High-resolution Gas-phase UV- and IR-absorption Cross-sections of Naphthalene to Calibrate the First DOAS Detection of Naphthalene in Mexico City
EMSL Project ID
10894
Abstract
As part of a major international collaboration to assess photochemical smog formation in Mexico City, two open-path Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) instruments were temporarily deployed and operated by MIT. The first DOAS detection of naphthalene in the atmosphere was accomplished, proving that routine DOAS measurements of certain PAHs are feasible. The lack of any reliable literature data on the UV-absorption cross-section of naphthalene does not allow for the quantitation of the naphthalene that was observed, and thus limits the utility of the field measurements in updating the emission inventory of this basic PAH in Mexico City. A calibrated absorption cross-section spectrum is needed in order to (1) universally calibrate the DOAS measurements of napthalene, (2) assess the linear range of napthalene absorptions, (3) optimize future DOAS measurements and (4) derive mean emission factors of napthalene from mobile sources in Mexico City.
Project Details
Project type
Exploratory Research
Start Date
2006-02-07
End Date
2007-06-28
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members