Title  : SO2, NOx, and CO in air at McMurdo
Type   : Antarctic EAM
NSF Org: OD / OPP
Date   : May 1, 1993
File   : opp94001


Following is the abstract of a report prepared for the National
Science Foundation.  For a copy of the full report, contact the
author.

RESULTS OF SO2, NOx, AND CO MONITORING AT MCMURDO STATION,
ANTARCTICA [20 pages]

by

Robert M. Lugar
EG&G Idaho, Inc.
Environmental Technology Unit
Idaho Falls, Idaho 83415-1406

May 1993

Interagency Agreement No. DPP-9102787
with
U.S. Department of Energy
Idaho Field Office
Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402

Project Officer

Dr. Sidney Draggan
Environmental Officer
Office of Polar Programs
National Science Foundation
Washington, D.C. 20550

ABSTRACT

This report presents the results of ambient air monitoring of
carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2) nitric oxide (NO),
nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and total oxides of nitrogen (NOx)
performed during the final weeks of the 1992-1993 austral summer
in the vicinity of McMurdo Station, Antarctica.  Commercially
available, high sensitivity ambient air gas analyzers were used
to continuously measure gas concentrations at two locations over
a two and a three week time period respectively.  Sampling site
selection, sampling procedures, and quality assurance procedures
used for this effort were consistent with U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency guidelines for local ambient air quality
networks.  CO, SO2, and NO2 concentrations measured were below
the associated U.S. National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
Carbon monoxide levels measured at both locations were near or
below the instrument detection limit of 0.1 part per million
(ppm).  Hourly average SO2 concentrations ranged from below the
detection limit of 1 part per billion (ppb) to a single maximum
hourly average value of 60 ppb.  Hourly average NO2
concentrations ranged from below the detection limit of 1 ppb to
a single maximum hourly average value of 26 ppb.  The impact on
local air quality of ships docked at an ice pier was observed and
quantified.  The initial baseline effort demonstrated that site
selection and sampling equipment performance were satisfactory,
and provided useful data for assessing the impact of McMurdo
operations on the local ambient air quality.