Halocarbons in the atmosphere

Updated 2000-03-30

The objectives are: 1. to monitor in near-real time the levels of a whole suite of halocarbons (both biogenic and anthropogenic) ranging through CFCs, HCFCs, and HFCs using an adsorption/desorption system coupled to a GC/MS system not using liquid cryogens. 2.The system will be installed (April 2000) at the Ny-Alesund, Zeppelin Research Station and will be operated and owned by NILU (Dr. N.SChmidbauer). 3. Comparisons will be made with the data obtained (since Oct. 1994) on similar compounds from the Mace Head (Ireland) station which uses similar instrumentation, and the Jungfraujoch Station (Jan 2000) operated by EMPA (Dr. Stefan Reimann). 4. Data will be compared to the Southern Hemisphere data collected at Cape Grimm, Tasmania by CSIRO (Dr. P. Fraser) 5. Data will be used to model the dispersion of the halocarbons in the high latitudes and possible consequences for radiative forcing.

This is not a National Implementation Plan (NIP) project
Comments and additional information:

The whole operation is a very collaborative one between several organisations and research stations. GN is just acting as contact point for the AMAP Project Directory.

Time frame

Status
Ongoing
Project time span
2000 - 2004
Data collection
2000 - 2004
Data processing
2000 - 2004
Data reporting
not specified

Contact information

Contact person
Graham Nickless
Address
School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS. United Kingdom
Phone
+44-(0)117-9287670
Fax
+44-(0)117-9251295
Email
ku.ca.sirb@sselkcin.harg
Other project contacts
Dr. Simon O'Doherty, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS. +44-(0)117-9289186

Parameters and Media

Parameter groups measured/observed/modelled
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs)
Media sampled/studied/modelled
Air/aerosol
Additional information or further specification of types of data / information collected, species / tissues / organs sampled, etc.

The halocarbons include both short lived eg Trichloroethylene and long lived e.g. CFCs such as F-11. Later snow and ice-pack measurements may be made when equipment is operating properly.

Geography

Regions studied
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs)
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs)
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs)
Other areas
Mace Head, Ireland JUngfrajoch, Switzerland Cape Grimm, Tasmania

Data availability

Are data archived or planned to be archived at an AMAP Thematic Data Centre?
no
If no (or only part of data are reported to a TDC), where and how are (other) data stored?
Data will be coordinated and when validated collated on to the CDAC site (USA). Eventually data should be available to AMAP when collaborating teams are satisfied as to quality etc.
Samples/specimens archived in specimen banks?
No
Specimen banking information

Not really possible to store such air samples in any quantity for a long time.

Methods & Procedures

Procedures and methodology used for, e.g., sampling and sample storage, sample pretreatment, extraction and analysis, including which laboratories are involved, references to methods employed, etc.

Air samples are drawn in the instruments and analysed in a continuous near-real time manner using a field installed adsorption/desorption (not using liquid cryogens) system coupled to a GC/MS operating in multi-ion monitoring mode. 1. Ny-Alesund, Svalbard (NILU), 2. Mace Head, Ireland (UNiv. Bristol), 3. Jungfraujoch (EMPA)

QA/QC Information (what QA/QC procedures are implemented, laboratories involvment in QA/QC activities, model verification/validation routines, etc.)

Linked to the absolute scale validated by Scripps Oceanographic Institute (Prof. R. Weiss), specially prepared standards will be distributed between the three stations as well as Scripps and other labs. for assessment of instrument performance, assessment and validation.

Additional Information

Is this a bi- AND multi-lateral project (i.e. a project involving cooperation between different countries)?
Yes
Other institutes involved in the project

NILU, EMPA, AGAGE-MS

Is this project reporting to other organizations/programmes?

As above

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