Effects of Water Removal Devices on Ambient Inorganic Air Pollutant Measurements

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Sep 17;16(18):3446. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16183446.

Abstract

Water vapor is a pivotal obstacle when measuring ambient air pollutants. The effects of water vapor removal devices which are called KPASS (Key-compound PASSer) and Cooler. On the measurement of O3, SO2, and CO at ambient levels were investigated. Concentrations of O3, SO2, and CO were 100 ppb, 150 ppb, and 25 ppm, respectively. The amount of water vapor varied at different relative humidity levels of 30%, 50%, and 80% when the temperature was 25 °C and the pressure was 1 atm. Water vapor removal efficiencies and recovery rates of target gases were also determined. The KPASS showed a better performance than the Cooler device, removing 93.6% of water vapor and the Cooler removing 59.2%. In terms of recovery, the KPASS showed a better recovery of target gases than the Cooler. Consequently, it is suggested that the KPASS should be an alternative way to remove water vapor when measuring O3, SO2, and CO.

Keywords: KPASS; ambient air pollutants; carbon monoxide; cooler; ozone; sulfur dioxide; water removal device.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants / analysis*
  • Carbon Monoxide / analysis*
  • Environmental Monitoring / instrumentation
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods*
  • Humidity / prevention & control*
  • Inorganic Chemicals / analysis
  • Ozone / analysis*
  • Sulfur Dioxide / analysis*

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Inorganic Chemicals
  • Sulfur Dioxide
  • Ozone
  • Carbon Monoxide