Identification and source attribution of halocarbon emitters with longwave-infrared spectral imaging

摘要

Longwave-infrared (LWIR) spectral imaging offers a means for detecting and sourcing halocarbon emissions with high sensitivity, with the principal halocarbon classes of environmental concern being detectable at flux rates of -0.2-2 kg/h. Broad-area airborne LWIR surveys efficiently locate and speciate halocarbon emissions on local to regional scales and can promote more effective compliance efforts. Similar approaches can also contribute to the effective situational awareness and mitigation of releases resulting from infrastructure damage following catastrophic events of natural origin or occurring as a consequence of human action. Three U.S. urban domains were surveyed: Greater Los Angeles, San Francisco East Bay, and New York City. In each of the California conurbations the most frequently observed halocarbons were HFC-134a, HCFC-22, and HFC-152a while in New York HCFC-22, HFC-32, and HFC-134a were prevalent. The most common radiatively important non-halocarbon agents observed in each locale were carbon dioxide and methane.