Indoor and outdoor concentrations of inorganic acidic aerosols and gases

Brauer, M; Koutrakis, P; Keeler, GJ; Spengler, JD

HERO ID

37871

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

1991

Language

English

PMID

2054163

HERO ID 37871
In Press No
Year 1991
Title Indoor and outdoor concentrations of inorganic acidic aerosols and gases
Authors Brauer, M; Koutrakis, P; Keeler, GJ; Spengler, JD
Journal Journal of the Air and Waste Management Association
Volume 41
Issue 2
Page Numbers 171-181
Abstract Annular denuder-filter pack sampling systems were used to make indoor and outdoor measurements of aerosol strong H+, SO4(2)-, NH4+, NO3- and NO2-, and the gaseous pollutants SO2, HNO3, HONO and NH3 during summer and winter periods in Boston, Massachusetts. Outdoor levels of SO2, HNO3, H+ and SO4(2-) exceeded their indoor concentrations during both seasons. Winter indoor/outdoor ratios were lower than during the summer, probably due to lower air exchange rates during the winter period. During both monitoring periods, indoor/outdoor ratios of aerosol strong H+ were 40-50 percent of the indoor/outdoor SO4(2-) ratio. Since aerosol strong acidity is typically associated with SO4(2-), this finding is indicative of neutralization of the acidic aerosol by the higher indoor NH3 levels. Geometric mean indoor/outdoor NH3 ratios of 3.5 and 23 respectively were measured for the summer and winter sampling periods. For HONO, NH3, NH4+ and NO2-, indoor concentrations were significantly higher than ambient levels. Indoor levels of NO3- were slightly less than outdoor concentrations.
Doi 10.1080/10473289.1991.10466834
Pmid 2054163
Wosid WOS:A1991EY53800008
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments J. Air Waste Manage. Assoc. 41: 171-181.
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Is Qa No