonating agent in organic synthesis, introducing sulfonic acid groups into molecules.
- Water Treatment: It has potential applications in water treatment processes, particularly for removing certain pollutants or controlling water chemistry.
- Biochemistry: HMS can be used in biochemical research to study enzyme kinetics and other biological processes.
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