Emission of formic and acetic acids from two Colorado soils.

A 'missing source' of atmospheric formic acid is consistently observed during model-measurement comparisons, and evidence from multiple environments suggests a near-surface source. Soil emissions are considered to be a small formic acid source, but estimates are based on a single study from a tropical site. Here, we investigate soil emissions of organic acids from two soils - a ponderosa pine forest (Manitou Experimental Forest Observatory), and a managed lawn (Colorado State University) using a laboratory chamber.

Primary and Secondary Sources of Gas-Phase Organic Acids from Diesel Exhaust.

Organic acids have primary and secondary sources in the atmosphere, impact ecosystem health, and are useful metrics for identifying gaps in organic oxidation chemistry through model-measurement comparisons. We photooxidized (OH oxidation) primary emissions from diesel and biodiesel fuel types under two engine loads in an oxidative flow reactor. formic, butyric, and propanoic acids, but not methacrylic acid, have primary and secondary sources.