Evidence of high atmospheric concentrations of sulfates detected at rural sites in the northeast

Journal Article · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1977 · J. Environ. Sci. Health, Part A; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/10934527709374729· OSTI ID:7291264

Lioy, P J ^[1]; Wolff, G T; Czachor, J S; Coffey, P E; Stasiuk, W N; Romano, D

---

1. Interstate Sanitation Commission, New York

Ambient sulfates, total suspended particulates (TSP), and ozone data were collected in rural areas of New York and New Jersey as part of a study conducted jointly by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Interstate Sanitation Commission during July and August 1975. Relationships between these contaminants and various meteorological systems were examined. The sulfate and TSP data were obtained from 24-hour integrated high volume samples obtained on a daily basis at seven rural sites with the emphasis in this paper being on two sites: Whiteface Mountain, N.Y., and High Point, N.J. The sulfate concentrations were found to be highest during four distinct periods which were generally defined by anticyclonic stagnation and/or return flow of maritime tropical air. The highest values recorded at Whiteface Mountain and High Point were 24 ..mu..g/m/sup 3/ and 20 ..mu..g/m/sup 3/, respectively, in the period from July 21 through 25. During the other three periods, a maximum of at least 15 ..mu..g/m/sup 3/ was observed at one or both sites. Coincidence of the high level periods at the two sites separated by approximately 200 miles and at five other rural New York State sites during most of the study is a strong indication of long-range transport. The maximum sulfate concentration recorded during the study was 38 ..mu..g/m/sup 3/ at Schoharie, N.Y. The SO/sub 4//TSP ratio (maximum 0.53) at High Point and Whiteface Mountain was increased, though nonuniformily, with higher TSP during the episode periods. Ozone concentrations at High Point were increased simultaneously with sulfates, as in previous observations at Whiteface Mountain which suggests it is either an important reactant in the formation of sulfates or these contaminants are concommitant in photochemical processes and/or summertime anticyclonic systems.

• OSTI ID: 7291264
• Journal Information: J. Environ. Sci. Health, Part A; (United States), Journal Name: J. Environ. Sci. Health, Part A; (United States) Vol. 12:1-2; ISSN JESED
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500200* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AIR POLLUTION
CHEMISTRY
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
MASS TRANSFER
METEOROLOGY
MONITORING
NEW JERSEY
NEW YORK
NORTH AMERICA
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
OZONE
PARTICLES
PHOTOCHEMISTRY
POLLUTION
RURAL AREAS
SEASONS
SULFATES
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
USA
WEATHER