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Atmospheric Measurement Techniques
An interactive open-access journal of the European Geosciences Union
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AMT | Articles | Volume 12, issue 3
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 1441–1460, 2019
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-1441-2019
© Author(s) 2019. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-1441-2019
© Author(s) 2019. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 1441–1460, 2019
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-1441-2019
© Author(s) 2019. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-1441-2019
© Author(s) 2019. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article 05 Mar 2019
Research article | 05 Mar 2019
Understanding the ability of low-cost MOx sensors to quantify ambient VOCs
Ashley M. Collier-Oxandale et al.
Related authors
Sharad Vikram, Ashley Collier-Oxandale, Michael H. Ostertag, Massimiliano Menarini, Camron Chermak, Sanjoy Dasgupta, Tajana Rosing, Michael Hannigan, and William G. Griswold
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 4211–4239, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-4211-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-4211-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
Low-cost air quality sensors are enabling people to collect data to better understand their local environment and potential exposures. However, there is some concern regarding how reliable the calibrations of these sensors are in new and different environments. To explore this issue, our team colocated sensors at three different sites with high-quality monitoring instruments to compare to. We explored the transferability of calibration models as well as approaches to improve reliability.
Ashley Collier-Oxandale, Joanna Gordon Casey, Ricardo Piedrahita, John Ortega, Hannah Halliday, Jill Johnston, and Michael P. Hannigan
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 11, 3569–3594, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-11-3569-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-11-3569-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Low-cost air quality sensors and air quality sensor systems have the potential to open up new ways of measuring pollutants. In this paper, we explored ways to use low-cost sensors (approximately USD 10 per sensor) to estimate methane – a pollutant important for its contributions to climate change. We found that while these sensors will likely never replace traditional air quality monitoring methods, they can provide useful supplementary information on local pollution sources and regional trends.
Demetrios Pagonis, Pedro Campuzano-Jost, Hongyu Guo, Douglas A. Day, Melinda K. Schueneman, Wyatt L. Brown, Benjamin A. Nault, Harald Stark, Kyla Siemens, Alex Laskin, Felix Piel, Laura Tomsche, Armin Wisthaler, Matthew M. Coggon, Georgios I. Gkatzelis, Hannah S. Halliday, Jordan E. Krechmer, Richard H. Moore, David S. Thomson, Carsten Warneke, Elizabeth B. Wiggins, and Jose L. Jimenez
Atmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2020-395, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2020-395, 2020
Preprint under review for AMT
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We describe the airborne deployment of an extractive electrospray time-of-flight mass spectrometer (EESI-MS). The instrument provides a quantitative 1 Hz measurement of the chemical composition of organic aerosol up to altitudes of 7 km, with single-compound detection limits as low as 50 ng per standard cubic meter.
Russell W. Long, Andrew Whitehill, Andrew Habel, Shawn Urbanski, Hannah Halliday, Maribel Colón, Surender Kaushik, and Matthew S. Landis
Atmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2020-383, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2020-383, 2020
Preprint under review for AMT
Short summary
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This manuscript details field and laboratory-based evaluations of ozone monitoring methods in smoke. UV photometry, the most widely used measurement method for ozone in ambient air, was shown to suffer from a severe positive interference when operated in the presence of smoke while chemiluminescence based methods were shown to be free of interferences. The results detailed in this paper will provide monitoring agencies with the tools need to address smoke related ozone measurement challenges.
Wenfu Tang, Benjamin Gaubert, Louisa Emmons, Yonghoon Choi, Joshua P. DiGangi, Glenn S. Diskin, Xiaomei Xu, Cenlin He, Helen Worden, Simone Tilmes, Rebecca Buchholz, Hannah S. Halliday, and Avelino F. Arellano
Atmos. Chem. Phys. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2020-864, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2020-864, 2020
Preprint under review for ACP
Short summary
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A specific demonstration of the potential use of correlative information from carbon monoxide to refine estimates of regional carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combustion.
Petter Weibring, Dirk Richter, James G. Walega, Alan Fried, Joshua DiGangi, Hannah Halliday, Yonghoon Choi, Bianca Baier, Colm Sweeney, Ben Miller, Kenneth J. Davis, Zachary Barkley, and Michael D. Obland
Atmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2020-210, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2020-210, 2020
Revised manuscript accepted for AMT
Short summary
Short summary
The present study describes an autonomously operated airborne instrument for high precision (20–40 parts-per-trillion in 1-second) measurements of ethane during actual airborne operations on a small aircraft platform (NASA's King Air B200). This paper discusses the dynamic nature of airborne performance due to various aircraft-induced perturbations, methods devised to identify such events, as well as solutions we have enacted to circumvent these perturbations.
Sharad Vikram, Ashley Collier-Oxandale, Michael H. Ostertag, Massimiliano Menarini, Camron Chermak, Sanjoy Dasgupta, Tajana Rosing, Michael Hannigan, and William G. Griswold
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 4211–4239, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-4211-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-4211-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
Low-cost air quality sensors are enabling people to collect data to better understand their local environment and potential exposures. However, there is some concern regarding how reliable the calibrations of these sensors are in new and different environments. To explore this issue, our team colocated sensors at three different sites with high-quality monitoring instruments to compare to. We explored the transferability of calibration models as well as approaches to improve reliability.
Ashley Collier-Oxandale, Joanna Gordon Casey, Ricardo Piedrahita, John Ortega, Hannah Halliday, Jill Johnston, and Michael P. Hannigan
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 11, 3569–3594, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-11-3569-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-11-3569-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Low-cost air quality sensors and air quality sensor systems have the potential to open up new ways of measuring pollutants. In this paper, we explored ways to use low-cost sensors (approximately USD 10 per sensor) to estimate methane – a pollutant important for its contributions to climate change. We found that while these sensors will likely never replace traditional air quality monitoring methods, they can provide useful supplementary information on local pollution sources and regional trends.
Nicholas Clements, Michael P. Hannigan, Shelly L. Miller, Jennifer L. Peel, and Jana B. Milford
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 7469–7484, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-7469-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-7469-2016, 2016
Short summary
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Coarse and fine particulate matter were monitored in Denver and Greeley, Colorado from 2009 to early 2012 as part of the Colorado Coarse Rural-Urban Sources and Health (CCRUSH) study. The study assessed spatial and temporal variability of PM10−2.5 and PM2.5, relationships between pollutants and meteorology, and source patterns in urban and rural environments in semi-arid northeastern Colorado. In future studies, health impacts of PM10−2.5 in urban and rural Colorado communities will be assessed.
Related subject area
Subject: Gases | Technique: In Situ Measurement | Topic: Instruments and Platforms
A compact QCL spectrometer for mobile, high-precision methane sensing aboard drones
A compact incoherent broadband cavity-enhanced absorption spectrometer for trace detection of nitrogen oxides, iodine oxide and glyoxal at levels below parts per billion for field applications
A compact, high-purity source of HONO validated by Fourier transform infrared and thermal-dissociation cavity ring-down spectroscopy
Simultaneous leaf-level measurement of trace gas emissions and photosynthesis with a portable photosynthesis system
Capturing temporal heterogeneity in soil nitrous oxide fluxes with a robust and low-cost automated chamber apparatus
Evaluation of a field-deployable Nafion™-based air-drying system for collecting whole air samples and its application to stable isotope measurements of CO2
A vacuum ultraviolet ion source (VUV-IS) for iodide–chemical ionization mass spectrometry: a substitute for radioactive ion sources
Autonomous Airborne Mid-IR Spectrometer for High Precision Measurements of Ethane during the NASA ACT-America Studies
Implementation of a chemical background method for atmospheric OH measurements by laser-induced fluorescence: characterisation and observations from the UK and China
A novel injection technique: using a field-based quantum cascade laser for the analysis of gas samples derived from static chambers
Long-term reliability of the Figaro TGS 2600 solid-state methane sensor under low-Arctic conditions at Toolik Lake, Alaska
Measurement of NOx and NOy with a thermal dissociation cavity ring-down spectrometer (TD-CRDS): Instrument characterisation and first deployment
Airborne measurement of peroxy radicals using chemical amplification coupled with cavity ring-down spectroscopy: the PeRCEAS instrument
A low-activity ion source for measurement of atmospheric gases by chemical ionization mass spectrometry
Single-photon laser-induced fluorescence detection of nitric oxide at sub-parts-per-trillion mixing ratios
Eddy covariance flux measurements of gaseous elemental mercury over a grassland
Studying boundary layer methane isotopy and vertical mixing processes at a rewetted peatland site using an unmanned aircraft system
Simultaneous detection of ozone and nitrogen dioxide by oxygen anion chemical ionization mass spectrometry: a fast-time-response sensor suitable for eddy covariance measurements
Testing the near-field Gaussian plume inversion flux quantification technique using unmanned aerial vehicle sampling
iDirac: a field-portable instrument for long-term autonomous measurements of isoprene and selected VOCs
Quantification of nitrous acid (HONO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in ambient air by broadband cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopy (IBBCEAS) between 361 and 388 nm
Multi-scheme chemical ionization inlet (MION) for fast switching of reagent ion chemistry in atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CIMS) applications
Continuous atmospheric CO2, CH4 and CO measurements at the Observatoire Pérenne de l'Environnement (OPE) station in France from 2011 to 2018
Optimization of a gas chromatographic unit for measuring biogenic volatile organic compounds in ambient air
Measurements and quality control of ammonia eddy covariance fluxes: a new strategy for high-frequency attenuation correction
Performance of a new coaxial ion–molecule reaction region for low-pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry with reduced instrument wall interactions
Development of a balloon-borne instrument for CO2 vertical profile observations in the troposphere
Derivation of flow rate and calibration method for high-volume air samplers
Low-cost eddy covariance: a case study of evapotranspiration over agroforestry in Germany
CAFE: a new, improved nonresonant laser-induced fluorescence instrument for airborne in situ measurement of formaldehyde
Characterising low-cost sensors in highly portable platforms to quantify personal exposure in diverse environments
UK greenhouse gas measurements at two new tall towers for aiding emissions verification
An IBBCEAS system for atmospheric measurements of glyoxal and methylglyoxal in the presence of high NO2 concentrations
Evaluation of ambient ammonia measurements from a research aircraft using a closed-path QC-TILDAS operated with active continuous passivation
Simultaneous measurement of NO and NO2 by a dual-channel cavity ring-down spectroscopy technique
A sampler for atmospheric volatile organic compounds by copter unmanned aerial vehicles
Quantification of CO2 and CH4 emissions over Sacramento, California, based on divergence theorem using aircraft measurements
Atomic oxygen number densities in the mesosphere–lower thermosphere region measured by solid electrolyte sensors on WADIS-2
Using the tracer flux ratio method with flight measurements to estimate dairy farm CH4 emissions in central California
Chemical ionization quadrupole mass spectrometer with an electrical discharge ion source for atmospheric trace gas measurement
Adaptation and performance assessment of a quantum and interband cascade laser spectrometer for simultaneous airborne in situ observation of CH4, C2H6, CO2, CO and N2O
Laser-induced fluorescence-based detection of atmospheric nitrogen dioxide and comparison of different techniques during the PARADE 2011 field campaign
An improved method for mobile characterisation of δ13CH4 source signatures and its application in Germany
The Macquarie Island (LoFlo2G) high-precision continuous atmospheric carbon dioxide record
Correcting atmospheric CO2 and CH4 mole fractions obtained with Picarro analyzers for sensitivity of cavity pressure to water vapor
Measurements of hydroperoxy radicals (HO2) at atmospheric concentrations using bromide chemical ionisation mass spectrometry
Identification of gas-phase pyrolysis products in a prescribed fire: first detections using infrared spectroscopy for naphthalene, methyl nitrite, allene, acrolein and acetaldehyde
A decade of CH4, CO and N2O in situ measurements at Lauder, New Zealand: assessing the long-term performance of a Fourier transform infrared trace gas and isotope analyser
Low-pressure gas chromatography with chemical ionization mass spectrometry for quantification of multifunctional organic compounds in the atmosphere
LISA: a lightweight stratospheric air sampler
Béla Tuzson, Manuel Graf, Jonas Ravelid, Philipp Scheidegger, André Kupferschmid, Herbert Looser, Randulph Paulo Morales, and Lukas Emmenegger
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 13, 4715–4726, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-4715-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-4715-2020, 2020
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We describe a lightweight (2 kg) mid-IR laser spectrometer for airborne, in situ atmospheric methane (CH4) measurements. The instrument, based on an open-path circular multipass cell, provides fast response (1 Hz) and sub-parts-per-billion precision. It can easily be mounted on a drone, giving access to highly resolved 4D (spatial and temporal) data. The performance was assessed during field deployments involving artificial CH4 releases and vertical concentration gradients in the PBL.
Albane Barbero, Camille Blouzon, Joël Savarino, Nicolas Caillon, Aurélien Dommergue, and Roberto Grilli
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 13, 4317–4331, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-4317-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-4317-2020, 2020
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In this paper, we present a compact, affordable and robust instrument for in situ measurements of different trace gases: NOx, IO, CHOCHO and O3 with very low detection limits. The device weighs 15 kg and has a total electrical power consumption of < 300 W. Its very low detection limits and its design make it suitable for field applications to address different questions such as how to better constrain the oxidative capacity of the atmosphere and study the chemistry of highly reactive species.
Nicholas J. Gingerysty and Hans D. Osthoff
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 13, 4159–4167, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-4159-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-4159-2020, 2020
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The generation of clean calibration gases is critical for accurate ambient air measurements. Here, we describe a source of HONO vapour dynamically generated from reaction of HCl and NaNO2. The output was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and thermal-dissociation cavity ring-down spectroscopy (TD-CRDS) and was stable, tuneable, and > 95 % pure. We show how generation of unwanted side products (NO, NO2, and ClNO) can be avoided.
Mj Riches, Daniel Lee, and Delphine K. Farmer
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 13, 4123–4139, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-4123-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-4123-2020, 2020
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This paper presents a thorough characterization of a leaf emission sampling technique coupling a portable photosynthesis system with different trace gas analyzers. We provide several case studies using both online and offline gas analyzers to measure different types of leaf emissions. We further highlight both the capabilities and pitfalls of this method.
Nathaniel C. Lawrence and Steven J. Hall
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 13, 4065–4078, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-4065-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-4065-2020, 2020
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Soil emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas, are highly variable over space and time. Existing approaches for automated N2O emission measurements are costly and often incompatible with flooded soils. We describe and validate a robust and low-cost apparatus for replicated measurement of soil N2O emissions at subdaily resolution over large spatial gradients (> 100 m). High-frequency measurements are critical for constraining and mitigating the soil N2O source.
Dipayan Paul, Hubertus A. Scheeren, Henk G. Jansen, Bert A. M. Kers, John B. Miller, Andrew M. Crotwell, Sylvia E. Michel, Luciana V. Gatti, Lucas G. Domingues, Caio S. C. Correia, Raiane A. L. Neves, Harro A. J. Meijer, and Wouter Peters
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 13, 4051–4064, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-4051-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-4051-2020, 2020
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For reliable measurements of CO2 mole fractions and its stable isotope composition in air samples, one needs to carefully dry them during collection. Here we describe evaluation of a portable, consumable-free and power-free Nafion-based drying system that is currently being used for sample collection over the Amazon. Laboratory tests indicate that this Nafion-based system does not influence the mole fraction measurements of CH4, CO, N2O, SF6, and CO2 and the stable isotope composition of CO2.
Yi Ji, L. Gregory Huey, David J. Tanner, Young Ro Lee, Patrick R. Veres, J. Andrew Neuman, Yuhang Wang, and Xinming Wang
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 13, 3683–3696, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-3683-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-3683-2020, 2020
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A common way of measuring trace gases in the atmosphere is chemical ionization mass spectrometry. One large drawback of these instruments is that they require radioactive ion sources. In this work we demonstrate a simple ion source that uses a small krypton lamp that can be used to replace a radioactive source.
Petter Weibring, Dirk Richter, James G. Walega, Alan Fried, Joshua DiGangi, Hannah Halliday, Yonghoon Choi, Bianca Baier, Colm Sweeney, Ben Miller, Kenneth J. Davis, Zachary Barkley, and Michael D. Obland
Atmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2020-210, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2020-210, 2020
Revised manuscript accepted for AMT
Short summary
Short summary
The present study describes an autonomously operated airborne instrument for high precision (20–40 parts-per-trillion in 1-second) measurements of ethane during actual airborne operations on a small aircraft platform (NASA's King Air B200). This paper discusses the dynamic nature of airborne performance due to various aircraft-induced perturbations, methods devised to identify such events, as well as solutions we have enacted to circumvent these perturbations.
Robert Woodward-Massey, Eloise J. Slater, Jake Alen, Trevor Ingham, Danny R. Cryer, Leanne M. Stimpson, Chunxiang Ye, Paul W. Seakins, Lisa K. Whalley, and Dwayne E. Heard
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 13, 3119–3146, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-3119-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-3119-2020, 2020
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The OH radical is known as nature’s detergent, removing most trace gases from the atmosphere. Hence, an accurate measurement of its concentration is very important. We present measurements of OH in several field locations using a laser-based fluorescence method equipped with an OH scavenger. By determining the background signal in two different ways, we show that the instrument does not suffer any significant interferences that could result in an overestimation of OH concentrations.
Anne R. Wecking, Vanessa M. Cave, Lìyĭn L. Liáng, Aaron M. Wall, Jiafa Luo, David I. Campbell, and Louis A. Schipper
Atmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2020-197, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2020-197, 2020
Revised manuscript accepted for AMT
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Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a relevant greenhouse gas emitted from soils to the atmosphere. Human activities, e.g. intensive farming, have contributed to the increase of atmospheric N2O concentrations with time. Therefore, measurements of N2O are crucial to understand climate change. Our study developed a new technique that enables N2O measurement at small (point) and large (paddock) scales by using only one analyser. Using this new method will accelerate and advance N2O measurements in future.
Werner Eugster, James Laundre, Jon Eugster, and George W. Kling
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 13, 2681–2695, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-2681-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-2681-2020, 2020
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Measuring ambient methane concentrations requires expensive optical sensors. The first electrochemical analyzer that shows a response to ambient levels of methane is now available. We present the first long-term deployment of such sensors in an arctic environment (temperatures from −41 to 27 °C). We present a method based on these measurements to convert the signal to methane concentrations (corrected for the effects of air temperature and relative humidity) and ensure long-term stability.
Nils Friedrich, Ivan Tadic, Jan Schuladen, James Brooks, Eoghan Darbyshire, Frank Drewnick, Horst Fischer, Jos Lelieveld, and John N. Crowley
Atmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2020-187, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2020-187, 2020
Revised manuscript accepted for AMT
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We present a new instrument for measurement of NOx and NOy based on a combination of thermal dissociation of NOy to NOx and cavity-ringdown-spectroscopy detection of NO2. It features a denuder to separate contributions of gas-phase and particulate nitrates to NOy. We describe a detailed characterization of the instrument and briefly outline results from first deployments.
Midhun George, Maria Dolores Andrés Hernández, Vladyslav Nenakhov, Yangzhuoran Liu, and John Philip Burrows
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 13, 2577–2600, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-2577-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-2577-2020, 2020
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The accurate measurement of peroxy radicals is essential for understanding the chemistry of air masses probed in the free troposphere. The PeRCEAS instrument has been designed, developed and thoroughly characterised for the measurement of the total sum of peroxy radicals (RO2*) aboard airborne platforms. Parameters expected to affect the precision and accuracy of the measurement have been investigated in detail.
Young Ro Lee, Yi Ji, David J. Tanner, and L. Gregory Huey
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 13, 2473–2480, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-2473-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-2473-2020, 2020
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In this work we show how to construct a radioactive ion source for a chemical ionization mass spectrometer (CIMS) from commercially available components. The source is low activity and can be shipped with a minimum of complications. This facilitates the deployment of CIMS to measure atmospheric pollutants at remote ground sites.
Andrew W. Rollins, Pamela S. Rickly, Ru-Shan Gao, Thomas B. Ryerson, Steven S. Brown, Jeff Peischl, and Ilann Bourgeois
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 13, 2425–2439, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-2425-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-2425-2020, 2020
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Nitric oxide (NO) is a key atmospheric constituent controlling atmospheric oxidation chemistry and tropospheric ozone formation. Existing instrumentation capable of quantifying NO at very low mixing ratios is uncommon and typically relies on chemiluminescence. We describe and demonstrate a new laser-based technique (LIF) with significant practical and technical advantages to CL. This technique is expected to allow for advances in understanding of atmospheric radical chemistry.
Stefan Osterwalder, Werner Eugster, Iris Feigenwinter, and Martin Jiskra
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 13, 2057–2074, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-2057-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-2057-2020, 2020
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Direct mercury (Hg) flux studies are crucial to improve our understanding of terrestrial Hg cycling and human Hg exposure. We tested a new system to measure Hg fluxes using the eddy covariance technique. Our Eddy Mercury system revealed a net Hg re-emission flux from a grassland. We concluded that the prevailing dry conditions resulted in low uptake of CO2 and Hg. Eddy Mercury has the potential to address some of the largest uncertainties in global Hg cycling through long-term flux measurements.
Astrid Lampert, Falk Pätzold, Magnus O. Asmussen, Lennart Lobitz, Thomas Krüger, Thomas Rausch, Torsten Sachs, Christian Wille, Denis Sotomayor Zakharov, Dominik Gaus, Stephan Bansmer, and Ellen Damm
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 13, 1937–1952, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-1937-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-1937-2020, 2020
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Methane has high climate warming potential. Sources of methane can be distinguished by the isotopic composition. To investigate the origin of methane, an airborne sampling system has been developed that can take air samples worldwide and at various altitudes. The article shows the performance of the overall system, from taking samples to laboratory analyses. As known methane source, a rewetted peatland site, was studied, and the vertical distribution of the isotopic composition is investigated.
Gordon A. Novak, Michael P. Vermeuel, and Timothy H. Bertram
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 13, 1887–1907, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-1887-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-1887-2020, 2020
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We present the development and successful field deployment of a new chemical ionization mass spectrometry method capable of fast and high-sensitivity measurements of ozone and nitrogen dioxide in the atmosphere. The sensitivity, precision, and time resolution of the instrument were demonstrated to be sufficient for making deposition flux measurements of ozone from a coastal ocean field site. We propose this instrument will also be well suited for sampling from mobile platforms.
Adil Shah, Joseph R. Pitt, Hugo Ricketts, J. Brian Leen, Paul I. Williams, Khristopher Kabbabe, Martin W. Gallagher, and Grant Allen
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 13, 1467–1484, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-1467-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-1467-2020, 2020
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Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, with large flux uncertainties from facility-scale sources, such as natural gas extraction infrastructure. A recently developed flux quantification method was successfully tested by flying an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) downwind of 22 controlled atmospheric methane releases. The UAVs were used to derive high-precision atmospheric methane measurements. The UAV methodology was successful in both detecting the release and providing a rough flux estimate.
Conor G. Bolas, Valerio Ferracci, Andrew D. Robinson, Mohammed I. Mead, Mohd Shahrul Mohd Nadzir, John A. Pyle, Roderic L. Jones, and Neil R. P. Harris
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 13, 821–838, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-821-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-821-2020, 2020
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Here we present the iDirac, a new instrument capable of making isoprene measurements in remote and challenging environments. The iDirac is a customisable and rugged field instrument for investigating emissions of volatile organic compounds from vegetation. It has been tested here in a series of experiments to ensure a high degree of technical precision, accuracy and repeatability. This new instrument allows us to ask and answer new questions about the influence of vegetation on the atmosphere.
Nick Jordan and Hans D. Osthoff
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 13, 273–285, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-273-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-273-2020, 2020
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We describe a new spectrometer for quantification of HONO and NO2 in ambient air, called HODOR. The instrument uses an LED and two highly reflective mirrors to increase the effective optical absorption path to ~6 km. The accuracy of concentration retrievals was validated using parallel measurements by a single wavelength cavity ring-down spectrometer of laboratory-generated gas mixtures. The instrument's precision suffices for quantification of HONO and NO2 in an urban environment.
Matti P. Rissanen, Jyri Mikkilä, Siddharth Iyer, and Jani Hakala
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 6635–6646, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-6635-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-6635-2019, 2019
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A novel chemical ionization methodology for rapid gas–phase environmental monitoring is presented. The usefulness of the new inlet design is demonstrated by measuring various aerosol precursor compounds that are present at very low concentrations by using two consecutive ionization schemes. This new inlet enables the detection of a wide range of compounds of interest with a minimum of effort and at a fast repetition rate.
Sébastien Conil, Julie Helle, Laurent Langrene, Olivier Laurent, Marc Delmotte, and Michel Ramonet
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 6361–6383, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-6361-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-6361-2019, 2019
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Continuous measurements of greenhouse gases using high-precision spectrometers started in 2011 on a tall tower with three sampling inlets at 10 m, 50 m and 120 m above the ground at the OPE station, in the eastern part of France. The measurement strategy for carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and carbon monoxide (CO) follows the ICOS recommendations. Over the 2011–2018 period, the CO2 and CH4 data show trends with annual growth rates of 2.4 ppm yr−1 and 8.8 ppb yr−1 at the 120 m level.
Kenneth Mermet, Stéphane Sauvage, Sébastien Dusanter, Thérèse Salameh, Thierry Léonardis, Pierre-M. Flaud, Émilie Perraudin, Éric Villenave, and Nadine Locoge
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 6153–6171, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-6153-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-6153-2019, 2019
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An automated system for the online ambient measurement of 20 biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) was successfully developed and optimized. The analytical performance was satisfying for ambient measurements. The first measurements were carried out during the LANDEX field campaign in summer 2017. The 3-week field measurements displayed the excellent performance of the method with respect to providing speciated BVOC concentration values to further investigate atmospheric BVOCs' reactivity.
Alexander Moravek, Saumya Singh, Elizabeth Pattey, Luc Pelletier, and Jennifer G. Murphy
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 6059–6078, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-6059-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-6059-2019, 2019
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Determination of ecosystem exchange fluxes using the eddy covariance technique requires measurements with a fast time response. For ammonia, the time response is limited by adsorption and desorption processes on instrument surfaces, generally leading to a substantial underestimation of fluxes. Based on a 5-month flux dataset, we propose a new method to correct for the ammonia flux loss that is better suited to account for factors like surface aging and contamination than other approaches.
Brett B. Palm, Xiaoxi Liu, Jose L. Jimenez, and Joel A. Thornton
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 5829–5844, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-5829-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-5829-2019, 2019
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We introduce a coaxial, low-pressure ion–molecule reaction (IMR) region for iodide-adduct chemical ionization mass spectrometry, designed to decrease the effects of IMR wall interactions with organic/inorganic gases. This IMR has 3–10 times shorter delay times than previous IMRs. We introduce a conceptual framework for understanding and subtracting the background signal due to analyte molecules interacting with IMR walls. This framework can be applied to other tubing and instrument systems.
Mai Ouchi, Yutaka Matsumi, Tomoki Nakayama, Kensaku Shimizu, Takehiko Sawada, Toshinobu Machida, Hidekazu Matsueda, Yousuke Sawa, Isamu Morino, Osamu Uchino, Tomoaki Tanaka, and Ryoichi Imasu
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 5639–5653, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-5639-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-5639-2019, 2019
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A novel, practical observation system for measuring tropospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations carried by a small helium-filled balloon (CO2 sonde) has been developed for the first time. The low-cost CO2 sondes can potentially be used for frequent measurements of vertical profiles of CO2 in any parts of the world, providing useful information to understand the global and regional carbon budgets by replenishing the present sparse observation coverage.
Richard Hann and Mark Hermanson
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 4725–4731, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-4725-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-4725-2019, 2019
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High-volume air sampling is a key measurement technique for investigating the concentration of atmospheric pollutants. Despite being a mature technique, a detailed description of how to derive flow rates and how to calibrate these samplers is missing in the literature. This paper uses basics in fluid mechanics to derive the equations in question. This allows for a deeper understanding of the measurement process and opens up for a more differentiated assessment of potential error sources.
Christian Markwitz and Lukas Siebicke
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 4677–4696, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-4677-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-4677-2019, 2019
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Turbulent fluxes are usually measured by the eddy covariance method using a combination of a costly gas analyser and a sonic anemometer. In this paper we present an eddy covariance set-up of low cost to measure evapotranspiration over agricultural fields. The method is shown to be comparable to a conventional eddy covariance set-up and is a viable alternative when spatial replicates are required.
Jason M. St. Clair, Andrew K. Swanson, Steven A. Bailey, and Thomas F. Hanisco
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 4581–4590, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-4581-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-4581-2019, 2019
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NASA Compact Airborne Formadehyde Experiment (CAFE) is a nonresonant laser-induced fluorescence instrument for airborne in situ measurement of formaldehyde (HCHO). The instrument is described here with highlighted improvements from the predecessor instrument, COmpact Formaldehyde FluorescencE Experiment (COFFEE).
Lia Chatzidiakou, Anika Krause, Olalekan A. M. Popoola, Andrea Di Antonio, Mike Kellaway, Yiqun Han, Freya A. Squires, Teng Wang, Hanbin Zhang, Qi Wang, Yunfei Fan, Shiyi Chen, Min Hu, Jennifer K. Quint, Benjamin Barratt, Frank J. Kelly, Tong Zhu, and Roderic L. Jones
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 4643–4657, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-4643-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-4643-2019, 2019
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This study validates the performance of a personal air quality monitor that integrates miniaturised sensors that measure physical and chemical parameters. Overall, the air pollution sensors showed excellent agreement with standard instrumentation in outdoor, indoor and commuting environments across seasons and different geographical settings. Hence, novel sensing technologies like the ones demonstrated here can revolutionise health studies by providing highly resolved reliable exposure metrics.
Ann R. Stavert, Simon O'Doherty, Kieran Stanley, Dickon Young, Alistair J. Manning, Mark F. Lunt, Christopher Rennick, and Tim Arnold
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 4495–4518, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-4495-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-4495-2019, 2019
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Under the UK GAUGE project, two new greenhouse gas observation sites were established in the 2013/2014 winter at two telecommunications towers. A combination of spectroscopic and chromatographic instrumentation was used to measure CO2, CH4, CO, N2O and SF6. The advantages and disadvantages of two CRDS sample drying strategies, Nafion(R) and empirical water correction, were also examined.
Jingwei Liu, Xin Li, Yiming Yang, Haichao Wang, Yusheng Wu, Xuewei Lu, Mindong Chen, Jianlin Hu, Xiaobo Fan, Limin Zeng, and Yuanhang Zhang
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 4439–4453, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-4439-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-4439-2019, 2019
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Incoherent broadband cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopy (IBBCEAS) has been proven to be a reliable method for measuring glyoxal and methylglyoxal in the atmosphere. However, the commonly overlying strong spectral absorption of nitrogen dioxide hampers the accurate and sensitive resolve of the weak absorption features of glyoxal and methylglyoxal. Here, we report a custom-built IBBCEAS system that could overcome this problem by quantitatively removing nitrogen dioxide from the sample air.
Ilana B. Pollack, Jakob Lindaas, J. Robert Roscioli, Michael Agnese, Wade Permar, Lu Hu, and Emily V. Fischer
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 3717–3742, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-3717-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-3717-2019, 2019
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A closed-path infrared absorption spectrometer was outfitted with the option for active continuous passivation for measuring large, rapid gradients in atmospheric NH3 from a research aircraft. In-flight and ground observations show utility in passivant addition for recovering instrument time response when sampling surfaces are contaminated and cannot be cleaned in a timely manner and for maintaining rapid time response in an NH3-rich and humid environment over a several-week-long field campaign.
Zhiyan Li, Renzhi Hu, Pinhua Xie, Hao Chen, Xiaoyan Liu, Shuaixi Liang, Dan Wang, Fengyang Wang, Yihui Wang, Chuan Lin, Jianguo Liu, and Wenqing Liu
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 3223–3236, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-3223-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-3223-2019, 2019
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A dual-channel CRDS system for NO2 and NO detection is reported. The detection limits of the developed CRDS system for NO2 and NOx measurements are estimated to be about 0.030 ppb (1σ, 1 s) and 0.040 ppb (1σ, 1 s), respectively. The measurements of on-road vehicle emission plumes by this mobile CRDS instrument show the different emission characteristics in the urban and suburban areas of Hefei. The instrument provides a new method for retrieving fast variations in NO and NO2 plumes.
Karena A. McKinney, Daniel Wang, Jianhuai Ye, Jean-Baptiste de Fouchier, Patricia C. Guimarães, Carla E. Batista, Rodrigo A. F. Souza, Eliane G. Alves, Dasa Gu, Alex B. Guenther, and Scot T. Martin
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 3123–3135, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-3123-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-3123-2019, 2019
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Volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions influence air quality and particulate distributions, particularly in major source regions such as the Amazon. A sampler for collecting VOCs from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is described. Field tests of its performance and an initial example data set collected in the Amazon are also presented. The low cost, ease of use, and maneuverability of UAVs give this method the potential to significantly advance knowledge of the spatial distribution of VOCs.
Ju-Mee Ryoo, Laura T. Iraci, Tomoaki Tanaka, Josette E. Marrero, Emma L. Yates, Inez Fung, Anna M. Michalak, Jovan Tadić, Warren Gore, T. Paul Bui, Jonathan M. Dean-Day, and Cecilia S. Chang
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 2949–2966, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-2949-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-2949-2019, 2019
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We designed cylindrical flights and computed the emission fluxes using a kriging method and Gauss's theorem over Sacramento, California. Differences in wind treatment and background affect the emission estimates by a factor of 1.5 to 7. The effects of the vertical layer average and the vertical mass transfer on the emission estimates are found to be small, esp. local scale. The result also suggests a closed-shape flight profile can better contain total emissions than a one-sided curtain flight.
Martin Eberhart, Stefan Löhle, Boris Strelnikov, Jonas Hedin, Mikhail Khaplanov, Stefanos Fasoulas, Jörg Gumbel, Franz-Josef Lübken, and Markus Rapp
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 2445–2461, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-2445-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-2445-2019, 2019
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This paper describes the measurement of atomic oxygen in the upper atmosphere onboard sounding rockets using solid electrolyte sensors. Calibration of the sensors in the laboratory is explained in detail. Results from the WADIS-2 rocket campaign show profiles of atomic oxygen density with a high spatial resolution.
Conner Daube, Stephen Conley, Ian C. Faloona, Claudia Arndt, Tara I. Yacovitch, Joseph R. Roscioli, and Scott C. Herndon
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 2085–2095, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-2085-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-2085-2019, 2019
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This study describes aircraft measurements of methane from dairy farms in central California. A small deliberate release of a tracer gas is done on the ground and measured from the air and the ratio of methane to tracer used to quantify emissions. Farm-scale methane emissions are determined as well as the fraction of those emissions coming from animal activity versus liquid manure management. These findings were within the uncertainty of two established methods.
Philipp G. Eger, Frank Helleis, Gerhard Schuster, Gavin J. Phillips, Jos Lelieveld, and John N. Crowley
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 1935–1954, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-1935-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-1935-2019, 2019
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We present a chemical ionization quadrupole mass spectrometer (CI-QMS) with a novel discharge ion source. In addition to the expected detection of PAN, peracetic acid and ClNO2, the instrument is also sensitive to SO2, HCl and acetic acid through ion chemistry unique for our ion source. We present ionization schemes along with illustrative datasets from field campaigns underlining the potential of the CI-QMS as an alternative to polonium, especially for application in the marine boundary layer.
Julian Kostinek, Anke Roiger, Kenneth J. Davis, Colm Sweeney, Joshua P. DiGangi, Yonghoon Choi, Bianca Baier, Frank Hase, Jochen Groß, Maximilian Eckl, Theresa Klausner, and André Butz
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 1767–1783, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-1767-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-1767-2019, 2019
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We demonstrate the successful adaption of a laser-based spectrometer for airborne in situ trace gas measurements. The modified instrument allows for precise and simultaneous airborne observation of five climatologically relevant gases. We further report on instrument performance during a first field deployment over the eastern and central USA.
Umar Javed, Dagmar Kubistin, Monica Martinez, Jan Pollmann, Markus Rudolf, Uwe Parchatka, Andreas Reiffs, Jim Thieser, Gerhard Schuster, Martin Horbanski, Denis Pöhler, John N. Crowley, Horst Fischer, Jos Lelieveld, and Hartwig Harder
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 1461–1481, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-1461-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-1461-2019, 2019
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Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) affects the concentration of key species like ozone, hydroxyl radical, and nitrate radical in the atmosphere. In situ, direct, and interference-free NO2 measurements are important for validating our understanding of NOx chemistry related to ozone formation and the radical loss process. This article describes the important features and performance of a newly developed NO2 instrument during a field intercomparison.
Antje Hoheisel, Christiane Yeman, Florian Dinger, Henrik Eckhardt, and Martina Schmidt
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 1123–1139, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-1123-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-1123-2019, 2019
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In this study, we developed and applied a mobile instrument set-up to determine the carbon isotope source signature by measuring the plume of different methane sources. Therefore, we carefully characterised the analyser especially with regard to cross sensitivities of the gas matrix. During 21 field campaigns we determined mean carbon isotope values of three dairy farms, a biogas plant, a landfill, a wastewater treatment plant, an active deep coal mine and two natural gas facilities in Germany.
Ann R. Stavert, Rachel M. Law, Marcel van der Schoot, Ray L. Langenfelds, Darren A. Spencer, Paul B. Krummel, Scott D. Chambers, Alistair G. Williams, Sylvester Werczynski, Roger J. Francey, and Russell T. Howden
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 1103–1121, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-1103-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-1103-2019, 2019
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The Southern Ocean is a key sink of carbon dioxide (CO2), but efforts to study trends in and the variability of the sink have been hindered by the limited number of CO2 measurements in this region. Here we describe a set of new in situ continuous (minutely) atmospheric CO2 observations. We show that this new record better captures long-term changes and seasonality than traditional 2-weekly flask records. As such, this data set will provide key insights into the changing Southern Ocean sink.
Friedemann Reum, Christoph Gerbig, Jost V. Lavric, Chris W. Rella, and Mathias Göckede
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 1013–1027, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-1013-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-1013-2019, 2019
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Atmospheric CO2 and CH4 mole fractions are often measured using greenhouse gas analyzers manufactured by Picarro, Inc. We report biases in these measurements that are related to pressure changes in the optical cavity of the analyzers and occur mainly at low water vapor mole fractions. We provide a method to correct the biases, which contributes to keeping the overall accuracy of CO2 and CH4 measurements with Picarro analyzers within the WMO interlaboratory compatibility goals.
Sascha R. Albrecht, Anna Novelli, Andreas Hofzumahaus, Sungah Kang, Yare Baker, Thomas Mentel, Andreas Wahner, and Hendrik Fuchs
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 891–902, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-891-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-891-2019, 2019
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Within this study we demonstrate reliable measurement of hydroperoxy (HO2) radicals via chemical ionisation mass spectrometry. HO2 is detected as an ion cluster with bromide ions, which allows a selective detection. This direct and sensitive measurement provides reliable data of HO2 radical concentrations in the atmosphere as demonstrated in the first application in simulation chamber experiments.
Nicole K. Scharko, Ashley M. Oeck, Russell G. Tonkyn, Stephen P. Baker, Emily N. Lincoln, Joey Chong, Bonni M. Corcoran, Gloria M. Burke, David R. Weise, Tanya L. Myers, Catherine A. Banach, David W. T. Griffith, and Timothy J. Johnson
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 763–776, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-763-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-763-2019, 2019
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We report five species (naphthalene, methyl nitrite, allene, acrolein and acetaldehyde) that were detected in biomass burning fires that had been seen before in burn studies, but are reported for the first time when using infrared spectroscopy for detection.
Dan Smale, Vanessa Sherlock, David W. T. Griffith, Rowena Moss, Gordon Brailsford, Sylvia Nichol, and Michael Kotkamp
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 637–673, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-637-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-637-2019, 2019
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We present a 10-year (Jan 2007–Dec 2016) time series of continuous in situ measurements of methane, carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide made by an in situ Fourier transform infrared trace gas and isotope analyser operated at Lauder, New Zealand. We perform a practical evaluation of multi-year performance of the analyser and report on operational methodology, measurement precision, reproducibility, accuracy and instrument reliability.
Krystal T. Vasquez, Hannah M. Allen, John D. Crounse, Eric Praske, Lu Xu, Anke C. Noelscher, and Paul O. Wennberg
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 11, 6815–6832, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-11-6815-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-11-6815-2018, 2018
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Oxygenated volatile organic compounds (OVOCs) are difficult to measure in the atmosphere due to their high reactivity and low concentrations. This hinders our understanding of their impact on air quality and climate. Therefore, we have developed a field-deployable instrument capable of providing isomer-resolved measurements of OVOCs in the ambient air. Its performance is assessed through data collected both in the laboratory and during two field studies.
Joram J. D. Hooghiem, Marcel de Vries, Henk A. Been, Pauli Heikkinen, Rigel Kivi, and Huilin Chen
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 11, 6785–6801, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-11-6785-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-11-6785-2018, 2018
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We have developed a lightweight stratospheric air sampler, named LISA, for measurements of CO2, CH4 and CO mole fractions. The LISA sampler is capable of grabbing stratospheric air samples at an altitude of up to 30 km and provides a useful tool for routine stratospheric measurements of both mole fractions and isotopic composition of trace gases.
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Search articles
Short summary
Airborne pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds, can present a danger to public and environmental health. We explored the potential for low-cost air quality sensors to help measure these compounds. From our deployment and the subsequent analysis, it seems these sensors can be calibrated to provide estimates of the levels of some individual and some groups of VOCs. This is promising as more cost-effective ways to measure VOCs could inform actions to reduce exposure.
Airborne pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds, can present a danger to public and...
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