Characterization of the aerosol in the Great Smoky Mountains
A six-day field study was conducted in the Great Smoky Mountains to measure the composition of the aerosol that pervades this region. Sampling was performed with three dichotomous samples, a mobile laboratory containing instruments to measure gaseous pollutants, and two gas chromatographs for measuring halocarbons. Sulfate and its associated cations represented 61% of the particle mass. The average ionic composition of the ammonia, hydrogen, and sulfate ions was equivalent to ammonium bisulfate. Of the total mass measured in the fine particles, elemental carbon accounted for 5% and organic carbon accounted for 10%. Crustal elements such as aluminum, calcium, iron, and silica were minor constituents of the fine-particle mass. During the period of the study the fine-particle aerosol in the Great Smoky Mountains was dominated by acid sulfates rather than by natural organic compounds. (2 graphs, 36 references, 8 tables)
- Research Organization:
- EPA
- OSTI ID:
- 6529893
- Journal Information:
- Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 14:12; ISSN ESTHA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AEROSOLS
AIR POLLUTION
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
COLLOIDS
DISPERSIONS
MOUNTAINS
NATURE RESERVES
NORTH AMERICA
NORTH CAROLINA
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
RESOURCES
SOLS
SOUTHEAST REGION
SULFATES
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
TENNESSEE
USA