Use of ion chromatography for monitoring atmospheric pollution in background networks

The results of the application of the annular denuder-filter pack technique coupled with ion chromatography to the determination of atmospheric pollut ants in semi-polluted and background areas are reported. The coupling of th ese techniques reveals a viable solution for the precise and accurate measu rement of atmospheric pollutants, with discrimination of the gaseous and th e particulate phase and without any mutual interconversion during the sampl ing phase. The sensitivity is appropriate for the determination of pollutan ts related to both the acid deposition and the photochemical smog phenomeno n, even in semi-remote and remote areas. An interpretation of the field res ults in terms of chemical properties of the atmosphere is given. (C) 1999 E lsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.