Derivation of Formic Acid Data from FT-IR Spectra Recorded during the 1986 Carbonaceous Species Methods Comparison Study

摘要

Formic acid (HCOOH) concentrations were derived from long-path FT-IR spectra which were recorded during the Carbonaceous Species Methods Comparison Study held in Glendora, CA, August 12-21, 1986. Both the detailed instantaneous and the hourly average HCOOH values are presented here. HCOOH concentrations during the study were in the range 1-11 parts per billion (ppb). The detection sensitivity was 1 ppb and the measurement errors were within + or - 1.5 ppb. During the first 5-6 days of the study, the HCOOH concentration profiles were generally coincident with photochemical activity. During the remaining days, HCOOH levels were found to be highest in the very early morning hours, presumably as a result of build-up from as yet undetermined primary sources.