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.

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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.