The need for ammonia abatement with respect to secondary PM reductions in Europe

In Europe, secondary particulate matter (PM) comprises 50% or more of PM 2.5. To reduce PM concentrations requires lowering precursor emissions. Since the 1980s, SO2 emissions have decreased by more than 60%, while particle concentrations have decreased less. NOx and NH3 emissions have decreased slightly. The role of ammonia in particle formation is addressed here. It is shown that secondary PM concentrations can only be effectively reduced if ammonia emissions are decreased in much the same way as those Of SO2 and NOx. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.