Graduate Education for Air Pollution Control Personnel

Tendergreen bean plants were grown from seeding to seed maturity under continuous exposure to HF gas at fairly uniform concentrations averaging 0.58, 2.1, 9.1, and 10.5 µg F/m³. Progeny of these plants and of comparable control plants were grown in a clean atmosphere to determine if subsequent generations were affected by HF treatment of the parents.

No effects of HF were found among the progeny of the plants grown at 0.58 µg F/m³. The F₁ generation progeny of the other HF treated plants were less vigorous than control plant progeny, as shown by later emergence, smaller primary leaves, and slower stem growth. This probably was a consequence of the lower starch content of the seed of the HF treated plants. The primary leaves of some F₁ progeny of the plants grown in the three highest HF treatments were severely stunted and distorted. This also may have been due to the low starch content of the seed, or perhaps it resulted from damage to the plumules in shriveled, distorted seed produced in these treatments.

Some of the early trifoliate leaves of many F₁ generation progeny of the plants grown at 2.1 µg F/m³ and higher were abnormal in the separation and number of their leaflets. This abnormality apparently was heritable, for in the next (F₂) generation it occurred most frequently among plants whose parents were abnormal. However, considerably fewer F₃ generation plants had abnormal trifoliate leaves, indicating rapid reversal to the normal form.     

Measurement of Automobile Exhaust GAS Hydrocarbons

While snowflakes fell and Christmas carols heralded the imminent holiday, over 3000 delegates to the Third National Conference on Air Pollution were told to “Control Now for Clean Air.”

They were told this in many ways by many people—by the Vice President of the United States; by the Secretary of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare who summoned the Conference; and by senators, congressmen, governors, and mayors.

Then eight panel sessions convened to discuss and to determine how to control now for clean air. Speakers from every section of American life addressed themselves to this subject; when they were finished, the eight session chairmen summarized what had been said, what had been, learned. These summaries appear on the following pages.     

The Radial Distribution of Sulfur Dioxide Source Strength and Concentration in Nashville

This progress report describes the National Air Pollution Technical Information Center currently under development in the Division of Air Pollution, Public Health Service. It briefly reviews the report "Science, Government, and Information" (Weinberg Report) and the White House delegation of responsibility to the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare for handling air pollution technical information.     

Unsolved Problems with Flue-FED Incinerators

At the beginning of the federal program in 1955, air pollution was viewed as a technical challenge. While technical problems remain, emphasis is shifting toward the social challenge. The degree of federal assistance now available to states and municipalities, under the Clean Air Act, is of broadened scope and higher order of magnitude; it is not confined to technical considerations, but has been expanded to take cognizance of political and economic obstacles that often block the path toward better air pollution control.     

A Multivariable Model for Atmospheric Dispersion Predictions

In conjunction with a 15-month air quality survey of Jacksonville, Fia., a mathematical model has been developed to describe the dispersion of atmospheric pollutants. The source inventory used with the model was compiled, in part, from the data obtained from the sampling of all major sources within the area. The major sources were considered separately from the one-mile square area sources which accounted for the remainder of the emissions. Meteorological data was recorded continuously in the city including vertical temperature observations to 750 ft. The model was compiled in FORTRAN and can be used for both gaseous and particulate pollutants, by utilizing proper decay rates. The variant nature of meteorological parameters and emission rates are considered. The ground level concentrations of several pollutants which were determined for 24 hr periods at 11 sites and continuously at two other sites were used to check the model. A limited tracer study was carried out in conjunction with the project.     

Limitations of the Lead Acetate Impregnated Paper Tape Method for Hydrogen Sulfide

Field experience with the lead acetate impregnated paper tape sampler has indicated that large errors may arise in this method due to fading of the color of the precipitated lead sulfide spots. This fading is due to the action of light, sulfur dioxide, ozone, on other substances capable of oxidizing lead sulfide. The moisture content or relative humidity of the air sample must be maintained at an appropriate level to ensure reaction with the impregnated paper tape. The effects of the factors have been investigated in laboratory experiments with known concentrations of H₂S. A number of antioxidants were studied in relation to the stability of the resultant spots to light and oxidation Orthophenyl phenol was found to be the most effective antioxidant for this purpose. A number of necessary precautions to be employed in the use of the lead acetate method are recommended and the limitations are discussed.