Contamination of the Lake Tahoe Air Basin by High Molecular Weight Petroleum Residues

Abstract

The atmosphere of the Lake Tahoe air basin is contaminated with high molecular weight (b C12) petroleum hydrocarbons. Aerosol samples were collected by high-volume filtration and the solvent-soluble organic matter was analyzed. The relative concentrations of petroleum residues found were as follows: winter b summer and day b night. This contamination is primarily due to the poorer combustion of diesel and home heating fuels at that altitude and during periods of colder climate. © 1980 Air and Waste Management Association.