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www.atmos-meas-tech-discuss.net/1/205/2008/
doi:10.5194/amtd-1-205-2008
© Author(s) 2008. This work is distributed
under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Evaluation and application of a semi-continuous chemical characterization system for water soluble inorganic PM2.5 and associated precursor gases
1Southern Ontario Centre for Atmospheric Aerosol Research, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3E5, Canada
2Environment Canada, Downsview, Ontario, Canada
3Analysis and Air Quality Division, Environmental Science and Technology Centre, Environment Canada, 335 River Road, Ottawa, ON K1A OH3, Canada
Abstract. Water soluble inorganic particles components (Cl−, SO42−, NO3−, and NH4+) and concentrations of their associated precursor gases (HCl, SO2, HNO3, NH3) were semi-continuously measured using the Dionex Gas Particle Ion Chromatography (GPIC) system. Sampling was conducted adjacent to a high traffic street in downtown Toronto, Canada from June 2006 to March 2007. This study evaluated the precision and accuracy of field sampling measurements with the GPIC both relative to filter based measurements and other co-located semi-continuous instruments (R&P 8400N Nitrate Monitor, API Fluorescent SO2 Gas Analyzer, and Aerodyne C-ToF-AMS). High temporal resolution PM2.5 mass reconstruction is presented by combining GPIC measured inorganic species concentrations and Sunset Laboratory OCEC Analyzer determined organics concentrations. Field sampling results were also examined for seasonal and diurnal variations. HNO3 and particulate nitrate exhibited diurnal variation and strong partitioning to the gas phase was observed during the summer. Ammonia and particulate ammonium also demonstrated seasonal differences in their diurnal profiles. However, particulate sulphate and SO2 showed no diurnal variation regardless of season suggesting dominant transport from regional sources throughout the year.
Discussion Paper (PDF, 1479 KB) Interactive Discussion (Closed, 4 Comments) Final Revised Paper (AMT)
Citation: Godri, K. J., Evans, G. J., Slowik, J., Knox, A., Abbatt, J., Brook, J., Dann, T., and Dabek-Zlotorzynska, E.: Evaluation and application of a semi-continuous chemical characterization system for water soluble inorganic PM2.5 and associated precursor gases, Atmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., 1, 205-248, doi:10.5194/amtd-1-205-2008, 2008. Bibtex EndNote Reference Manager XML
