Hydrocarbons and Carbon Monoxide in the Atmosphere of Mexico City

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Abstract
In Mexico City, the use and composition of fuels determine that carbon monoxide (CO) comes mostly from mobile sources, and sulfur dioxide (SO2) from fixed and mobile sources. By simultaneously measuring hydrocarbons (HC), CO, and SO2 in the atmosphere of Mexico City, the relative amounts coming from different sources can be estimated. Assuming that some HC are emitted proportionally to CO emissions, we can establish that [HC]1= m1• [CO], where the proportionality constant ml corresponds to the ratio of emissions factor for HC and CO in mobile sources. Similarly for fuels containing sulfur, it can be assumed that [HC]2 = m2 • [SO2]. In this way, the total HC are [HC]total=[HC]0+ ml • [CO]+ m2 • [SO2], where [HC]0 corresponds mainly to other sources like solvent evaporation, gas consumption, and natural emissions. In this way, it can be estimated that in Mexico City 75% of average HC comes from mobile sources, 5% from sulfur-related sources, and 19% from natural sources and solvent evaporation. Compared with the HC/CO ratio measured in the exhaust pipe of vehicles, we estimated that 70% of HC emitted from mobile sources are evaporative losses, and only 30% come through the exhaust system.

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