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Published September 1996 | public
Journal Article

Air Quality Model Evaluation Data for Organics. 3. Peroxyacetyl Nitrate and Peroxypropionyl Nitrate in Los Angeles Air

Abstract

Ambient levels of peroxyacetyl nitrate [PAN, CH_3C(O)OONO_2] and peroxypropionyl nitrate [PPN, CH_3CH_2C(O)OONO_2] have been measured during the 2-week period Aug 28−Sept 13, 1993, at four locations in the urban Los Angeles area. Highest concentrations recorded were 9.9 ppb for PAN and 1.5 ppb for PPN. Diurnal and spatial variations were consistent with photochemical production during eastward (inland) transport. Results for PAN are compared to those obtained in previous studies of ambient PAN in the urban Los Angeles area. Results for PPN, measured for the first time in the urban Los Angeles area, are compared to those recently obtained at southern California mountain sites and other locations. Ambient levels of PPN were correlated with those of PAN, with least squares linear regressions slopes (PPN vs PAN) of 0.153 ± 0.030 (Long Beach), 0.136 ± 0.026 (Los Angeles), 0.166 ± 0.018 (Azusa), and 0.097 ± 0.014 (Claremont). These ratios are compared to those measured previously at other locations and are briefly discussed with respect to spatial changes in the relative importance of those hydrocarbons that are precursors to PAN and PPN. The amount of PAN lost due to thermal decomposition was calculated and was comparable in magnitude to that measured.

Additional Information

© 1996 American Chemical Society. Received for review November 13, 1995. Revised manuscript received April 16, 1996. Accepted April 26, 1996 Publication Date (Web): August 27, 1996. This research was supported by the Electric Power Research Institute under Agreement RP 3189−03, by the California Institute of Technology Center for Air Quality Analysis, and by internal R&D funds, DGA, Inc., Ventura, CA. We thank the 13 California Institute of Technology graduate students and staff who participated in air monitoring site operation for their assistance; Fabrice Grosjean (California State University, Northridge) for assistance in field operations and in data reduction; William Bope (South Coast Air Quality Management District, Diamond Bar) for logisitical support in Azusa, Long Beach, and Los Angeles, and Lowell Ashbaugh (California Air Resources Board) and Gervaise MacKay (Unisearch Associates) for logistical support in Claremont. Denise Velez prepared the draft and final versions of the manuscript.

Additional details

Created:
August 19, 2023
Modified:
October 19, 2023