Feasibility study of preparation and certification of reference materials for nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide in diffusive samplers

This paper presents the results of a feasability study for the preparation and certification of reference materials (RMs) for nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)) and sulfur dioxide (SO(2)) in diffusive samplers. RMs for NO(2) were prepared by exposure to gas mixtures in a chamber while the RMs for SO(2) were prepared by liquid spiking. Certification of RMs for NO(2) was found feasible with a certified uncertainty of 5.8% and a proposed shelf life of 5 years. The uncertainty was calculated with contribution from the homogeneity of preparation, stability and transport of the CRMs and from an external verification of the certified value. To reach 5.8% of uncertainty, the contribution of the differences between the results of analysis by ion chromatography and colorimetry must be eliminated. It is proposed to solve this by pre-extracting the samplers with water before analysis. The results of this study indicate that the samplers are stable for at least two years before and after exposure when stored in a refrigerator. By contrast, the certification of RMs for SO(2) was found to not be feasible due to instability problems. This instability was attributed to reaction of sulfate on the walls of the samplers. Alternatively, the preparation of RMs by simultaneous exposure to SO(2) and NO(2) has been tested. Satisfying homogeneities has been reached both for NO(2) and SO(2).     

Estimation of the rate of increase in nitrogen dioxide concentrations from power plant stacks using an imaging-DOAS

The emission of nitrogen compounds from power plants accounts for a significant proportion of the total emissions of nitrogen to the atmosphere. This study seeks to understand the nature of chemical reactions in the atmosphere involving nitrogen, which is important in undertaking quantitative assessments of the contribution of such reactions to local and regional air pollution. The slant column density (SCD) of power-plant-generated NO(2) was derived using imaging differential optical absorption spectroscopy (I-DOAS) with scattered sunlight as a light source. The vertical structure of NO(2) SCD from power plant stacks was simultaneously probed using a pushbroom sensor. Measured SCDs were converted to mixing ratios in calculating the rate of NO(2) increase at the center of the plume. This study presents quantitative measurements of the rate of NO(2) increase in a rising plume. An understanding of the rate of NO(2) increase is important because SO(2) and NO(x) compete for the same oxidizing radicals, and the amount of NO(x) is related to the rates of SO(2) oxidation and sulfate formation. This study is the first to directly obtain the rate of NO(2) increase in power plant plumes using the I-DOAS technique. NO(2) increase rates of 60 and 70 ppb s(-1) were observed at distances of about 45 m from the two stacks of the Pyeongtaek Power Plant, northwest South Korea.     

A novel wet-scrubbing process using Fe(VI) for simultaneous removal of SO2 and NO

The objective of this work was to develop a novel wet-scrubbing process using Fe(VI) for the simultaneous removal of gaseous NO and SO(2). The oxidation of SO(2) and NO with Fe(VI) was studied in aqueous solution at alkaline pH (9.0-11.0). A stoichiometric molar ratio for NO and SO(2) oxidation with Fe(VI) was determined to be nearly 3.0. Sulfate and nitrate was identified as final products by ion chromatography from the reaction at pH 9.0-11.0. The feasibility of simultaneous removal of multiple gas pollutants with the continuous feeding of ferrate in lab-scale was investigated from the view of industrial application. It was found that the removal efficiency of NO and SO(2) was enhanced with the increase of Fe(VI) concentration, more than 90% NO removal efficiency and 100% SO(2) removal efficiency were achieved by wet-scrubbing process using Fe(VI) at room temperature and ambient atmosphere. The results demonstrate that Fe(VI) could be an effective wet-scrubbing agent for the simultaneous removal of NO and SO(2).     

A field evaluation of a piezo-optical dosimeter for environmental monitoring of nitrogen dioxide

Measurements of 8-hour time-weighted average NO(2) concentrations are reported at 7 different locations in the region of Dunkirk over 5 consecutive days using PiezOptic monitoring badges previously calibrated for the range 0-70 ppb together with data from chemiluminescent analysers in 5 sites (4 fixed and one mobile). The latter facilities also provided data on ozone and NO concentrations and meteorological conditions. Daily averages from the two pairs of badges in different types of sampling cover in each site have been compared with data from the chemiluminescent analysers, and found largely to agree within error margins of +/-30%. Although NO(2) and ozone concentrations were low, rendering detailed discussion impossible, the general features followed expected patterns.     

Simultaneous determination of atmospheric sulfur and nitrogen oxides using a battery-operated portable filter pack sampler

We developed a method to analyze atmospheric SO(x) (particulate SO(4)(2-)+ gaseous SO(2)) and NO(x) (NO + NO(2)) simultaneously using a battery-operated portable filter pack sampler. NO(x) determination using a filter pack method is new. SO(x) and NO(x) were collected on a Na(2)CO(3) filter and PTIO (2-phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-3-oxide-1-oxyl) + TEA (triethanolamine) filters (6 piled sheets), respectively. Aqueous solutions were then used to extract pollutants trapped by the filters and the resulting extracts were pre-cleaned (e.g. elimination of PTIO) and analyzed for sulfate and nitrite by ion chromatography. Recoveries of SO(2) and NO(x) from standard pollutant gases and consistency of the field data with those from other instrumental methods were examined to evaluate our method. SO(x) and NO(x) could be analyzed accurately with determination limits of 0.2 ppbv and 1.0 ppbv (as daily average concentrations), respectively. The sampler can determine SO(x) and NO(x) concentrations at mountainous or remote sites without needing an electric power supply.     

Laboratory and field validation of a combined NO2-SO2 Radiello passive sampler

A combined NO2-SO2 Radiello radial-type diffusive sampler was validated under controlled laboratory conditions and compared with NO2-SO2 results of 3 other type of samplers in a field comparison at two locations Ghent-Mariakerke and Borgerhout in Flanders. Laboratory exposures at different temperatures (-5, 10 and 30 degrees C) and relative humidities (0, 50 and 80% RH) in combination with varying concentration levels and exposure times were carried out, with a focus on extreme conditions. Concentration level and exposure time were changed together following suppliers linear working range of samplers and assuring absolute amounts of compounds on the sampler corresponding to those of environmental levels. The average uptake rate for NO2 for 24 hour exposures at 10 degrees C and 50% RH and tested concentration levels (+/-73, 146 and 293 ppb NO2) was 0.076 +/- 0.011 ng ppb(-1) min(-1). Uptake rates during all experiments were lower than the uptake rate given in the instruction manual of the sampler. A significant effect of temperature and relative humidity on NO2 uptake rate was observed. The temperature effect from 10 to 30 degrees C corresponds to the temperature effect given by the supplier of the samplers. High relative humidity (70 to 80%) caused a strong non-reproducible decrease of uptake rate for NO2 at 24 hour experiments but this effect was not observed at longer exposures except for the tests at -5 degrees C. At the tested temperature below zero in combination with high relative humidity the sampler showed anomalous behaviour for NO2. The possible effect of concentration level and exposure time for NO2 needs further research. The average uptake rate for SO2 calculated from all exposures is 0.478 +/- 0.075 ng of sulfate ion each ppb min of SO2 and accords to suppliers uptake rate. No clear effects of temperature, relative humidity or concentration level/exposure time on the uptake rate for SO2 were found, partly due to the large scatter of results. Although NO2 accuracy of Radiello samplers was better during field campaigns than during laboratory validation, IVL and OGAWA samplers gave better results for NO2. In the field, IVL samplers showed best agreement with the continuous analyzers for both NO2 and SO2.     

南通市PM2.5中水溶性离子季节分布特征

对南通市2016年12月-2018年10月大气污染季节分布特征进行了分析。结果表明,南通市ρ(PM2.5)和ρ(水溶性离子)为冬、春季高,夏、秋季低。春夏秋冬四季ρ(水溶性离子)占ρ(PM2.5)百分比分别为68.2%,70.6%,64.5%和74.5%,其中二次离子SNA(NO3-、SO42-和NH4+)占ρ(PM2.5)的百分比分别为63.1%,67.0%,59.3%和66.8%;ρ(NO3-)/ρ(SO42-)表明,移动源已成为南通市春、秋、冬季的主要污染源,四季均存在不同程度的二次转化,且SO2的转化率均大于NO2,NO2冬季转化率最大、夏季最小,SO2夏季转化率最大、秋季最小。南通市NO2转化为硝酸盐的主要形式是气相均相反应,非均相反应和均相反应对SO2转化为硫酸盐的贡献差异不大。     

Combined Non-Catalytic Reduction of NOx and SO2 by Ammonia Liquor during Staged Fluidized-Bed Combustion

Emissions of NOx and SO2 were monitored in the presence of ammonia liquor in a 0.09 m2 and 2 m high stainless-steel fluidized-bed combustor. Experiments were carried out at 2 m/s fluidizing velocity, 40% excess air, and 870 °C bed temperature. Ammonia liquor with 7% ammonia by weight was injected into the freeboard of the combustor 52 cm above the distributor through a water-cooled injector. A 65 : 34 primary/secondary air ratio was maintained throughout the investigation. Approximately 70% of NO and 20% of SO2 was reduced at an NH3/NO molar ratio of 2 : 1, respectively. However, a higher reduction in SO2 emissions (62%) was achieved at a very high NH3/NO molar ratio of 7 : 1. These experiments showed that ammonia addition did have a significant effect in SO2 reduction if injected in an excess amount. The injection of ammonia liquor combined with staged combustion was found to be very effective in reducing NOx emissions. A reduction of about 50% was achieved at an NH3/NO molar ratio of 0.6 : 1 which is also coupled with a very low level of ammonia in the flue.     

Chemical trends in background air quality and the ionic composition of precipitation for the period 1980-2004 from samples collected at Valentia Observatory, Co. Kerry, Ireland

A major Irish study, based upon more than 8000 samples collected over the measurement period of 22 years, for sulfur dioxide (SO2-S), sulfate (SO4-S) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2-N) concentrations (microg m(-3)) within air, and the ionic composition of precipitation samples based on sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), magnesium (Mg2+), calcium (Ca2+), chloride (Cl-), sulfate (SO4-S), non-sea salt sulfate (nssSO4-S), ammonium (NH4-N), and nitrate (NO3-N) weighted mean concentrations (mg l(-1)), has been completed. For the air samples, the sulfur dioxide and sulfate concentrations decreased over the sampling period (1980-2004) by 75% and 45%, respectively, whereas no significant trend was observed for nitrogen dioxide. The highest concentrations for sulfur dioxide, sulfate and nitrogen dioxide were associated with wind originating from the easterly and northeasterly directions i.e. those influenced by Irish and European sources. The lowest concentrations were associated with the westerly directions i.e. for air masses originating in the North Atlantic region. This was further verified with the use of backward (back) trajectory analysis, which allowed tracing the movement of air parcels using the European Centre for Medium range Weather Forecasting (ECMWF) ERA-40 re-analysis data. High non-sea salt sulfate levels were being associated with air masses originating from Europe (easterlies) with lower levels from the Atlantic (westerlies). With the precipitation data, analysis of the non-sea salt sulfate concentrations showed a decrease by 47% since the measurements commenced.     

Characterization and diurnal variation of size-resolved inorganic water-soluble ions at a rural background site

Water-soluble inorganic ions in aerosol samples have been studied. The sample collection took place during summer in 2003 at a European background site which is operating within the framework of the European Monitoring and Evaluation Program. Gent type PM10 stacked filter unit (SFU) samplers were operated in parallel on a day and night basis to collect particles in separate coarse (2.0-10 microm) and fine (<2.0 microm) size fractions. Particulate masses were measured gravimetrically; the filters from one of the SFU samplers were analyzed by particle-induced X-ray emission spectrometry (PIXE) and instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). Filters from the other SFU sampler were analyzed by ion chromatography (IC) for major inorganic anions (MSA-, NO2(-), NO3(-), Cl-, Br-, SO4(2-), oxalate) and cations (Na+, K+, NH4(+), Mg2+, Ca2+). The water-soluble inorganic ions measured were responsible for 44% and 16% of the total fine and coarse particulate mass, respectively. In the fine size fraction, the main ionic components were SO4(2-) and NH4(+) accounting for about 90% of fine ionic mass. In the coarse fraction the main ionic components were Ca2+ and NO3(-), followed by SO4(2-). Significant day and night difference in the mass concentrations was observed only for fine NO3(-). The molar ratios of fine NH4(+) to SO4(2-) indicated their complete neutralization to (NH4)2SO4. According to the cation-to-anion ratios the coarse particles were alkaline, while the fine particles were slightly acidic or neutral. By comparing the corresponding concentrations obtained from PIXE/INAA and IC, we determined the water-extractable part of the individual species. We also investigated the effect of long-range transported air masses on the local air concentrations, and we found that the air quality of this background monitoring station was affected by regional pollution sources.     

Biochemical responses in tree foliage exposed to coal-fired power plant emission in seasonally dry tropical environment

A biomonitoring study was conducted to investigate the responses of plants exposed to power plant emission in a dry tropical environment. For this purpose, five sampling sites were selected in the prevailing wind direction (NE) at different distance to thermal power plant (TPP) within 8.0 km range and a reference site was selected in eastern direction at a distance of 22.0 km. The two most common tree species, Ficus benghalensis L. (Evergreen tree) and Dalbergia sisso Roxb. (deciduous tree) were selected as test plants. Ambient sulphur dioxide (SO(2)), nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)), suspended particulate matter (SPM), respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM), dust-fall rate (DFR) and plant responses such as leaf pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids), ascorbic acid, sugar and sulphate-sulphur (SO4(2-)-S) contents were measured. Ambient SO(2), NO(2), SPM, RSPM and DFR showed significant spatial and temporal variation at different sites. Considerable reduction in pigment (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids) and sugar contents were observed at sites receiving higher pollution load. Ascorbic acid exhibited significant positive correlation with pollution load. Accumulation of SO4(2-)-S in leaf tissue showed significant positive correlation with ambient SO(2) concentration at all the sites. At the same time, SO4(2-)-S showed significant negative correlation with pigment and sugar content. D. sisso Roxb. tree was found to be more sensitive as compared to F. benghalensis L. tree.     

燃煤工业城市大气细颗粒物中水溶性无机离子的季节变化特征及来源解析——以邯郸市为例

为探究典型燃煤工业城市邯郸市的大气细颗粒物(PM2.5)污染水平及水溶性无机离子特征,于2016年1—12月采集了当地大气PM2.5样品,然后利用离子色谱法测得水溶性无机离子的组分,分析了不同季节水溶性无机离子随PM2.5的浓度变化特征。通过对PM2.5中的阴离子、阳离子进行分析发现,SO4^2-、NO3^-和NH4^+在春夏秋冬四季均为PM2.5中的主要离子成分,SO4^2-、NO3^-和NH4^+的浓度之和在春夏秋冬四季占各季节总的水溶性无机离子浓度的百分比分别为84.6%、77.4%、89.9%、62.5%。其中,在春季和冬季含量最高的3种离子分别是NO3^-、SO4^2-和NH4^+,夏季含量最高的3种离子分别是SO4^2-、NH4^+和NO3^-,而秋季含量最高的3种离子分别是NH4^+、SO4^2-和NO3^-。相关性分析发现,2016年春季、夏季和秋季PM2.5为酸性,冬季为碱性。SO4^2-、NO3^-、NH4^+浓度分析表明,冬季PM2.5中的一次建筑扬尘排放较多。通过主成分分析法得出,PM2.5中水溶性无机离子主要来源于二次转化和生物质燃烧。     

Characterization and optimization of an online system for the simultaneous measurement of atmospheric water-soluble constituents in the gas and particle phases

In this work we present the results of extensive characterization and optimization of the Ambient Ion Monitor-Ion Chromatograph (AIM-IC) system, an instrument developed by URG Corp. and Dionex Inc. for simultaneous hourly measurements of the water-soluble chemical composition of atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM(2.5)) and associated precursor gases. The sampling assembly of the AIM-IC consists of an inertial particle size-selection assembly, a parallel-plate wet denuder (PPWD) for the collection of soluble gases, and a particle supersaturation chamber (PSSC) for collection of particles, in series. The analytical assembly of the AIM-IC consists of anion and cation IC units. The system detection limits were determined to be 41 ppt, 5 ppt, and 65 ppt for gas phase NH(3(g)), SO(2(g)), and HNO(3(g)) and 29 ng m(-3), 3 ng m(-3), and 45 ng m(-3) for particle phase NH(4)(+), SO(4)(2-), and NO(3)(-) respectively. From external trace gas calibrations with permeation sources, we determined that the AIM-IC is biased low for NH(3(g)) (11%), SO(2(g)) (19%), and HNO(3(g)) (12%). The collection efficiency of SO(2(g)) was found to strongly depend on the composition of the denuder solution and was found to be the most quantitative with 5 mM H(2)O(2) solution for mixing ratios as high as 107 ppb. Using a cellulose membrane in the PPWD, the system responded to changes in SO(2(g)) and HNO(3(g)) within an hour, however for NH(3(g)), the timescale can be closer to 20 h. With a nylon membrane, the instrument response time for NH(3(g)) was significantly improved, becoming comparable to the responses for SO(2(g)) and HNO(3(g)). Performance of the AIM-IC for collection and analysis of PM(2.5) was evaluated by generating known number concentrations of ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate particles (with an aerodynamic diameter of 300 nm) under laboratory conditions and by comparing AIM-IC measurements to measurements from a collocated Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (AMS) during a field-sampling campaign. On average, the AIM-IC and AMS measurements agreed well and captured rapid ambient concentration changes at the same time. In this work we also present a novel inlet configuration and plumbing for the AIM-IC which minimizes sampling inlet losses, reduces peak smearing due to sample carryover, and allows for tower-height sampling from the base of a research tower.     

Long-term relationships between SO2 and NOx emissions and SO4(2-) and NO3- concentration in bulk deposition at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, NH

A highly significant second-order polynomial relation between SO(2) emissions and SO(4)(2-) concentrations during 1970-2000 (r(2)= 0.80, p= <0.001), and a linear relation between NO(x) and NO(3)(-) concentrations during 1991-2000 (r(2)= 0.67, p= 0.004) in bulk precipitation were found for the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, NH based on emissions from a 24 h, back-trajectory determined source area. Earlier periods (1965-1980) for SO(2)ratio SO(4)(2-) and longer periods (1965-2000) for NO(x)ratio NO(3)(-) had poorer linear relations, r(2)= 0.03, p= 0.51 and r(2)= 0.22, p= 0.004, respectively. Methodology by the US Environmental Protection Agency for calculating emissions data during this period has changed significantly and frequently, making trend analysis difficult. Given the large potential for errors in estimating emissions and to a lesser extent, deposition, the robust relations between SO(2) emissions and SO(4)(2-) concentrations in bulk precipitation at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest show that careful, long-term measurements from a single monitoring site can provide sound and reasonable data on trends in air pollution.     

Atmospheric aerosol concentration level and chemical characteristics of water-soluble ionic species in wintertime in Beijing,China

Total suspended particulate (TSP) samples were collected during wintertime from November 24, 1998 to February 12, 1999 in Beijing. Ionic species including Cl-, NO3(-), SO4(2-), Na+, NH4(+), K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+ were determined by Ion Chromatography (IC). The sum average concentration of all the determined ions accounted for 18.9% of the TSP concentration, and SO4(2-) appeared the dominant ion with an average concentration of 30.84 microg m(-3); the sum mass concentration of SO4(2-), NO3(-), Ca2+ and NH4(+) accounted for about 83.2% of all the eight ions measured. The study indicated that the chemical form of sulfate and ammonium varies with TSP concentration levels. During heavy pollution periods, the average TSP concentration was 0.66 mg m(-3), and the NH4(+)/SO4(2-) molar ratio was low (0.58). It indicated that sulfate may present as CaSO4 and (NH4)2SO4 x CaSO4 x 2H2O. When TSP concentration (average 0.186 mg m(-3)) was relatively low, the NH4(+)/SO4(2-) molar ratio was 1.94, close to the theoretical ratio of 2 of (NH4)2SO4. Under this condition (NH4)2SO4 is expected to exist as the major form of sulfate. When the TSP concentration level was medium (average 0.35 mg m(-3)), the NH4+/SO4(2-) molar ratio appeared an average value (1.27), (NH4)2SO4, (NH4)2SO4 x CaSO4 x 2H2O and CaSO4 are expected to be present in those aerosol particles. Meteorological conditions including wind speed and wind direction were related to the TSP concentration level.     

Dry deposition study by using dry deposition plate and water surface sampler in Shalu, central Taiwan

This study presents the chemical composition of dry deposition by using dry deposition plate and water surfaces sampler during daytime and nighttime sampling periods at a near highway traffic sampling site. In addition, the characterization for mass and water soluble species of total suspended particulate (TSP), PM2.5 and PM10 were also studied at this sampling site during August 22 to October 31 of 2006 around central Taiwan. The samples collected were analyzed by using Ion Chromatography (DIONEX 100) for the ionic species analysis. Results of the particulate dry deposition fluxes are higher in the water surfaces sampler than that of the dry deposition plate. In other words, the results also indicated that water surface can absorb more ambient dry deposition inorganic pollutants than that of dry deposition plate in this study. The results obtained in this study indicated that the ionic species of Cl(-), NO3(-) and SO4(2-) occupied about average 60-70% downward flux out of total ionic species for either dry deposition plate or water surfaces sampler during August to October of 2006 at this near highway traffic sampling site.     

南通市冬季PM2.5中水溶性离子污染特征

根据南通市2016和2017年冬季大气多参数站自动监测PM2.5数据和在线离子色谱分析仪Marga监测的PM2.5中水溶性离子数据,分析了南通市冬季PM2.5中水溶性离子污染特征。结果表明,南通市2016和2017年冬季,ρ(PM2.5)分别为58和54μg/m 3,均高出其年均值(14μg/m^3);ρ(水溶性离子)总占ρ(PM2.5)百分比分别为74.5%和74.3%;二次离子ρ(NO3^-、SO4^2-和NH4^+)占ρ(PM2.5)百分比分别为66.8%和66.6%;各水溶性离子占比大小依次为:NO3^-、SO4^2-、NH4^+、Cl^-、K^+、Na^+、Ca^2+、Mg^2+。对ρ(NO3^-)/ρ(SO 4^2-)分析表明,移动源已经成为南通市冬季的主要污染源,且呈逐年增强趋势。对氯氧化率和硫氧化率的分析表明,南通市冬季存在较明显的二次污染,SO2的转化程度大于NO2。除Na^+和Mg^2+外,其他离子与PM2.5均呈显著相关性,NO3^-、SO4^2-与NH4^+之间的相关系数最高,Cl^-与除Na^+外的所有阳离子均呈显著相关性。     

Determination of O3, NO2, SO2, CO and PM10 measured in Belgrade urban area

O(3), NO(2), SO(2), CO and PM(10) concentrations, simultaneously determined for the first time in Belgrade urban area in the autumnal period of 2005, are presented. The obtained results display similar behaviour of SO(2), NO(2), CO, PM(10) opposite from that of O(3). The weekend effect was also investigated showing diminution of average daily concentrations of SO(2), NO(2), PM(10) and CO for 72, 40, 37 and 42% respectively, and increase of the average daily concentration of O(3) for 56%. Influence of meteorological conditions on observed concentration levels was studied, too. The observed influence of wind speed on the O(3) nightly concentration levels was analyzed pointing to the phenomena of O(3) transport during episodic measurements. To make an identification of possible pollution sources and analyse the influence of meteorological parameters on pollution levels, air back trajectories for high level concentrations episodes were calculated and analysed. A multivariate receptor modelling (Principal Component Analysis, Cluster Analysis) has been applied to a set of data in order to determine the contribution of different sources. It was found that the main principal components, extracted from the air pollution data, were related to gasoline combustion, oil combustion and ozone transport.     

Reliability of nitrogen dioxide passive diffusion tubes for ambient measurement: in situ properties of the triethanolamine absorbent

Factors concerning NO2 uptake by the absorbent triethanolamine (TEA) in NO2 diffusion tubes are examined. Although the nominal freezing point of TEA is 17.9-21.2 degrees C, we show that, for a range of aqueous TEA solutions (0-20%, H2O), no freezing occurs even at -10 degrees C. Therefore NO2 collection efficiency is unlikely to be impaired by low temperature exposure. The recovery of TEA from the meshes of exposed samplers is determined as approximately 98%, even after 42 days, showing that the stability in situ of TEA is unaffected by long-term exposure. A model of a diffusion tube sampling array for simultaneous exposures, with a 0.1 m sampler spacing, shows that NO2 uptake by individual samplers is not affected by the presence of neighbouring tubes in the array. This is confirmed by sampler precision at two Cambridge sites. Four sampler preparation methods are compared for differences in NO2 uptake of exposed samplers. All methods employ TEA as absorbent, transferred by either dipping meshes in a TEA-acetone solution or pipetting aliquots of a TEA-H2O solution onto the meshes. For samplers prepared by three of the methods, no difference in NO2 uptake is found, but for samplers prepared using a 50% v/v TEA-H2O solution, a mean reduction of 18% is found. Student's t-tests show that the difference is highly significant (P < or = 0.001). Reasons for the difference are discussed.     

Atmospheric deposition of major ions and trace metals near an industrial area,Jordan

Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn, NH4+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Na+, K+, Cl-, NO3- and SO4(2-), along with pH were determined in wet and dry deposition samples collected at Al-Hashimya, Jordan. Mean trace metal concentrations were similar or less than those reported for other urban regions worldwide, while concentrations of Ca2+ and SO4(2-) were the highest. The high Ca2+ concentrations were attributed to the calcareous nature of the local soil and to the influence of the Saharan dust, while the high concentrations of SO4(2-) were attributed to the influence of anthropogenic sources and Saharan dust soil. Except for SO4(2-), NO3-, and Ca2+, dry deposition fluxes of measured metals and ions were higher than their corresponding wet deposition fluxes. The high annual average pH values recorded for wet and dry deposition samples were attributed to the neutralization of acidity by alkaline species. Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, NO3- and SO4(2-) were enriched in wet and dry deposition samples relative to crustal material, and a significant anthropogenic contribution to these elements and ions is tentatively suggested. Finally, the possible sources and the main factors affecting the concentrations of the measured species are discussed.