Nitrogen oxides

Starting date: 16-6-2014
Status: Running
Instrumentation and calibration: Nitrogen oxides (NO + NO2) are measured by using a Chemioluminescence analyser (Thermo 42i-TL), equipped with a photolityc converter (Blue Light Coverter) for NO2 determination. Every 48 hours, zero and span checks are carried out for NO by using an external zero air source (dry compressed air scrubbed with active charcoal and purafill) and dilution of certified NO standard (5 ppm +/- 2%). Gas phase tritation is used to determine the conversion efficency of the NO2 converter.
Project affiliation (s) Present: NextData, ACTRIS Past: -
Related research programmes

  • Tropospheric background condition
  • Pollution transport
  • Long-range transport

Why is this research important? Measurement of NOx in the global atmosphere is important since it has a large influence on both tropospheric ozone (O3) and on the hydroxyl radical (OH), thus affecting oxidation properties of the troposphere. NOx has an indirect influence to the radiative forcing by influencing CH4 and tropospheric ozone (O3 ) mixing ratios. This is particularly important also considering that tropospheric O3 is also a powerful pollutants harmful for human health and ecosystems. NOx measurements at high mountain stations can provide reasonable indication about free tropospheric air composition and possible impact of long-range transport.
Quick look The first NOx measurements carried out at the ICO-OV during summer 2014, reported NO and NO2 daily mean values of 0.03 nmol/mol 0.13 nmol/mol, respectively. Peak values (daily averages) of 0.07 nmol/mol and 0.51 nmol/mol were observed for NO and NO2.


Time-series of NO-NO2 daily values (blue: NO; red: NO2 ) at ICO-OV on June-Auhust 2014.

Organization (s): ISAC-CNR Via Gobetti 101, I-40129, Bologna www.isac.cnr.it
Contact persons: Dr. Davide Putero e-mail: d.putero [at] isac.cnr.it phone: +39 011 3839833
Where can I find the data? by EBAS (GAW-WDCRG, ACTRIS) or by direct request to: d.putero [at] isac.cnr.it