Author(s)

D. Zedda, G.W. Keigley, D.W. Joseph and C.W. Spicer

Abstract

Peroxyacetyl Nitrate (PAN) is a photochemical product of the reaction of organic gases with nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere. It is toxic to plants and animals and it is a severe eye irritant. PAN is widely distributed in the atmosphere with mixing ratios as low as 5 ppt in remote regions and as high as 50 ppb in industrial areas. PAN is intimately involved in the tropospheric ozone cycle. Its thermal characteristics allow it to serve as a reservoir for nitrogen dioxide, storing NO] at cooler times and locations and releasing it under warmer conditions, hours or days later in a different location. This paper will report on a collaborative project to develop new tools for PAN monitoring and calibrating. We have developed a high sensi

Keywords