Simulation of Photochemical Effects on Air Quality

Author

Grace Li, University of Arkansas, FayettevilleFollow

Date of Graduation

8-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Chemical Engineering

Advisor/Mentor

Monroe, Jacob

Abstract

Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and ozone (O₃) are both EPA criteria air pollutants in the troposphere, largely generated by combustion and therefore present in significant concentrations in urban areas. Sunlight facilitates chemical reactions between pollutants and ambient air. Aerosols modulate the amount of available energy required to drive such photochemical reactions, ultimately impacting air quality. Simulating photolysis rates with FastJX software is a resource-efficient strategy to study how these aerosols can affect air quality.

Keywords

data analysis; air quality; photolysis; nitrogen dioxide

Citation

Li, G. (2025). Simulation of Photochemical Effects on Air Quality. Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/cheguht/212