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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Southern California Air Quality Study: summer phase. Final report

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6694040
During the Southern California Air Quality Study (SCAQS), sampling was performed at Long Beach for eleven, 24-hr. periods between June 19 and September 4, 1987. Sampling focused on fine particulate acids. Two fine particulate samplers were operated, with one of the units preceded by an ammonia denuder. In addition, a semi-continuous particle sulfur monitor was employed, which was able to discriminate between sulfuric acid and ammonium sulfates. Strong acid concentrations observed were very low, ranging up to 3 ug/cu m, expressed as H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/. Total particulate-acid concentrations were as high as 11 ug/cu m, expressed as H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/. Acidic sulfates contributed to no more than 20% of the strong acidity. Relatively strong organic acids (e.g., formic acid are possible important contributors to the particulate strong acids. Sulfuric acid concentrations with the particle S monitor were below detectable levels. Ammonium sulfate results with the S monitor showed moderate correlation with filter-collected sulfate (r=0.82) and averaged about 5 percent higher.
Research Organization:
California Dept. of Health Services, Berkeley (USA). Air and Industrial Hygiene Lab.
OSTI ID:
6694040
Report Number(s):
PB-88-240445/XAB; CA/DOH/AIHL/SP-49
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English