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Formation of ozone and light-scattering aerosols in the St. Louis urban plume

Conference · · Am. Chem. Soc., Div. Environ. Chem., Prepr.; (United States)
OSTI ID:7223115

An instrumented light aircraft was used to map the 3-dimensional flow of aerosols and trace gases in the St. Louis area on 18 July, 1975. It was found that under stable meteorological conditions the aggregate pollutant emissions often formed a cohesive, well-defined ''urban plume'' downwind of the city. This plume was broad and shallow, causing reduced visibilities and ozone concentrations in excess of the Federal Ambient Standard. It included emission of major nearby coal-fired power plants and a refinery complex, in addition to the industry and automotive traffic in the urban area itself. Ozone and light scattering aerosols were most prominant in the aged plume 50 km or more downwind of St. Louis, with ozone concentrations as high as 0.18 ppM, and light scattering coefficients up to 4.7 x 10/sup -4/ m/sup -1/ 125 km and more from St. Louis. They were 30-50 percent above their levels on either side and were produced chemically and physically, not directly emitted. Two figures are included which show concentrations and flow rates for this plume.

OSTI ID:
7223115
Journal Information:
Am. Chem. Soc., Div. Environ. Chem., Prepr.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Chem. Soc., Div. Environ. Chem., Prepr.; (United States) Vol. 16:1; ISSN ACEPC
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English