Observations of formic and acetic acids at three sites of Mexico City

• Published in: Science of the total environment Vol. 287; no. 3; pp. 203 - 212
• Main Authors: Limón-Sánchez, M.T., Arriaga-Colina, J.L., Escalona-Segura, S., Ruı́z-Suárez, L.G.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Shannon Elsevier B.V 27.03.2002; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Acetic acid; Acetic Acid - analysis; Air Pollutants - analysis; Applied sciences; Atmospheric pollution; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Environmental Monitoring; Exact sciences and technology; Formates - analysis; Formic acid; Gases; Mexico; Mexico City; Organic acids; Particle Size; PM 2.5; Pollution; Pollution sources. Measurement results; Central America; Mexico; America; Mexico, Mexico City; Acetic acid; Formic acid; PM 2.5; Organic acids; Mexico City; Trace analysis; Chemical analysis; Air content; Megalopolis; Urban area; Spatial variation; Time variation; Suspended particle; Carboxylic acid; Fine particle; Aerosols; Air pollution; Gas phase
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/S0048-9697(01)00985-8

Levels of atmospheric carboxylic acids in gas and particulate matter were measured at three sites in Mexico City within the month of March 2000. An annular denuder system was used for sampling and the analytical method was HPLC with UV detection. Formic and acetic acids were present in the PM 2.5 fraction and in the gas phase. Total concentration of formic acid was between 0 and 7 ppbV and total concentration of acetic acid was between 1 and 17 ppbV. On average 53% of the formic acid and 67% of the acetic acid were present in particulate matter.