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Nitrogen oxide interferences in the measurement of atmospheric particulate nitrates. Final report

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6253746· OSTI ID:6253746
The results of an experimental program to evaluate the validity of reported atmospheric particulate nitrate concentrations using high-volume (Hi-Vol) sampling techniques are reported. Laboratory and field experiments were conducted to determine the extent of interference that gaseous nitrogen oxides introduce in the atmospheric nitrate determinations. The formation of artifact nitrate was studied as a function of time, filter type, filter pretreatment, particulate type and loading, temperature, humidity, and nitric oxide, nitrous oxide, and ozone concentrations. The highest nitrate values were measured on glass-fiber filters at high nitric oxide and high humidity levels and low temperatures. In fact, the artifact nitrate formed during the collection of ambient samples at these worst-case conditions may be the major contributor to measured particulate nitrate values. The sorption of gaseous nitrogen oxides was reduced from 50 to 100% on teflon, polycarbonate, and acid-washed, glass-fiber filters compared to untreated glass-fiber filters.
Research Organization:
Radian Corp., Austin, TX (USA)
OSTI ID:
6253746
Report Number(s):
EPRI-EA-1031(Vol.1)
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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