Measurements of sulfur dioxide, ozone and ammonia concentrations in Asia, Africa, and South America using passive samplers

Measurements of gaseous SO2, NH3, and O-3 using IVL passive sampler technology were obtained during a pilot measurement program initiated as a key component of the newly established WMO/GAW Urban Research Meteorology and Environment (GURME) project. Monthly measurements were obtained at 50 stations in Asia, Africa, South America, and Europe. The median SO, concentrations vary from a high of 13 ppb at Linan, China, to < 0.03 ppb at four stations. At 30 of 50 regional stations, the observed median concentrations are < 1 ppb. Median ammonia concentrations range from 20 ppb at Dhangadi, India, to < 1 ppb at nine stations. At 27 of regional stations, the ambient ammonia levels exceed 1 ppb. The median ozone concentrations vary from a maximum of 45 ppb at Waliguan Mountain, China, to 8 ppb in Petit Saut, French Guiana. In general, the highest ozone values are found in the mid-latitudes, with the Northern hemisphere mid-latitude values exceeding the Southern hemisphere mid-latitude levels, and the lowest values are typically found in the tropical regions. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.