PHOTOCHEMICAL PROCESSES OF TROPOSPHERIC OZONE FORMATION: THE ROLE OF NOX AND METHANE IN ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY

Growing urbanization and industrialization heighten air pollution concerns. Tropospheric ozone, a challenging pollutant, draws scientific attention. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and methane (CH4) are key, influencing ozone dynamics. Methane and NOx are primary precursors in tropospheric ozone’s complex formation. Elevated methane can substantially increase ozone, while excess NOx triggers self-regulation. Atmospheric reactions, including ozone destruction, illustrate this complexity, where NO reacts with O3.

Research on long-term NOx and methane emissions is crucial for understanding climate change. Analyzing scenarios fixing 2010 NOx levels while varying methane to 2100 offers insights into climate consequences. Elevated ozone has adverse effects: deteriorating air quality, respiratory issues, vegetation damage, and an enhanced greenhouse effect.

Advanced atmospheric chemistry modeling and data analysis are employed in this research. Global climate models like SOCOL-v3 simulate atmospheric processes and chemical reactions involving NOx and methane. These models, incorporating meteorological data, emissions inventories, and chemical reaction mechanisms, predict tropospheric ozone formation accurately. They enable the analysis of complex atmospheric interactions and forecast future air quality scenarios under varying emission conditions

Integrated chemical climate modeling, scenario analysis, and synergistic pollutant effects are crucial in current research. Understanding these interactions is vital for effective air quality management. Continued growth in pollutant concentrations underscores the need for emission control measures. This research's practical applications include enhancing air quality monitoring, developing pollution reduction strategies, forecasting atmospheric changes, and shaping environmental policies. Future studies should focus on detailed interactions between atmospheric components and innovative air quality control approaches. International cooperation is essential for effective tropospheric ozone management.

Funding: Russian Science Foundation project under the contract No.23-77-30008.