How does HMS form in the cold season in Fairbanks?
How does HMS form in the cold season in Fairbanks?To know this, scientists used the data of the 'Alaska Layered pollution and Chemical Analysis' (ALPACA) project. Also, with the help of computer models, they estimated the amount of various elements present in the air.We know that water turns into ice at 0 degrees Celsius. But, sometimes water can remain in liquid form even at lower temperatures. This is called supercooling. It is very cold in winter in Fairbanks, Alaska, but water remains in liquid form in small particles (aerosols) present in the air. This happens due to supercooling. A dangerous substance called hydroxymethanesulfonate (HMS) is formed in this liquid water. The acidity of these particles also keeps changing in the cold season, which creates favorable conditions for the formation of HMS. This research is important for cold areas around the world, especially for developing countries like india where pollution is a big problem.Relation between pH of aerosol and pollutionIt is important to understand how the acidity (pH) of small particles (aerosols) present in the air can increase pollution. Aerosols contain two elements called sulfate and ammonium. Sulfate makes aerosols more acidic, while ammonium reduces acidity. If the amount of sulfate in an aerosol is high, it becomes more acidic. In research conducted in Fairbanks, it was observed that the pH level of aerosols keeps changing rapidly. Sometimes it becomes more acidic, sometimes less. This change also affects pollution. Research also found that a dangerous substance called hydroxymethanesulfonate can also affect the acidity of aerosols a little, but its effect is not much.