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Carbon monoxide in the earth's atmosphere

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Abstract

Carbon monoxide is a toxic pollutant which is continually introduced into the Earth's atmosphere in significant quantities. There are apparently some mechanisms operating which destroy most of the CO in the atmosphere i.e., a CO ‘sink’. These mechanisms have not as yet been established in a quantitative sense. This work considers the various possible removal mechanisms which warrant serious consideration. Particular emphasis is given to chemical reactions (especially that with OH), soil bacteria and other biological action, and transport effects. The sources of CO, both natural and anthropogenic, are reviewed and it is noted that there is quite possibly a significant undefined natural source. Atmospheric CO concentrations are discussed and their implications on lifetime, sinks and sources are considered.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. General Electric Company, Space Sciences Laboratory, 19101, Philadelphia, Pa., USA

    M. H. Bortner

  2. Wayne State University, 48202, Detroit, Mich., USA

    R. H. Kummler

  3. George Washington University, 20006, Wash., D.C., USA

    L. S. Jaffe

Authors
  1. M. H. Bortner
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  2. R. H. Kummler
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  3. L. S. Jaffe
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Bortner, M.H., Kummler, R.H. & Jaffe, L.S. Carbon monoxide in the earth's atmosphere. Water Air Soil Pollut 3, 17–52 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00282725

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