Effects of changing power plant NOx emissions on ozone in the eastern United States: Proof of concept

Frost, GJ; Mckeen, SA; Trainer, M; Ryerson, TB; Neuman, JA; Roberts, JM; Swanson, A; Holloway, JS; Sueper, DT; Fortin, T; Parrish, DD; Fehsenfeld, FC; Flocke, F; Peckham, SE; Grell, GA; Kowal, D; Cartwright, J; Auerbach, N; Habermann, T

HERO ID

709144

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2006

Language

English

HERO ID 709144
In Press No
Year 2006
Title Effects of changing power plant NOx emissions on ozone in the eastern United States: Proof of concept
Authors Frost, GJ; Mckeen, SA; Trainer, M; Ryerson, TB; Neuman, JA; Roberts, JM; Swanson, A; Holloway, JS; Sueper, DT; Fortin, T; Parrish, DD; Fehsenfeld, FC; Flocke, F; Peckham, SE; Grell, GA; Kowal, D; Cartwright, J; Auerbach, N; Habermann, T
Journal Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume 111
Issue D12
Page Numbers D12306
Abstract [ 1] Recent decreases in nitrogen oxide (NOx = NO + NO2) emissions from eastern U. S. power plants and their effects on regional ozone are studied. Using the EPA 1999 National Emission Inventory as a reference emission data set, NOx and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rates at selected power plants are updated to their summer 2003 levels using Continuous Emission Monitoring System ( CEMS) measurements. The validity of the CEMS data is established by comparison to observations made on the NOAA WP-3 aircraft as part of the 2004 New England Air Quality Study. The impacts of power plant NOx emission decreases on O-3 are investigated using the WRF-Chem regional chemical forecast model. Summertime NOx emission rates decreased by approximately 50% between 1999 and 2003 at the subset of power plants studied. The impact of NOx emission reductions on ozone was moderate during summer 2004 because of relatively cool temperatures and frequent synoptic disturbances. Effects in individual plant plumes vary depending on the plant's NOx emission strength, the proximity of other NOx sources, and the availability of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and sunlight. This study provides insight into the ozone changes that can be anticipated as power plant NOx emission reductions continue to be implemented throughout the United States.
Doi 10.1029/2005JD006354
Wosid WOS:000238598700001
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword Article Subject Terms: Air quality; Atmospheric pollution models; EPA; Emission control; Emission inventories; Emission measurements; Nitrogen oxides; Ozone; Photochemicals; Plumes; Pollution monitoring; Power plants; Sulfur dioxide; Sulfur emissions; Synoptic disturbances; Temperature; Volatile organic compounds; summer; sunlight; Article; Geographic Terms: USA; USA, New England; M2 551.510.42 Air Pollution (551.510.42); P 0000 AIR POLLUTION
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