Measurements of sulfur dioxide, ozone and ammonia concentrations in Asia, Africa, and South America using passive samplers

Abstract

Measurements of gaseous sulfur dioxide (SO2), ammonia (NH3), and ozone (O3) using IVL passive sampler technology were obtained during a pilot measurement program initiated as a key component of the newly established World Meteorological Organisations (WMO)/ Global Atmospheric Watch (GAW) Urban Research Meteorology and Environment (GURME) project. In this paper, details and results from the regional network are presented and discussed. Monthly measurements were obtained at 50 stations in Asia, Africa, South America, and Europe. The median SO2 concentrations vary from a high of 13 ppb at Linan, China, to < 0.03 ppb at four stations. At 30 of 50 regional stations, the observed median concentrations are < 1 ppb. Median ammonia concentrations range from 20 ppb at Dhangadi, India, to < 1 ppb at nine stations. At 27 of regional stations, the ambient ammonia levels exceed 1 ppb. The median ozone concentrations vary from a maximum of 45 ppb at Waliguan Mountain, China, to 8 ppb in Petit Saut, French Guiana. In general, the highest ozone values are found in the mid-latitudes, with the Northern hemisphere mid-latitude values exceeding the Southern hemisphere mid-latitude levels, and the lowest values are typically found in the tropical regions.