Atmospheric concentrations and regional source apportionments of sulfate, nitrate and sulfur dioxide in the berkshire mountains in western massachusetts

Measurements of SO2, NO X and SPM in an industrial area at the Aegean coast of Turkey

Data from continuous measurements of SO2 NO x , suspended particulate matter (SPM) and meteorological parameters at seven sites around a highly industrialized region in the Aegean coast of Turkey, between July 15, 1991 to July 31, 1992 were used to evaluate spatial and temporal variations of air quality parameters. Low annual averages and insignificant differences between day and night concentrations were observed at stations far from sources. At stations close to sources, annual average concentrations were high and diurnal patterns were significant. Annual average SO2 and SPM concentrations in all stations used the 'Krigging' technique to assess the impact of industries on air quality in the surrounding airshed. Results have demonstrated that Turkish air quality standards for SO2 were exceeded in a circle with a radius of 4 km and which was centered on the petrochemical complex and refinery. Similarly, standards for SPM were exceeded in a circle with a radius of 1.2 km and which was centered on the ironwork plants. Both SO2 and SPM showed well defined diurnal variations, particularly in stations close to sources. The SO2 concentrations showed a maximum during day-time, while SPM concentrations peaked after midnight. Although annual average SO2 and SPM concentrations were highly variable depending on distances between stations and sources, background concentrations of the same pollutants, calculated by stripping episodes from data, did not change significantly from one station to another. Long range transport and resuspension of local soil were suggested as sources of background SO2 and SPM, respectively. The difference between observed and background concentrations of SO2 and SPM in each station was related to the impact of industries on air quality at that particular site.

Ecosystem monitoring at global baseline sites

Integrated ecosystem and pollutant monitoring is being conducted at prototype global baseline sites in remote areas of the Noatak National Preserve, Alaska, the Wind River Mountains, Wyoming, and Torres del Paine National Park, Chile. A systems approach has been used in the design of these projects. This approach includes: (1) evaluation of source-receptor relationships, (2) multimedia (i.e., air, water, soil, biota) monitoring of key contaminant pathways within the environment, (3) the use of selected ecosystem parameters to detect anthropogenic influence, and (4) the application of a systems conceptual framework as a heuristic tool.Initial short-term studies of air quality (e.g. SO2, NO2) plus trace metal concentrations in mosses generally indicate pristine conditions at all three of the above sites as expected although trace metals in mosses were higher at the Wyoming site. Selected ecosystem parameters for both terrestrial (e.g. litter decomposition) and aquatic (e.g. shredders, a macroinvertebrate functional feeding group) habitats at the Wyoming site reflected baseline conditions when compared to other studies.Plans also are being made to use U.S. Department of Energy Research Parks for global change monitoring. This will involve cross-site analyses of existing ecological databases and the design of a future monitoring network based on a systems approach as outlined in this paper.