Hydroxymethanesulfonate (HMS) Formation during Summertime Fog in an Arctic Oil Field

Hydroxymethanesulfonate (HMS) is produced in the aqueous-phase reaction of formaldehyde (HCHO) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) and has been proposed as a significant contributor to midlatitude wintertime pollution events. Here we report HMS detection within submicrometer atmospheric aerosols during frequent late summer, regional fog events in an Arctic oil field. The number fraction of individual particles containing HMS increased during fog periods, consistent with aqueous-phase formation. The single-particle mass spectra showed the primary particle signature (oil field emissions), plus secondary oxidized organics and sulfate, consistent with aqueous-phase processing. HMS mass concentrations ranged from below the ion chromatography limit of detection (0.3 ng/m(3)) to 1.6 ng/m(3), with sulfate concentrations of 37-222 ng/m(3). HCHO and SO2 measurements suggest that the fog HMS production rate is similar to 10 times higher in the oil fields than in the upwind Beaufort Sea. Aqueous-phase reactions of local oil field emissions during frequent summertime regional fog events likely have downwind impacts on Arctic aerosol composition. The potential for fog-based HMS production was estimated to be an order of magnitude higher in Fairbanks and Anchorage, AK, than in the oil fields and may explain the missing organosulfate source contributing to Fairbanks air quality.

Automated summary

HMS was detected in submicrometer atmospheric aerosols during frequent late summer, regional fog events in an Arctic oil field, suggesting that local oil field emissions during summertime fog events may have impacts on Arctic aerosol composition. The potential for fog-based HMS production was estimated to be an order of magnitude higher in Fairbanks and Anchorage, AK, than in the oil fields, potentially explaining the missing organosulfate source contributing to Fairbanks air quality.