Showing papers in "Journal of the Air Pollution Control Association in 1971"
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535 citations
TL;DR: Plant pollutant uptake measurements were made utilizing a typical vegetation canopy and chambers that were designed specifically for gaseous exchange studies and indicated that an alfalfa canopy removed gases from the atmosphere in the following order.
Abstract: The possibility of vegetation being an important sink for gaseous air pollutants was investigated. Plant pollutant uptake measurements were made utilizing a typical vegetation canopy and chambers that were designed specifically for gaseous exchange studies. The data indicate that an alfalfa canopy removed gases from the atmosphere in the following order: hydrogen fluoride (HF) > sulfur dioxide (SO2) > chlorine (Cl2) > nitrogen dioxide (NO2) > ozone (O3) > peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) > nitric oxide (NO) > carbon monoxide (CO). The absorption rate of NO was low, and no absorption of CO could be detected with the methods used. In the typical ambient concentration range uptake increased linearly with increasing concentration except for O3 and Cl2 which caused partial stomatal closure at the higher concentrations. Wind velocity above the plants, height of the canopy, and light intensity were shown to affect the pollutant removal rate. A relationship between the absorption rate and solubility of the pollutant in...
348 citations
TL;DR: Air quality data for four pollutants inside and outside of three pairs of structures for different seasons of the year are collected during the summer, fall, and winter seasons of 1969–70.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to gather air quality data for four pollutants inside and outside of three pairs of structures for different seasons of the year This paper presents results obtained during the summer, fall, and winter seasons of 1969–70 Suspended particulate, soiling particulate, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide were measured at pairs of public buildings, office buildings, and private homes A brief preliminary program was conducted during the winter of 1969 to verify our procedures and equipment and to assess the effects of heating and cooking systems in private homes on indoor levels of air pollutants Two self-contained and portable instrument packages were constructed for the measurement program The major components of each trailer package were a central vacuum pump for drawing air samples through particulate collection niters, four paper-tape soiling samplers, a conductimetric analyzer for sulfur dioxide, an infrared analyzer for carbon monoxide, a master control unit, and support
94 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a simple but physically realistic model is shown to be adequate for estimating pollutant concentrations due to area sources in cities, where the surface concentration is directly proportional to the local area source strength and inversely proportional to wind speed.
Abstract: A simple but physically realistic model is shown to be adequate for estimating pollutant concentrations due to area sources in cities. In this model, the surface concentration is directly proportional to the local area source strength and inversely proportional to the wind speed. The model performs nearly as well as much more complex models that require the use of digital computers.
75 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the coning model was considered the critical plume dispersion model because the frequency of recurrence of surface concentrations from this model was appreciably greater than other models.
Abstract: The body of information presented in this paper is directed to those individuals who may be concerned with principal plume dispersion models at coal-burning power plants. About 20 years of comprehensive field surveillance and documentation of dispersion of power plant emissions for a varied range of unit sizes, stack heights, and meteorological conditions have determined the Tennessee Valley Authority’s interpretation of principal plume dispersion models. TVA’s experience indicates that as unit sizes are increased and taller stacks are constructed, the plume dispersion model associated with maximum surface concentrations changes. Maximum surface concentrations for principal plume dispersion models were approximately equal for the early small plants. However, the coning model was considered the critical plume dispersion model because the frequency of recurrence of surface concentrations from this model was appreciably greater than other models. There were progressive changes because of an increase in unit ...
62 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a diffusion model was proposed to permit calculation of seasonal average concentrations of an air pollutant, in particular, sulfur dioxide, over a wide range of meteorological conditions.
Abstract: This paper describes a diffusion model designed to permit calculation of seasonal average concentrations of an air pollutant, in particular, sulfur dioxide. The calculations can encompass multiple sources and multiple receptors. For each receptor location the model sums the effect of all sources over a wide range of meteorological conditions. Input data include source pollutant emissions, source configuration and location, receptor location, and meteorological data expressed as a joint frequency distribution of wind direction, wind speed, stability. To determine the model’s accuracy, concentration estimates for St. Louis, Mo., are compared with measured SO2 concentrations. The overall correlation with observed data is satisfactory. A computer program to handle the numerous calculations was written in Fortran IV language for use on an IBM 1130 computer.
55 citations
TL;DR: The results are preliminary to experiments to be made on filtration of aerosols by a filter cake of fly ash resting upon a sand bed with the use of Happel’s “free surface” model for a granular bed.
Abstract: Experimental studies of the filtration of dilute aerosols of Dow microspheres by beds of sand have been conducted with flows passing vertically upward, vertically downward, and horizontally. With the use of Happel’s “free surface” model for a granular bed, the results can be correlated reasonably well by semiempirical, semitheoretical considerations taking into account collection by diffusion, gravity settling, direct interception, and inertial impaction. The results are preliminary to experiments to be made on filtration of aerosols by a filter cake of fly ash resting upon a sand bed.
53 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects and economic impact of sulfur dioxide on forest growth were investigated over a ten-year period, 1953-1963, in the Sudbury smelter district of Ontario, where three large smelters discharge annually approximately 2,000,000 tons of sulphur dioxide into the surrounding atmosphere.
Abstract: The body of information presented in this paper is directed to ecologists concerned with the effects and economic impact of sulfur dioxide on forest growth. Investigations were carried out over a ten-year period, 1953–1963, in the Sud-bury smelter district of Ontario, where three large smelters discharge annually approximately 2,000,000 tons of sulfur dioxide gas into the surrounding atmosphere. The study was designed to determine the long-term chronic effects of sulfur dioxide on yield, growth, and survival of plant life. Since eastern white pine is the most susceptible coniferous tree to sulfur dioxide injury, it was selected as the indicator tree to determine the degree and extent of injury in the Sudbury area. Tree data accumulated from the sample plots were correlated with records of atmospheric sulfur dioxide monitored continuously during the growing season by a network of ten strategically-located Thomas autometers. Based on the degree of injuries exhibited by the trees, and on air sampling records...
52 citations
TL;DR: Calculation of smoke plume opacity from the properties of the particulate emission is facilitated with the use of a parameter K (specific particulate volume cm3/m3/extinction coefficient m−1) computed from theory.
Abstract: Calculation of smoke plume opacity from the properties of the particulate emission is facilitated with the use of a parameter K (specific particulate volume cm3/m3/extinction coefficient m−1) computed from theory. Graphs of K vs. the geometric mass mean particle radius at geometric standard deviations from 1 (monodisperse) to 10 are presented for particle refractive indices of 1.96–0.66i (carbon), 2.80–0.02i, 1.33 (water) and 1.50 at a wavelength of light of 550 nm. Experimental data of K for various sources are reported. Application to the estimation of the Ringelmann number is discussed and illustrated with an example.
47 citations
TL;DR: A procedure for micro-fluoride determination in vegetation is proposed which utilizes the oxygen flask combustion technique (Schoniger flask), and added oxidant was required in the combustion step for some vegetation samples to completely free the flammable gas.
Abstract: Classical procedures for the microdetermination of fluoride in vegetation are extremely time consuming. They generally involve ashing, fusion with alkali, distillation, and finally fluoride estimation. Sample size requirements for such procedures are on the order of a gram or more, making the procedure useless for determining low fluoride concentrations in small samples. A procedure for micro-fluoride determination in vegetation is proposed which utilizes the oxygen flask combustion technique (Schoniger flask). The gaseous products of combustion are absorbed in 10.0 ml of 0.05N sodium hydroxide containing 1.00 µg of fluoride. The analysis of the fluoride is performed directly on the absorption solution after addition of a combination complexing-buffer solution, using a specific fluoride ion electrode. The sensitivity of the electrode is such that 0.2 µg of fluoride can be easily detected in this volume. Added oxidant was required in the combustion step for some vegetation samples to completely free the fl...
46 citations
TL;DR: A suite of 24 hour high volume air particulate samples, collected June 11-12, 1969, at 25 locations in the Northwest Indiana area, has been analyzed by nondestructive neutron activation analysis for 30 trace elements.
Abstract: A suite of 24 hour high volume air particulate samples, collected June 11–12,1969, at 25 locations in the Northwest Indiana area, has been analyzed by nondestructive neutron activation analysis for 30 trace elements The use of Ge(Li) gamma-ray spectrometry and computer assisted data reduction, combined with 2-4 replications of each analysis, yielded precise results which allowed a study of the geographical distribution patterns of the elements Some elements, such as Na, K, Ti, Al, Sm, and Eu, show only minor concentration variations over the area,while others, such as Cu, W, Cr, Zn, Sb, Ga, Br, Ag, Fe, and Ce, show large variations, indicative of important local sources Similar distribution patterns and high correlation coefficients suggest common sources for several elements The variations of most heavy elements significantly exceed previously reported variations of total particulate, indicating the latter to be an unsatisfactory guide for elemental distribution, especially near pollution sources Th
TL;DR: Cells in young aerosols were particularly sensitive to SO2 addition at mid-range humidities, while in older aerosols the cells were insensitive to up to 5 mg SO2/m3 introduced at high RH; but were up to 10 times more sensitive than cells in young S. marcescens.
Abstract: Aerosols of Serratia marcescens ATCC 274 were suspended in a 709L rotating drum at 20 ± 1 °C and high to mid-range relative humidities. At specified times after bacterial aerosolization, sulfur dioxide was added to concentrations of 2.5, or 5 mg/m3. Viable cell decay rate constants, in control aerosols without added sulfur dioxide, increased rapidly from near 100% to 60% RH in the first hour (termed: young aerosol) of suspension, and from a minimum rate constant at 80% in the succeeding four hours (termed: old aerosol).Upon addition of sulfur dioxide to a cloud of S. marcescens, generally, viable cell decay rate constants increased further. One exception was at 80% relative humidity where maximum resistance to SO2 accelerated death was observed for old aerosols. Cells in young aerosols were particularly sensitive to SO2 addition at mid-range humidities, while in older aerosols the cells were insensitive to up to 5 mg SO2/m3 introduced at high RH; but were up to 10 times more sensitive than cells in young ...
TL;DR: Data for ambient atmospheric concentrations of water-soluble fluorides determined in samples of suspended particulate matter collected on glass-fiber filters by the National Air Surveillance Network is reported.
Abstract: The body of the information presented in this paper is of general interest to those concerned with air quality. This paper reports data for ambient atmospheric concentrations of water-soluble fluorides determined in samples of suspended particulate matter collected on glass-fiber filters by the National Air Surveillance Network. Data for over 12,000 samples collected in calendar years 1966, 1967, and 1968 are examined. The purpose of the examination of the data is to give an estimation of current air quality with respect to fluoride content. The samples are extracted with pure boiling water, and the fluoride concentration of the extracts measured using a fluoride-ion selective electrode. The data engendered are tabulated on an annual basis, and a table is presented summarizing the results. Comparative data will be presented showing the distribution of urban and non-urban stations that exhibit various specified fluoride levels. The results show that the fluoride content in the majority of the samples is be...
TL;DR: In this article, the removal of sulfur from stack gases by an electrical discharge is discussed, and the results show that it is possible to remove sulfur from Stack Gases by electrical discharges.
Abstract: (1971). Note on The Removal of Sulfur from Stack Gases by an Electrical Discharge. Journal of the Air Pollution Control Association: Vol. 21, No. 3, pp. 143-144.
TL;DR: In this article, the SO2/O2 mixtures were photolyzed at 3130 A and in the range 2500-4000 A at room temperature, and the only product of photolysis was SO3.
Abstract: SO2/O2 mixtures were photolyzed at 3130 A and in the range 2500–4000 A at room temperature. The only product of photolysis was SO3. Attempts to estimate ф(S03) using mass spectrometry, l.R. spectroscopy and pressure change measurements were unsuccessful, because it was not possible to obtain reproducible quantitative estimates of SO3. ф(SO2) values were determined by monitoring the 3130 A absorption for its concentration measurements. ф(SO2) was independent of SO2 (11.6 to 50.4 torr) and O2 (50.0 to 390.6 torr) pressures. At 3130 A, ф(SO2) varied between 1.5 × 10−2 and 2.2 X 10−2. Over the integrated range 2500–4000 A ф(SO2) values of 2.1 X 10−3 to 2.9 X 10−3 were obtained. The differences in ф(SO2) values are explained in terms of wavelength dependence of the rate constants for the two primary reactions: 1SO2 + SO2 → 2SO2(1) and 1SO2 + SO2 → 3SO2 + SO2(2); (k2/k1) 3130 A ≈ 10(k2/k1)2500–4000 A.
TL;DR: Particulate emissions from stationary sources in the United States currently total approximately 18 X 106 ton/yr and the major stationary sources of particulates include electric power generation plants, the crushed stone industry, the forest products industry, agriculture and related operations, the cement industry, and the ...
Abstract: A study was conducted to identify, characterize, and quantify the national particulate air pollution problem from stationary sources. Particulate emissions from stationary sources were determined from data on emission factors, grain loadings, and material balances. The principal method used for establishing the tonnage emitted by an industry utilized uncontrolled emission factors. Total tonnage emitted by a given industry was calculated from four quantities: (1) an emission factor for the uncontrolled source; (2) the total tonnage processed per year by the industry; (3) the efficiency of control equipment used; and (4) the percentage of production capacity equipped with control devices. Particulate emissions from stationary sources in the United States currently total approximately 18 X 106 ton/yr. The major stationary sources of particulates include electric power generation plants, the crushed stone industry, the forest products industry, agriculture and related operations, the cement industry, and the ...
TL;DR: In this article, the concentration of 15 atmospheric aerosol trace elements in Livermore, California, were measured by neutron activation analysis in 2-hour filter samples for 58 hours during 3 typical summer days.
Abstract: Concentrations of 15 atmospheric aerosol trace elements in Livermore, California, were measured by neutron activation analysis in 2–hour filter samples for 58 hours during 3 typical summer days. All elements showed cyclic patterns with concentration variations of factors of 3 to 10. Three basic patterns were seen: (1) Na and Cl in phase with each other and nearly perfectly out of phase with the others, with a late night maximum for both; (2) All other elements except Br, showing a midafternoon maximum; and (3) Br, which had morning and evening peaks suggestive of automotive sources. Details of the patterns suggest a diurnal circulation model for the Livermore Valley involving alternation between fresh and aged marine air. Comparison of the trace element patterns with those of CO, NO2, and “oxidant” was not definitive.
TL;DR: In this paper, a reduction in rates of net photosynthesis following exposure to ozone was observed in eastern white pine saplings prior to the development of visible injury, but results were confounded by diurnal rate variation.
Abstract: Reduction in rates of net photosynthesis following exposure to ozone was observed in eastern white pine saplings prior to the development of visible injury. Branches exposed to consecutive doses of 50-80 pphM ozone for 4 hr and 80-90 pphM ozone for 3 hr appeared to have suppressed net photosynthetic rates but results were confounded by diurnal rate variation. Photosynthetic rates of treated branches returned to normal levels following this initial ozone exposure. A second ozonation involving dosages of 90-100 pphM for 5 and 3 hr was sufficient to reduce rates of net photosynthesis by approximately 80%. 13 references, 1 figure.
Abstract: Trace metals collected on filter paper by a hi-volume air sampler for 24 hours were analyzed using the X-ray fluorescence method A gamma ray exciting source (241Am) and a bremsstrahlung exciting source (147Pm) were both used to produce the X-rays, the latter being more efficient For the samples collected in Dayton, several metals were detected, viz: Ti, Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, and Sn Elements in the periodic table between Ti and Cs were seen to have a sensitivity limit of 05 micrograms/m3 of air
TL;DR: This review indicates that the recently promulgated national air quality standards are more restrictive than can be supported by available data and less restrictive standards are suggested which would adequately protect the public health and welfare.
Abstract: The recently promulgated national air quality standards for carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, hydrocarbons, and photochemical oxidant are critically reviewed.This review indicates that the standar...
TL;DR: An experimental high-temperature, high-pressure electrostatic precipitator module has been designed, fabricated and then evaluated in a gaseous environment having the characteristics anticipated for the combustion chamber of a system for generating electric power from the incineration of municipal solid wastes as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: An experimental high-temperature, high-pressure electrostatic precipitator module has been designed, fabricated and then evaluated in a gaseous environment having the characteristics anticipated for the combustion chamber of a system for generating electric power from the incineration of municipal solid wastes. Stable positive and negative corona discharges were established in combustion gases from the burning of methanol and air (temperature and pressure approximately 1700°F and 100 psig, respectively) without any apparent deleterious effects due to thermal ionization and/or emission. At gas conditions of about 1700°F and 50 psig, positive polarity energization of the discharge electrode appeared superior to that of negative polarity in terms of voltage level that could be applied and electrical stability. However, precipitator performance on removal of alumina dust injected under controlled conditions with the methanol fuel, showed negative polarity to be superior to positive polarity at the selected co...
TL;DR: In this paper, a study made to ascertain the best method of fog control or abatement at a refinery in Houston, Texas, was conducted and cost estimates were made for the most promising methods.
Abstract: Fogs from cooling towers are causing an increasing number of visibility problems in addition to icing of roads, sidewalks, powerlines, etc. during freezing weather. Enforcement of regulations on thermal pollution for water quality control will cause an increase in the number of cooling towers, spray ponds, etc. Violations of visibility obstruction will rise unless the problems associated with winter operation of low-grade waste heat disposal systems are incorporated in design criteria. This paper summarizes a study made to ascertain the best method of fog control or abatement at a refinery in Houston, Texas. The induced draft, counter-flow cooling towers of concern have design capacities of 750 × 106 Btu/hr and 225 × 106 Btu/hr under local climatic conditions. Several methods of alleviating restricted visibility were considered and cost estimates were made for the most promising methods. A summary of these is provided in the text.
TL;DR: In this article, a digital simulation model based on a stoichiometrically logical chemical mechanism and trajectory estimating routines was constructed, using Los Angeles source, meteorological and geographic input, and the basic physical concept underlying the simulation model is the process of evolution of photochemical pollution in a parcel of air as it moves in a dynamic urban emission/meteorological environment along a given urban wind trajectory.
Abstract: The success of the application of computer modeling to decision-making will depend on the degree to which the scientifically valid “cause-and-effect” features of the air pollution system are represented. For this reason, dynamic simulation models are to be preferred to statistical and empirical models. A digital simulation model based on a stoichiometrically logical chemical mechanism and trajectory estimating routines was constructed, using Los Angeles source, meteorological and geographic input. The basic physical concept underlying the simulation model is the process of evolution of photochemical pollution in a parcel of air as it moves in a dynamic urban emission/meteorological environment along a given urban wind trajectory. Both the photochemical evolution and the trajectory are numerically integrated by a standard linear multistep predictor-corrector method. Concentrations of photochemical reactants and products (i.e., primary and secondary contaminants) are determined by this numerical integration...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used modified Volz sun photometers, psychrometers, hot-wire anemometers, and an electric thermometer to show quantitatively the magnitude of solar attenuation for individual air layers in the lowest 1000 m of an urban atmosphere.
Abstract: The information presented in this paper is directed to environmental scientists who are concerned about the quality of air over an urban area. Specifically, the purpose of this study is to show quantitatively the magnitude of solar attenuation for individual air layers in the lowest 1000 m of an urban atmosphere. This reveals dramatically the diverse variation of mass concentration with height. The information is useful in urban planning, in site selection, and in air quality control. The data were gathered on different roof top levels and on helicopter flights using modified Volz sun photometers, psychrometers, hot-wire anemometers, and an electric thermometer. The results show that, for instance, on a "polluted" day the lowest 1000 m of air attenuate about 65% of the solar beam, whereas on a “clean” day the contribution to the total solar attenuation is still 30%. Shallow air layer increments of 45 m near the ground were found to contribute up to 21% to the total solar attenuation. Aerosols form the dom...
TL;DR: The effects of atmospheric fluorides on plants are summarized with respect to the level of biological organization at which they occur as discussed by the authors, and the factors that determine the occurrence and degree of these effects are reviewed briefly.
Abstract: The effects of atmospheric fluorides on plants are summarized with respect to the level of biological organization at which they occur. The factors that determine the occurrence and degree of these effects are reviewed briefly. A series of economic effects on agriculture is postulated and its possible relationship to the botanical effects of fluorides is discussed.
TL;DR: A meteorological forecast and field measurement program has been developed by the Tennessee Valley Authority for limiting stack emissions at the Paradise Steam Plant to preserve the air quality during adverse atmospheric dispersion conditions.
Abstract: This paper is directed to those individuals concerned with preserving the local air quality in areas affected by power plant operations. A meteorological forecast and field measurement program has been developed by the Tennessee Valley Authority for limiting stack emissions at the Paradise Steam Plant to preserve the air quality during adverse atmospheric dispersion conditions. Meteorological and plume dispersion criteria, developed from analysis of prior experience, govern the program. The criteria values are designed for limiting surface sulfur dioxide (SO2) concentrations below an established threshold level. Daily forecasts of vertical wind and temperature distribution, maximum surface temperature, and sky condition are issued each afternoon by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service, Knoxville, Tennessee. Through use of power plant computer facilities, the forecast data are processed to determine quantitative criteria values. If the values indicate that the thresh...
TL;DR: Idle hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide measurements have been made on over 2500 cars at a New Jersey Inspection Station as discussed by the authors, and preliminary idle cut-off levels were selected at 6% CO and 1000 ppm hydrocarbon for pre-68 cars, 4% and 500 ppm for 1968-69 cars, and 3% and 300 ppm for later years.
Abstract: Idle hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide measurements have been made on over 2500 cars at a New Jersey Inspection Station. These studies have shown that the idle test can be integrated into the present periodic motor vehicle inspection system with a minimum cost, testing time, and ease of operation. Instrumentation at a low cost has recently become available, test procedures have been developed and potential emission reductions have been demonstrated for idle testing. High emissions indicate a car malfunction and the need for a tune-up. Effective low cost tune-ups can be made with exhaust instrumentation and garage training. In the New Jersey REPAIR Project, preliminary idle cut-off levels were selected at 6% carbon monoxide and 1000 ppm hydrocarbon for pre-68 cars, 4% and 500 ppm for 1968–69 cars, and 3% and 300 ppm for later years. Volunteered vehicles which exceeded these levels were further tested at the New Jersey laboratory. Federal hot cycles, ACID mass cycles, Key Mode, and Idle tests were conducted b...
TL;DR: It was concluded that for systems with fewer than 20–25 sensors, fully automated systems may not be justified on cost alone, at least for producing the same data (hourly) as the manual or semiautomatic systems.
Abstract: A model was developed for remote terminal use to compare the costs of alternate designs of air quality monitoring networks with varying sophistication, ranging from totally manual to completely automated systems. Of special interest is the isolation of manual sample analysis and manual data analysis for comparison with instrumental sensors and automated data processing. The model allows for 10 levels of sophistication, and 6 were used in sample runs. As many as 50 samplingsite locations, with three different site types, may be specified, and each site type may have any configuration of chemical and/or meteorological sensors. Amortization, labor rates, instrument costs and lifetimes, telephone line charges, and other variables are readily changed by the user as desired. It was concluded that for systems with fewer than 20–25 sensors, fully automated systems may not be justified on cost alone, at least for producing the same data (hourly) as the manual or semiautomatic systems. (Much more than hourly data i...
TL;DR: The work in this paper summarizes projects sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over the past years in the field of diesel-exhaust odour analysis, focusing on developing measurement methods for quantifying different odour levels, evaluating various odor control methods, and evaluating public opinions of such odors.
Abstract: The information presented in this paper is directed to persons concerned with control of exhaust odors from diesel-engine-powered vehicles. This paper summarizes projects sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over the past years in the field of diesel-exhaust odor. These investigations have concentrated on developing measurement methods for quantifying different odor levels, evaluating various odor control methods, and evaluating public opinions of such odors. A human panel method using odor reference standards has been found suitable to measure these odor levels. In addition to this technique, chemical characterization work has been sponsored under a project jointly sponsored by the Coordinating Research Council and the EPA to isolate and identify those species responsible for the odor. Knowledge of these odorous compounds and the techniques necessary to isolate them should lead to development of a chemical method to measure this type of odor, in place of human panelists. Such basic info...