Abstract
Two applications of optical methods to the measurement of atmospheric pollutants are discussed. The combination of Fourier Transform Spectrometer and long path infrared absorption cell has been used to measure many compounds simultaneously in polluted air samples at Pasadena, California. The detection limit for most pollutants has been about 10−8 atmospheres partial pressure. A 4 km cell is being developed for use in 1976 with the objective of further lowering the detection limit by a factor of ten. Nondispersive spectral correlation techniques are also being applied in the ambient air. In this case a selected pollutant is measured by passing the infrared radiation from a thermal source through a train of passive components, including the atmospheric sample cell and a gas-filled filter cell. These spectral correlation methods show great sensitivity and selectivity and have a promising future for further application.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
P. L. Hanst, ‘Spectroscopic methods for air pollution measurement,’ inAdvances in Environmental Science and Technology, Vol. II,J. N. Pitts andR. L. Metcalf, Eds. (Wiley, New York, 1971), pp. 91–213.
Aspen International Conference on Fourier Spectroscopy 1970, Special Report No. 114, Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratory, L.G. Hanscom Field, Bedford, Mass., January 5, 1971.
P. L. Hanst, A. S. Lefohn andB. W. Gay, Jr,Appl. Spectroscopy 27 (1973) 188–198.
J. U. White,J. Opt. Soc. Am. 32 (1942) 285–288.
D. S. Erley andB. H. Blake,Infrared Spectra of Gases and Vapors (Vol. II). Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Mich. 1965.
P. L. Hanst, E. R. Stephens, W. E. Scott andR. C. Doerr,Anal. Chem. 33 (1961) 1113–1115.
E. R. Stephens,Anal. Chem. 36 (1964) 928–929.
P. L. Hanst, W. E. Wilson, R. K. Patterson, B. W. Gay, L. W. Chaney andC. S. Burton,A Spectroscopic Study of California Smog, Report No. EPA-650/4-75-006, Feb. 1975, Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, N.C. 27711.
W. T. Link, E. A. Mcclatchie, D. A. Watson andA. B. Compher, paper 71-1047 presented at the Joint Conference on Sensing of Environmental Pollutants, Palo Alto, Calif., November 1971 (reprint available from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, New York).
Bendix Process Instruments Division, Ronceverte, W. Va.
C. B. Ludwig, L. L. Acton, M. Griggs, G. D. Hall, W. Malkmus andH. Reichle, paper 71-1107 presented at the Joint Conference on Sensing of Environmental Pollutants, Palo Alto, Calif., November 1971 (reprint available from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, New York).
R. Goody,J. Opt. Soc. Am. 58 (1968) 900–908.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Hanst, P.L. Optical measurement of atmospheric pollutants: accomplishments and problems. Opt Quant Electron 8, 87–93 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00619436
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00619436