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Article
A passive sampler for ambient gaseous oxidized mercury concentrations
Atmospheric Environment
  • Seth N. Lyman, Utah State University
  • Mae Sexauer Gustin
  • Eric M. Prestbo
Document Type
Article
Publisher
Elsevier
Publication Date
1-1-2010
Disciplines
Abstract

This paper reports on the development of a passive sampler for estimating gaseous oxidized mercury concentrations. Atmospheric gaseous oxidized mercury concentrations calculated from passive sampler data were correlated with those obtained using an automated analyzer (r2 = 0.71, p < 0.01, n = 110 for one-week deployments; r2 = 0.89, p < 0.01, n = 22 for two-week deployments). Sampler uptake was not significantly affected by changes in temperature, humidity, or ozone concentration, but it was slightly dependent on wind speed. As such, an equation for correcting data due to this factor was developed based on wind tunnel and field data. The detection limit for a two-week sampler deployment was ∼5 pg m−3. Field data collected in Nevada and the southeastern United States showed these samplers are useful for investigating spatial and temporal variability in gaseous oxidized mercury concentrations.

Citation Information
Lyman S.N., Gustin M.S., Prestbo E.M., 2010. A passive sampler for ambient gaseous oxidized mercury concentrations. Atmospheric Environment 44, 246-252.