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Measurements of the diurnal OH cycle by a 14C-tracer method

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Abstract

The hydroxyl free radical, OH, is generally recognized as the primary oxidant for the removal of pollutants from the Earth's atmosphere. Measurements of OH concentrations are needed to test models of atmospheric photochemistry. We have used the 14C-tracer technique to measure five ambient diurnal OH concentration cycles in relatively pure and in polluted air. The early-to mid-October maximum midday OH concentrations for pure and polluted air were found to be, respectively, 2.4 × 106 and 9.5 × 106 radicals cm–3 (10–13–4 × 10–13 relative to air). Night-time OH concentrations of less than 2 × 105 radicals cm–3 were measured. Estimates of OH concentrations from photochemical models and trace gas lifetimes are consistent with our observations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical Engineering, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, 99164, USA

    Colin C. Felton & J. C. Sheppard

  2. Laboratory for Atmospheric Research, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, 99164, USA

    M. J. Campbell

Authors
  1. Colin C. Felton
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  2. J. C. Sheppard
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  3. M. J. Campbell
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Felton, C., Sheppard, J. & Campbell, M. Measurements of the diurnal OH cycle by a 14C-tracer method. Nature 335, 53–55 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1038/335053a0

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