Evaluation of techniques for sulfuric acid and particulate strong acidity measurements in ambient air

Journal Article · Mon Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1979 · Atmos. Environ.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0004-6981(80)90086-4· OSTI ID:6686465

Appel, B R; Wall, S M; Haik, M; Kothny, E L; Tokiwa, Y

A laboratory and field study was conducted to evaluate measurement methods for sulfuric acid and strong acids in atmospheric aerosols. Selective extraction of hydrogen sulfate with benzaldehyde was compared with extraction by titrimetry. Laboratory techniques and equipment are described. The presence of atmospheric particulate matter was shown to reduce recoveries of laboratory-generated H2SO4 sharply, but recoveries of total strong acid remained z 60%. Anhydrous benzaldehyde extracted ammonium bisulfate to a substantial degree in the absence of atmospheric particulate matter. Samples collected in Pittsburg, Calif., showed good correlation between H2SO4 measurements and particulate strong acid measurements. (3 graphs, 15 references, 2 tables)

• OSTI ID: 6686465
• Journal Information: Atmos. Environ.; (United States), Journal Name: Atmos. Environ.; (United States) Vol. 14:5; ISSN ATENB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500200* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ACCURACY
AEROSOLS
AIR POLLUTION
AIR SAMPLERS
COLLOIDS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
DISPERSIONS
EQUIPMENT
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
INORGANIC ACIDS
LABORATORY EQUIPMENT
PARTICLES
POLLUTION
SAMPLERS
SOLS
SULFURIC ACID