Atmospheric Sulfur Dioxide Research Articles

Sampling method and pine analysis for atmospheric sulfur dioxide with alkali coated filters

Nuclepore filters coated with an alkaline solution were used for collection of sulfur dioxide in the air. The best alkaline solution for the coating was 20% potassium hydroxide with 10% glycerol or triethanolamine. 25 mm diameter Nuclepore filters could be coated by simple procedures with potassium hydroxide, with about 10% error, and the average coated amount of potassium hydroxide was 125 μg for a filter. The collection efficiencies of the coated filter for sulfur dioxide concentration, flow rate, and loading were examined using known concentrations of sulfur dioxide. A collection efficiency of more than 98% was observed below 4.0 1/min flow rate (19 cm/s air velocity) at 0.054 ppm sulfur dioxide, 25°C and 30% r.h. The capacity for the coated filter was 50% loading, equivalent to μg sulfur dioxide, and higher loadings caused lower collection efficiencies. Sulfur dioxide collected on the coated filters was directly analyzed by particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE) using 5 MeV protons, which has high sensitivity at nanogram levels, and the results of PIXE analysis of sulfur dioxide agreed well with the West Gaeke method. The coated filter and PIXE analysis were used for measurements of sulfur dioxide at the coast and ocean in north Florida, a relatively unpolluted area, during February 1979. Their average concentration was 1.3 ppb ( n = 13).

Filtering and Smoothing for Linear Discrete-Time Distributed Parameter Systems Based on Wiener-Hopf Theory with Application to Estimation of Air Pollution

Optimal filtering and smoothing algorithms for linear discrete-time distributed parameter systems are derived by a unified approach based on the Wiener-Hopf theory. The Wiener-Hopf equation for the estimation problems is derived using the least-squares estimation error criterion. Using the basic equation, three types of the optimal smoothing estimators are derived, namely, fixed-point, fixed-interval, and fixed-lag smoothers. Finally, the results obtained are applied to estimation of atmospheric sulfur dioxide concentrations in the Tokushima prefecture of Japan.

TRANSLOCATION OF SULPHITE IN VICIA FABA L.

SummaryThe translocation of radioctivity was studied quantitatively and qualitatively after application of droplets containing Na235SO2 to leaves of Vicia faba L. and using the aphid species Megoura viciae Buckt. to tap sieve elements in the atexn. Concentrations of 4 and 8 mM Nag235SO2 were chosen after studying the effects of a range of sulhite concentrations on 14CO2 fixation.Extracts of leaves contained 35S‐labelled sulphite, sulphate and organic material. Only sulphite and sulphate were labelled in honeydew. The aphids contained sulphate and soluble organic compounds, but no sulphite. Extracts of aphids contained more radioactivity 0.5 h after application of Na235SO2 to the source leaf than after 24 h. It is concluded that incompletely oridized sulphur compounds can be translocated, and the results are discussed with reference to the uptake of the atmospheric pollutant sulphur dioxide and its effects on plant growth and development.

Analytical Band Model for SO2 Transmittance in the Infrared

An application is made of numerical computer techniques to the modeling of molecular absorption by atmospheric sulfur dioxide in the infrared region. The general transmittance function used in the widely accepted code called Lowtran is adopted, through an analytical approximation available in the literature for water vapor, ozone, and the uniformly mixed absorbers. The transmittance data used in the development were generated from simulated line spectra calculated with a tape tabulation of line parameters for the trace gases. The constants describing the function, as well as the spectral parameters at 5 cm−1 intervals, are provided in order to allow for direct calculation of sulfur dioxide transmittance in typical concentrations over the infrared region of absorption.

Sampling and Analysis of Atmospheric Sulfur Dioxide with the Lead Dioxide Plate (Huey Plate)

Abstract The performance characteristics of the lead dioxide (Huey) plate for sampling sulfur dioxide are evaluated, and a method for determining sulfur dioxide as precipitated barium sulfate by weighing on an electrobalance is described. The data produced by exposing Huey plates over a two-year period are presented. A direct relationship between the concentration of sulfur dioxide in the ambient atmosphere as determined by continuous automatic monitoring and the mass loading of lead sulfate on the Huey plate has been confirmed. The correlation coefficient for the relationship was 0.90.

Photochemical oxidation of atmospheric sulphur dioxide

Oxidation of atmospheric sulphur dioxide can occur by homogeneous photochemically initiated gas-phase reactions as well as by heterogeneous reactions in cloud and fog droplets. Gas phase oxidation can result from reactions of excited SO 2 molecules formed by absorption of solar u.v. radiation by ground state SO 2 , from reactions of SO 2 with photochemically generated OH and RO 2 free radicals, and from its reaction with transient species produced in thermal ozone—alkene reactions. Evaluation of the available mechanistic and rate data reveals that, of these three processes, oxidation by free radicals, particularly OH, is likely to be the most important in the atmosphere. Oxidation rates of up to 4 % h -1 are predicted for a hydrocarbon-NO x polluted atmosphere under western European summertime conditions. This can lead to the formation of elevated concentrations of sulphuric acid and sulphate aerosol in polluted air. In the natural background troposphere oxidation rates are much less, ca . 0.3 % h -1 averaged over 24 h, but probably still significant as a source of atmospheric sulphates.

Dissolved sulphur dioxide and sulphate in urban and rural precipitation (Norfolk, U.K.)

Sulphur dioxide washout and total sulphate scavenging by precipitation at a rural and urban site have been measured in Norfolk (easternmost part of U.K.) over a period of one year. The basic sampling period was one day although, on occasions, more intensive sampling was undertaken. Estimates have been made of the role of sulphur dioxide washout in the total sulphur removal process. Because the “same” rainfall was collected in the urban and rural locations, attempts have been made to compare city and rural sulphur dioxide washout and sulphate scavenging rates in relation to precipitation amount, intensity, atmospheric sulphur dioxide, rainfall pH and weather-type. There is a greater difference between urban and rural sulphur dioxide washout levels than between the respective precipitation sulphate levels. The field measurements of sulphur dioxide solubilities agree reasonably well with some previous theoretical work.

On the vertical distribution of sulphur compounds in the lower troposphere

The aim of this paper is to discuss the results of aircraft measurements of atmospheric sulphur dioxide made over Hungary and to compare the sulphur dioxide profile with the vertical distribution of sulphate particles based on earlier sulphate measurements over Hungary. It is shown that atmospheric SO 2 concentration decreases more rapidly with height than sulphate concentration. Finally, some data on the vertical as well as the horizontal change of the atmospheric SO 2- 4 /SO 2 ratio as a function of the distance from anthropogenic sources are presented. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1978.tb00871.x

Calibration factors and estimation of atmospheric sulfur dioxide and fluoride by use of solid absorbents

ADVERTISEMENT RETURN TO ISSUEPREVArticleNEXTCalibration factors and estimation of atmospheric sulfur dioxide and fluoride by use of solid absorbentsAndrew J. Lynch, Neil R. McQuaker, and Mary GurneyCite this: Environ. Sci. Technol. 1978, 12, 2, 169–173Publication Date (Print):February 1, 1978Publication History Published online1 May 2002Published inissue 1 February 1978https://doi.org/10.1021/es60138a010RIGHTS & PERMISSIONSArticle Views43Altmetric-Citations6LEARN ABOUT THESE METRICSArticle Views are the COUNTER-compliant sum of full text article downloads since November 2008 (both PDF and HTML) across all institutions and individuals. These metrics are regularly updated to reflect usage leading up to the last few days.Citations are the number of other articles citing this article, calculated by Crossref and updated daily. Find more information about Crossref citation counts.The Altmetric Attention Score is a quantitative measure of the attention that a research article has received online. Clicking on the donut icon will load a page at altmetric.com with additional details about the score and the social media presence for the given article. Find more information on the Altmetric Attention Score and how the score is calculated. Share Add toView InAdd Full Text with ReferenceAdd Description ExportRISCitationCitation and abstractCitation and referencesMore Options Share onFacebookTwitterWechatLinked InReddit PDF (617 KB) Get e-Alerts Get e-Alerts

Concentration of sulfur compounds in remote continental and oceanic areas

The results of concentration measurements of atmospheric sulfur dioxide and sulfate particles carried out near the Earth's surface under background conditions are compiled. The data for continental (mainly Europe and North America) and oceanic (mainly Atlantic Ocean) areas are discussed. On the basis of the available information the sulfur quantities in an air column and in the whole atmosphere over continents and oceans are calculated. Some data on the H 2S concentration in the air are also presented.

Experimental investigation of the aerosol-catalyzed oxidation of SO 2 under atmospheric conditions

One of the most important processes affecting the chemical and physical form of atmospheric sulfur dioxide is the interaction of gaseous SO 2 with solid or liquid aerosol particles. The investigation of the catalytic activity of some synthetic aerosols and dust particles of different industrial origin under real atmospheric conditions (i.e. a wide range of relative humidity and temperature) have been investigated in the course of an experimental research program at Karlsruhe Nuclear Research Center, Germany. The experiments were carried out in a 4.5 m 3 climate-controlled reaction chamber especially designed for SO 2-experiments in the ppm-concentration range. Starting with SO 2- concentrations of 3–5 mgm −3 the removal of SO 2 from gas phase in the presence of moist aerosol-free air and moist aerosol-polluted air was investigated as was the change of chemical composition of aerosols due to SO 2-adsorption and catalytic oxidation. The results of these experiments with synthetic MnSO 4 aerosols and fly-ash particles of a hard coal fired power plant are presented. They indicate a strong dependence of the catalytic oxidation rate on the relative humidity but no disappearance of the catalytic activity at low relative humidities.

Preliminary estimates of the washout coefficient for sulphur dioxide using data from an east midlands ground level monitoring network

Using hourly measurements of atmospheric sulphur dioxide and rainfall at several monitoring sites together with a simple statistical model, estimates of the apparent washout coefficient A for sulphur dioxide have been made. Within the range of rainfall rates and sulphur dioxide concentrations measured the results were consistent with λ = αR × 10 −5 s −1 where a is in the region of 3 if the rainfall rate R is measured in mm h −1.

On the vertical distribution of sulphur compounds in the lower troposphere

The aim of this paper is to discuss the results of aircraft measurements of atmospheric sulphur dioxide made over Hungary and to compare the sulphur dioxide profile with the vertical distribution of sulphate particles based on earlier sulphate measurements over Hungary. It is shown that atmospheric SO₂ concentration decreases more rapidly with height than sulphate concentration. Finally, some data on the vertical as well as the horizontal change of the atmospheric SO^2-₄/SO₂ ratio as a function of the distance from anthropogenic sources are presented.

Sulphate transformation to hydrogen sulphide in spruce seedlings

Young Norway spruce seedlings irrigated with 5 per cent K2SO4 for 7 days exhale gaseous H2S into the atmosphere. The share of the weight of H2S per 1 kg of dry substance of needles for 1 h was 2.22 μg during the 8th day. Where the K2SO4 solution was irrigated for 28 days, there began to appear on the needles a brown necrosis similar to those forming due to the effect of atmospheric sulphur dioxide. During the experiment, the exchange acidity of the soil pH/KCl did not change. The discussion discusses the mechanism of inhibition of metabolic processes in higher plants due to excessive amounts of SO4-ion having been absorbed from the soil.

The uptake and distribution of 35SO 2 in bean ( phaseolus vulgaris L., cv. Pasuljica)

The fate and distribution of foliar-applied [ 35S] sulphur dioxide and its products has been examined in bean plants. Bean leaves rapidly absorbed SO 2 from polluted atmosphere and within a short time interval translocated some of the products to the roots. Accumulation of sulphur dioxide products is greater in chloroplast and microsomal fractions than in mitochondrial fractions indicating that processes taking place in chloroplasts and microsomes might be affected first by a SO 2-polluted atmosphere. The incorporation of 35S into the acid-insoluble proteins confirms that atmospheric sulphur dioxide can rapidly be transformed into organic compounds.

Conversion of hydroxo(aquo)cobalamin to sulfitocobalamin in the absence of light: a reaction of importance in the identification of the forms of vitamin B12, with possible clinical significance

During determinations of the forms of vitamin B12 in foods and human tissues several samples yielded a growth zone on bioautography which was distinct from those due to methylcobalamin, adenosylcobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, or cyanocobalamin. The material responsible for this growth zone was identified as sulfitocobalamin and the mechanisms in its formation from hydroxocobalamin involve absence of light and the presence of bisulphite ions derived from atmospheric sulfur dioxide or indigenous sulfite ions. The formation of sulfitocobalamin during the extraction of cobalamins from foods and tissues can be prevented by reception and homogenization of the material in an ammonia buffer instead of water; the hydroxocobalamin is then converted to ammonia cobalamin, which is more resistant to attack by (bi)sulfite ions. The conversion of hydroxo(aquo)cobalamin to sulfitocobalamin in the dark can be rapid, and materials for analysis should be placed in the ammonia buffer before darkroom work is begun. The rapid conversion of hydroxo(aquo)cobalamin to sulfitocobalamin in the dark raises the possibility that hydroxocobalamin in foods may be converted to the less well absorbed sulfitocobalamin in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

An Assessment of the Use of Forests as Sinks for the Removal of Atmospheric Sulfur Dioxide

AbstractA computer model was developed for estimating the uptake of sulfur dioxide (SO2) by forests. Submodels are used to calculate atmospheric diffusion immediately above and within the forest canopy, and into the sink areas within the trees. The program implementing the model is general and can be used with only minor changes for many gaseous pollutants.Simulations with SO2 sources above the canopy indicate that moderate amounts of SO2 can be absorbed by forests during periods of favorable weather. Simulations with sources inside the canopy suggest that SO2 uptake can be increased while tolerable levels of SO2 concentrations are maintained in the atmosphere within the forest.

Toxicity of SO2and NOx: Selective Inhibition of Blue-Green Algae by Bisulfite and Nitrite

Microorganisms were exposed to bisulfite at concentrations of 0.1 and 1.0 mM and nitrite of a concentration of 1.0 mM. Results show that the photosynthetic activity of the blue-green algae studied was almost totally inhibited by 0.1 mM bisulfite. By contrast, the other algae generally showed little or no inhibition by 0.1 mM bisulfite; this group of resistant species included 14 green algae, 2 yellow algae, a red algae, and EUGLENA GRACILIS. Similarly, the 8 genera of blue-green algae were consistently sensitive to 1 mM nitrite. On the other hand, not one of the 10 green and yellow algal genera tested was appreciably inhibited by nitrite at this concentration. The potential sensitivity of blue-green algae to atmospheric sulfur dioxide is particularly interesting because the blue-green algae are the dominant nitrogen-fixing organisms in some ecosystems.

A qualitative analysis of atmospheric reactions between SO 2 and NH 3

The reactions between SO 2 and NH 3 are of great significance in the understanding of the formation of the atmospheric aerosols, the environmental sulfur cycle and the fate of atmospheric sulfur dioxide. The majority of the studies of this reaction system, so far, have been on the catalytic role of the ammonium ion in the oxidation of sulfur dioxide in solution and on the formation of ammonium sulfate in solution through a weak acid-base reaction. Thus, a number of very significant side reactions have been largely ignored. The qualitative analysis of the products of reactions between very dilute concentrations of SO 2 and NH 3 both in the presence and absence of water suggests a wide range of possible parallel reactions to sulfate formation with a number of both stable, metastable and unstable sulfur compounds, as well as elemental sulfur. Very dilute, slightly SO 2 rich SO 2/NH 3 reaction system in a dry atmosphere leads to eight distinct reactions. In the presence of water, the number of reactions exceeds nineteen. In the laboratory, it was possible to confirm most of these reactions directly from the presence of the primary reaction products; the remaining reactions were inferred through the presence of secondary products.

Equilibrium solubility of trace atmospheric sulphur dioxide in water and its bearing on air pollution injury to plants

Experimentation with, and understanding of, sulphur dioxide injury to plants may be improved with better knowledge of the chemical dynamics of sulphur dioxide dissolution. This paper computes curves of chemical equivalence between SO 2 in air and in water, over the range of temperatures and SO 2 concentrations in air that bracket those for injury to plants; tabulates relationships among the ionic and molecular species that occur and finds excellent agreement with the fragmentary experimental data that exist. On the basis of the results and data in litt., it is inferred that dissolved but unreacted SO 2 is the most active species for initial plant injury in air pollution episodes.