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Scavenging of atmospheric trace organic compounds by rain

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:6294171
A field study of organic compounds in rain and air was conducted in Portland, Oregon and at the Oregon coast in order to provide information on the scavenging process. The samplers collected organic compounds in the rain dissolved and particulate phases and in the atmospheric vapor and particulate phases. The rain sampling train consisted of a prefilter and filter, followed by two parallel sets of Tenax cartridges for the adsorption of dissolved organics. The air sampling train consisted of a glass fiber or Teflon membrane filter followed by parallel sets of adsorbents for the collection of vapors. Polyurethane foam and Tenax were both used in the air sampler. Analysis of the rain and air samples proceeded by either solvent extraction and on-column injection or direct thermal desorption onto a fused silica capillary column interfaced with a mass spectrometer and data system (GC/MS/DS). Concentration data were obtained for over 100 organic target compounds including PAHs, phenols, phthalate esters, alkanes, aromatics, and pesticides.
Research Organization:
Oregon Graduate Center, Beaverton (USA)
OSTI ID:
6294171
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English