Real-time observation of secondary aerosol formation during a fog event in London

Abstract
A fog event was monitored with state-of-the art real-time aerosol mass spectrometers in an urban background location in London (England) during the REPARTEE-I experiment. Specific particle types rich in hydroxymethanesulphonate (HMS) were found only during the fog event. Formation of inorganic and organic secondary aerosol was observed as soon as fog was detected and two different mechanisms are suggested to be responsible for the production of two different types of aerosol. Humic-like substances (HULIS) appear to be produced in the gas phase and condense into the interstitial aerosol, while nitrate aerosol is produced in the liquid phase within the droplet. Not only are secondary aerosol constituents produced during the fog event, but the primary aerosol is observed to be processed by the fog event, dramatically changing its chemical properties.
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