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Measurement of Ozone Production Rates at the PROPHET site

Project Abstract: 
Tropospheric ozone is an important air pollutant, harmful to human health, agricultural crops and vegetation. It is the main precursor to the atmospheric oxidants which initiate the degradation of most reactive gases emitted to the atmosphere, and is an important greenhouse gas in its own right. We have developed a novel approach for the direct measurement of local chemical ozone production rates – a capability which avoids limitations inherent in emissions inventories and chemical mechanisms, and which explicitly distinguishes between the chemical and dynamical factors controlling local ozone production. Within this project, we will deploy the instrument at the PROPHET site – alongside other atmospheric instrumentation from other groups – to determine the detailed atmospheric oxidation environment at this location.
Status of Research Project: 
Years Active: 
2016
Research sites: 
Methods: 
The Ozone Production Rate (OPR) system comprises 2 x quartz reactors, ca. 3" long by 10" diameter, which are placed outside, directly sampling ambient air at a flow rate of around 4 litres / minute, and illuminated by ambient sunlight. The reactors are connected by 1/4" teflon tubing to a 19" rack housing the rest of he OPR system, comprising modified ozone analyser, photolytic converter unit, pumps/flow control and data acquisition system. The instrument will be located on or near to the PROPHET tower - precise location to be confirmed.
Funding agency: 
UK NERC