Determination of atmospheric nitrogen input to Lake Greenwood,South Carolina--I. PM measurements

The Reedy River branch of Lake Greenwood, SC, has repeatedly experienced summertime algal blooms, upsetting the natural system. This lake's shallow depth makes It susceptible to atmospheric influence. A series of experiments were carried out in order to investigate the effect of atmospheric nitrogen deposition into the lake. Nitrogen was examined because of the insignificant phosphorus dry atmospheric flux and the unique nutrient demands of the dominant algae (Pithophora oedogonia) contributing to the blooms. In this paper, results are presented, of the experimental measurement of coarse and fine atmospheric concentrations of atmospheric particulate nitrogen adjacent to and in the watershed of the Reedy River (downtown Greenville) and Lake Greenwood. Experiments were carried out during four 24-hr periods in January 2001 and again during four 24-hr periods in March 2001. Results are presented here for atmospheric particulate nitrogen as well as other constituents of the airborne aerosol. Mass concentrations of PM2.5 averaged 14.0 and 21 microg/m3 for Lake Greenwood and downtown Greenville, respectively. Mass concentrations of total suspended particulates (TSP) averaged 22.6 and 38.5 microg/m3 for Lake Greenwood and downtown Greenville, respectively. This ambient aerosol concentration was apportioned to its chemical constituents, and the greatest contributors to PM2.5 mass were organics (45 and 42% for downtown Greenville and the lake, respectively) and sulfate (14.1 and 19.7% for downtown Greenville and the lake, respectively). The information gathered here, despite its episodic nature, is important not only in determining atmospheric nitrogen but also in documenting the composition of aerosol in South Carolina, which so far has not been studied. In a companion paper, results for gaseous pollutants as well as thermodynamic modeling of the aerosol and nitrogen flux determinations are presented.     

Preliminary measurements of summer nitric acid and ammonia concentrations in the Lake Tahoe Basin air-shed: implications for dry deposition of atmospheric nitrogen

Over the past 50 years, Lake Tahoe, an alpine lake located in the Sierra Nevada mountains on the border between California and Nevada, has seen a decline in water clarity. With significant urbanization within its borders and major urban areas 130 km upwind of the prevailing synoptic airflow, it is believed the Lake Tahoe Basin is receiving substantial nitrogen (N) input via atmospheric deposition during summer and fall. We present preliminary inferential flux estimates to both lake surface and forest canopy based on empirical measurements of ambient nitric acid (HNO3), ammonia (NH3), and ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) concentrations, in an effort to identify the major contributors to and ranges of atmospheric dry N deposition to the Lake Tahoe Basin. Total flux from dry deposition ranges from 1.2 to 8.6 kg N ha-1 for the summer and fall dry season and is significantly higher than wet deposition, which ranges from 1.7 to 2.9 kg N ha-1 year-1. These preliminary results suggest that dry deposition of HNO3 is the major source of atmospheric N deposition for the Lake Tahoe Basin, and that overall N deposition is similar in magnitude to deposition reported for sites exposed to moderate N pollution in the southern California mountains.     

Polychlorinated biphenyl contamination trends in Lake Hartwell, South Carolina (USA): sediment recovery profiles spanning two decades

To assess the ca. 20-year polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination trends in Lake Hartwell, SC, sediment cores from the Twelve Mile Creek arm were collected in July 2004 at two sites (G30 and G33) first sampled in the mid-1980s. Congener-specific PCB data as a function of depth from the sediment-water interface for the 2004 sediment samples were compared to data obtained from 1987 and 1998 samples taken from the same locations. Despite modest decreases in total PCB levels near the G30 sediment-water interface, historical increases in average degrees of chlorination may elevate the overall toxic risk at this site. Unlike G30, the more rapid recovery in the near-surface sediment of G33 suggests that the effectiveness of the U.S. EPA natural attenuation record of decision is site-specific and is unlikely to result in uniform surface sediment recovery throughout the most contaminated regions of Lake Hartwell.     

Measurement, analysis, and modeling of fine particulate matter in eastern North Carolina

An analysis of fine particulate data in eastern North Carolina was conducted to investigate the impact of the hog industry and its emissions of ammonia into the atmosphere. The fine particulate data are simulated using ISORROPIA, an equilibrium thermodynamic model that simulates the gas and aerosol equilibrium of inorganic atmospheric species. The observational data analyses show that the major constituents of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are organic carbon, elemental carbon, sulfate, nitrate, and ammonium. The observed PM2.5 concentration is positively correlated with temperature but anticorrelated with wind speed. The correlation between PM2.5 and wind direction at some locations suggests an impact of ammonia emissions from hog facilities on PM2.5 formation. The modeled results are in good agreement with observations, with slightly better agreement at urban sites than at rural sites. The predicted total inorganic particulate matter (PM) concentrations are within 5% of the observed values under conditions with median initial total PM species concentrations, median relative humidity (RH), and median temperature. Ambient conditions with high PM precursor concentrations, low temperature, and high RH appear to favor the formation of secondary PM.     

Toxic atmospheric pollutants from crematoria ovens: characterization,emission factors,and modeling

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Human remains and corpses’ cremation is an increasing practice worldwide alternative to burials, which have increased their cost and reduced...     

A preliminary climatology of trajectories related to atmospheric CO2 measurements at Alert and Mould bay

An attempt is made to establish a climatological relationship between anomalous CO₂ values observed at Alert and Mould Bay and trajectories of air parcels arriving at these stations. Measured atmospheric CO₂ values from 1981 to 1984 inclusive were used to obtain climatological winter and summer distributions of 5-day back trajectory origins associated with positive and negative CO₂ deviations relative to a ‘typical’ smoothed seasonal cycle obtained by a simple composite averaging process.Based on a climatological distribution of positive and negative trajectory origins, there are two basic ‘air masses’ over the Arctic Ocean with different CO₂ concentration levels which influence CO₂ deviation values at Alert and Mould Bay.     

Examination of atmospheric ammonia levels near hog CAFOs,homes, and schools in Eastern North Carolina

Hog concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) release ammonia (NH₃) in Eastern North Carolina (NC) to the atmosphere which is potentially hazardous for nearby human populations at community locations particularly homes and schools. We present NH₃ weekly average concentrations that were collected using passive diffusion tubes from October 2003 to May 2004 (20 sites) and from July 2004 to October 2004 (23 sites) near community locations in close proximity to hog CAFOs. The data for each phase of sampling was stratified by distance from the nearest hog CAFO. The mean Phase I levels were 16, 8, 7 and 5 ppb for distances <0.5, 0.5–1, 1–2, and 2 km or more, respectively. The mean levels for Phase II were 29, 16, and 11 ppb for distances <0.5, 0.5–1, and 1 km or more, respectively. The results of the distance stratification are the best results of this study and provide the strongest evidence that distance to one or more CAFOs is the key variable in controlling weekly NH₃ atmospheric concentration at the community level in Eastern NC. Statistical analyses confirmed that source terms such as distance to a hog CAFO and live weight per operation, as well as temperature, wind speed and wind direction were important predictors of atmospheric NH₃ at community locations. The results indicate potential zones of exposure for human populations who live or go to school near hog CAFOs.     

Determination of 2-nitrofluoranthene and 2-nitropyrene in ambient particulate organic matter: Evidence for atmospheric reactions

We have identified and quantified 2-nitrofluoranthene (2-NO₂-FL) and 2-nitropyrene (2-NO₂-PY), both strong, direct mutagens in paniculate organic matter (POM) samples collected in polluted ambient air in southern California. Samples were collected during four consecutive 6-h periods on 18–19 September 1984, during which the ambient concentrations of gaseous co-pollutants were characterized by long pathlength spectroscopic techniques and conventional analyzers. Concentrations ranged up to 0.3 ng m⁻³ for 2-NO₂-FL and 0.02 ng m⁻³ for 2-NO₂-PY. The 2-nitro isomers of fluoranthene and pyrene have not been observed in direct emissions of POM (e.g. diesel exhaust and wood smoke). However, we recently observed these isomers from laboratory reactions involving N₂O₅ or OH radicals and the parent compounds. Thus the identification of 2-NO₂-FL and 2-NO₂-PY in ambient POM suggests that chemical transformations of fluoranthene and pyrene may take place in polluted atmospheres.     

Absorption cross-sections of atmospheric constituents: NO2, O2, and H2O

Absorption spectroscopy, which is widely used for concentration measurements of tropospheric and stratospheric compounds, requires precise values of the absorption cross-sections of the measured species. NO₂, O₂ and its collision-induced absorption spectrum, and H₂O absorption cross-sections have been measured at temperature and pressure conditions prevailing in the Earth’s atmosphere. Corrections to the generally accepted analysis procedures used to resolve the convolution problem are also proposed.     

Effects of increased deposition of atmospheric nitrogen on an upland moor: nitrogen budgets and nutrient accumulation

This study was designed to investigate the effect of long-term (11 years) ammonium nitrate additions on standing mass, nutrient content (% and kg ha(-1)), and the proportion of the added N retained within the different compartments of the system. The results showed that more than 90% of all N in the system was found in the soil, particularly in the organic (Oh) horizon. Added N increased the standing mass of vegetation and litter and the N content (kg N ha(-1)) of almost all measured plant, litter and soil compartments. Green tissue P and K content (kg ha(-1)) were increased, and N:P ratios were increased to levels indicative of P limitation. At the lowest treatment, most of the additional N was found in plant/litter compartments, but at higher treatments, there were steep increases in the amount of additional N in the underlying organic and mineral (Eag) horizons. The budget revealed that the proportion of added N found in the system as a whole increased from 60%, 80% and up to 90% in response to the 40, 80 and 120 kg N ha(-1) year(-1) treatments, respectively.     

Growth and foliar nitrogen status of four plant species exposed to atmospheric ammonia

A chamber study was conducted to evaluate the growth response and leaf nitrogen (N) status of four plant species exposed to continuous ammonia (NH3) for 12 weeks (wk). This was intended to evaluate appropriate plant species that could be used to trap discharged NH3 from the exhaust fans in poultry feeding operations before moving off-site. Two hundred and forty bare-root plants of four species (Juniperus virginiana (red cedar), Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis (thornless honey locust), Populus sp. (hybrid poplar), and Phalaris arundinacea (reed canary grass) were transplanted into 4- or 8-L polyethylene pots and grown in four environmentally controlled chambers. Plants placed in two of the four chambers received continuous exposure to anhydrous NH3 at 4 to 5 ppm while plants in another two chambers received no NH3. In each of the four chambers, 2 to 4 plants per species received no fertilizer while the rest of the plants were fertilized with a 100 ppm solution containing 21% N, 7% phosphorus, and 7% potassium. The results showed that honey locust was the fastest-growing species. The superior growth of honey locust among all species was also supported by its total biomass, root, and root dry matter (DM) weights. For all species there was a trend for plants exposed to NH3 to have greater leaf DM than their non-exposed counterparts at 6 (43.0 vs. 30.8%; P = 0.09) and 12 wk (47.9 vs. 36.6%; P = 0.07), and significantly greater (P 相似文献   

Ground-based measurements and modeling of solar UV-B radiation in Lhasa,Tibet

We present results from measurements by a NILU-UV Irradiance Meter of solar UV-B radiation in Lhasa, Tibet for the period from 7 July 1999 to 17 November 2002. The measured maximum UV-B dose rate was 1.50 W/m² during the winter, and 3.96 W/m², during the summer. The clear-sky values were below 3.00 W/m². Comparisons between measured and calculated UV-B dose rates on clear-sky days in Lhasa show good agreement. Comparisons of UV-B radiation levels in Lhasa (Tibet), Oslo (Norway), and Dar-Es-Salaam (Tanzania) show that the UV-B dose rates during the summer in Lhasa are higher than the maximum value in Dar-Es-Salaam, which is at the sea level in the equatorial region, and 60% higher than in Oslo, which is at the sea level but 60 degrees North. We conclude that the UV-B dose rates during the summer on the Tibetan plateau are among the highest levels in habituated regions of the world. Maximum measured daily-integrated UV-B doses in Lhasa range from about 10 kJ/m² in the winter to about 65 kJ/m² in the summer.     

Regional and historical variation in the nitrogen content of Racomitrium lanuginosum in Britain in relation to atmospheric nitrogen deposition

The moss Racomitrium lanuginosum (Hedw.) Brid. is an important component of the drier parts of ombrotrophic mires and montane heaths in north-western Britain. The extent and quality of the montane heaths dominated by R. lanuginosum has declined in recent decades, perhaps in part due to the effects of acidic deposition at high elevations. This paper examines the effect of atmospheric nitrogen deposition, which has increased during this century, on the nitrogen content of R. lanuginosum in Britain. The nitrogen content of the moss reflects the magnitude of the atmospheric supply being least in north-western Scotland and greatest (as much as six-fold greater) near to urban centres in northern England. This regional difference was less marked (only approx. two-fold) during the 19th century (as revealed from the analysis of herbarium specimens) when nitrogen concentrations were appreciably lower. Transplant studies both between regions and between sites within a mountain system demonstrated the importance of atmospheric deposition in determining the tissue nitrogen concentration of the moss. The results are discussed in relation to the potential importance of the enhanced atmospheric nitrogen supply to the normally nitrogen-impoverished montane heaths, and to the growth and persistence of the moss.     

长春南湖营养盐与叶绿素a的分布与富营养化评价

在研究长春南湖水体中TP、TN和叶绿素a的时空分布及相关性的基础上,采用综合富营养化指数法对南湖水体进行评价。结果表明:(1)常温期,TP、TN和叶绿素a含量均为9月5月;9月的TP、TN为表层底层,叶绿素a含量为底层表层;5月的TP、TN和叶绿素a的含量均为底层表层;TP为渔场保护区人为活动区荷花池区,TN和叶绿素a含量均为渔场保护区荷花池区人为活动区。(2)冰封期,TP、TN和叶绿素a含量为水层冰层;TP、叶绿素a含量为渔场保护区人为活动区,TN为人为活动区渔场保护区。与常温期相比,TP、TN和叶绿素a含量总体上均为9月5月2月;各区水体中TP和叶绿素a含量的分布与常温期保持一致,而TN的分布有一定的变化。(3)相对于氮,磷含量的高低是控制藻类及浮游生物生长更为关键的因子。(4)9月的营养级别是中度富营养,2月的营养级别是中营养,5月的营养级别是轻度富营养。综合营养状态指数大小依次为9月5月2月。常温期不同功能区的营养级别均属轻度富营养。     

Chlorinated hydrocarbon contaminants in blood of black and turkey vultures from Savannah River Site,South Carolina,USA

Blood of adult and juvenile black and turkey vultures in the Savannah River Site of South Carolina, USA was analyzed for the presence of 2,3,7,8-chlorine substituted polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (2,3,7,8-PCDDs), dibenzofurans (2,3,7,8-PCDFs), -dioxin-like and -di-ortho polychlorinated biphenyls. Concentration ranges of 2,3,7,8-PCDD/DFs in blood of black and turkey vultures were 14.2-34.6 and 8.7-56.2 pg/ml wet wt., respectively. Dioxin-like PCBs were in the ranges of 815-4627 and 753-3611 pg/ml wet wt. respectively, in black and turkey vultures. Considerable concentrations of two congeners of di-ortho PCBs were noticed in the ranges of 1415-10325 and 663-7500 pg/ml respectively, in black and turkey vultures. Comparatively, greater toxic equivalency (TEQ) were observed in blood of turkey vultures with the ranges of 3.2-20, whereas black vulture contained 1.8-8.4 pgTEQ/ml wet wt. basis. The species-specific accumulation profiles of PCDD/DFs and dioxin-like PCBs may reflect the different feeding habits, ecology, metabolic capacity and migratory movements of these two scavenging species.     

Metal availability in a highly contaminated, dredged-sediment disposal site: Field measurements and geochemical modeling

Two complementary approaches were used to characterize arsenic and metal mobilizations from a dredged-sediment disposal site: a detailed field study combined with hydrogeochemical modeling. Contaminants in sediments were found to be mainly present as sulfides subject to oxidation. Secondary phases (carbonates, sulfates, (hydr)oxides) were also observed. Oxidative processes occurred at different rates depending on physicochemical conditions and contaminant contents in the sediment. Two distinct areas were identified on the site, each corresponding to a specific contaminant mobility behavior. In a reducing area, Fe and As were highly soluble and illustrated anoxic behavior. In well-oxygenated material, groundwater was highly contaminated in Zn, Cd and Pb. A third zone in which sediments and groundwater were less contaminated was also characterized. This study enabled us to prioritize remediation work, which should aim to limit infiltration and long-term environmental impact.     

An urban emissions inventory for South America and its application in numerical modeling of atmospheric chemical composition at local and regional scales

This work describes the development of an urban vehicle emissions inventory for South America, based on the analysis and aggregation of available inventories for major cities, with emphasis on its application in regional atmospheric chemistry modeling. Due to the limited number of available local inventories, urban emissions were extrapolated based on the correlation between city vehicle density and mobile source emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Emissions were geographically distributed using a methodology that delimits urban areas using high spatial resolution remote sensing products. This numerical algorithm enabled a more precise representation of urban centers. The derived regional inventory was evaluated by analyzing the performance of a chemical weather forecast model in relation to observations of CO, NOx and O₃ in two different urban areas, São Paulo and Belo Horizonte. The gas mixing ratios simulated using the proposed regional inventory show good agreement with observations, consistently representing their hourly and daily variability. These results show that the integration of municipal inventories in a regional emissions map and their precise distribution in fine scale resolutions are important tools in regional atmospheric chemistry modeling.     

The Southeastern Aerosol Research and Characterization Study, part 3: continuous measurements of fine particulate matter mass and composition

Deployment of continuous analyzers in the Southeastern Aerosol Research and Characterization Study (SEARCH) network began in 1998 and continues today as new technologies are developed. Measurement of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) mass is performed using a dried, 30 degrees C tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOM). TEOM measurements are complemented by observations of light scattering by nephelometry. Measurements of major constituents include: (1) SO4(2-) via reduction to SO2; (2) NH4+ and NO3- via respective catalytic oxidation and reduction to NO, (3) black carbon (BC) by optical absorption, (4) total carbon by combustion to CO2, and (5) organic carbon by difference between the latter two measurements. Several illustrative examples of continuous data from the SEARCH network are presented. A distinctive composite annual average diurnal pattern is observed for PM2.5 mass, nitrate, and BC, likely indicating the influence of traffic-related emissions, growth, and break up of the boundary layer and formation of ammonium nitrate. Examination of PM2.5 components indicates the need to better understand the continuous composition of the unmeasured "other" category, because it contributes a significant fraction to total mass during periods of high PM2.5 loading. Selected episodes are presented to illustrate applications of SEARCH data. An SO2 conversion rate of 0.2%/hr is derived from an observation of a plume from a coal-fired power plant during early spring, and the importance of local, rural sources of NH3 to the formation of ammonium nitrate in particulate matter (PM) is demonstrated.