A new passive sampling system for monitoring SO2 in the atmosphere

Abstract

A new all-season passive sampling system for monitoring SO2 in the atmosphere has been developed in the laboratory and validated in the field. The unique features for this new system include a newly designed passive sampler and a rain shelter, which allows the passive sampler to be installed in the field facing downwards. An equation associated with meteorological parameters is used to calculate the passive sampling rates. This system has been extensively tested in the lab (temperature from -37 to 32 °C, relative humidity from 20 to 95%, and wind speed from 0.5 to 150 cm/s) and validated in the field in all seasons' climates. The accuracy of the SO2 concentrations in the atmosphere obtained with the use of the new passive sampling system was higher than 85% compared to those obtained with the use of continuous SO2 analyzers. Based on 1-month exposure, the new passive sampling system can monitor SO2 concentrations in the atmosphere ranging from 0.1 to 120 ppb. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.