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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
10:29
Calibrated Passive Sampling - Multi-plot Field Measurements of NH3 Emissions with a Combination of Dynamic Tube Method and Passive Samplers
Published on: March 21, 2016
Measuring reactive nitrogen emissions from point sources using visible spectroscopy from aircraft.
M L Melamed1, S Solomon, J S Daniel
1National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Aeronomy Laboratory, Boulder, Colorado, USA.
Journal of Environmental Monitoring : JEM
|March 7, 2003
Summary
Accurate measurements of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) using aircraft-based spectroscopy help quantify urban pollution. This study estimated NO2 fluxes from power plants and cities, aiding air quality research.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric chemistry and air pollution research.
Background:
- Tropospheric ozone formation and destruction are influenced by nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a key trace gas.
- Accurate NO2 measurements are crucial for understanding urban air pollution dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify nitrogen dioxide column abundances and atmospheric fluxes using aircraft-based remote sensing.
- To assess NO2 emissions from power plants and urban areas during the Texas Air Quality Study 2000.
Main Methods:
- Utilized visible absorption spectroscopy from an aircraft platform for NO2 column abundance measurements.
- Employed remote-sensing observations to derive information on NO2 fluxes and boundary layer mixing.
Main Results:
- Successfully quantified integrated NO2 molecules in the polluted atmosphere, identifying plumes.
- Estimated nitrogen oxide fluxes from power plants in Texas and North Carolina.
- Inferred total NO2 flux from the city of Houston.
Conclusions:
- Aircraft-based visible absorption spectroscopy is a flexible and effective tool for measuring atmospheric NO2 and inferring emission fluxes.
- The study provides valuable data for urban air quality assessments and pollution source attribution.
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