The Ambient Concentrations and Major Sources of Ethylene in Taipei City

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the ambient concentrations of ethylene (C2H4) in Taipei city. A HP6890 gas chromatograph with flame ionization detector (FID) was used to measure the ethylene concentrations in the air from the sampling bags. Results showed that the highest concentration of ambient ethylene was 230 ppb in roadside area in the city. Ethylene concentrations showed a diurnal change with higher concentrations during the rush hours. Among four types of vehicle, the two-stroke motorcycles emitted the highest concentration of ethylene, with a mean of 8690 ppb. The diesel buses did not emit any ethylene gas. These results revealed that the present ambient concentrations of ethylene in Taipei city are high and harmful to sensitive plants. We found that gasoline cars are becoming the most important sources of ethylene in Taipei. This study will supply a knowledge basis for Taiwan EPA to ameliorate the ethylene pollution in Taipei and other urban areas.