What contributes to the formation of photochemical oxidants?

The formation of photochemical oxidants is primarily driven by the presence of sunlight interacting with certain pollutants, particularly those released from vehicle emissions. When vehicles burn fuel, they emit compounds such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Under the influence of sunlight, these emissions undergo chemical reactions that lead to the formation of secondary pollutants, such as ground-level ozone and other oxidants.

In urban areas, where vehicle traffic is dense, the interaction between sunlight and these emissions creates significant smog and poor air quality, thus highlighting the crucial role that sunlight combined with vehicle emissions play in the formation of photochemical oxidants. This interaction underscores the importance of understanding both the sources of these emissions and the environmental conditions that facilitate their transformation into harmful pollutants.