Removal of Aerosol Particles from the Environment

In principle, two removal processes of aerosol particles in the atmosphere are possible dry and wet deposition to the ground, and reduction of particle number (maintenance of particulate mass). 

Wet deposition is the predominant process for mass removal of submicrometer particles. Particles from mainly the accumulation mode serve as condensation nuclei for cloud and fog droplets. If the droplets fall out owing to rain or drizzle, particulate material is lost to the ground and removed from the atmosphere. 

Reduction of the particle number concentration is due to coagulation and coalescence Especially the number concentration of ultrafine particle number is 

Marcel Dekker, Inc. 270 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10016 

---