Use of ion chromatography for monitoring atmospheric pollution in background networks

The results of the application of the annular denuder-filter pack technique coupled with ion chromatography to the determination of atmospheric pollutants in semi-polluted and background areas are reported. The coupling of these techniques reveals a viable solution for the precise and accurate measurement of atmospheric pollutants, with discrimination of the gaseous and the particulate phase and without any mutual interconversion during the sampling phase. The sensitivity is appropriate for the determination of pollutants related to both the acid deposition and the photochemical smog phenomenon, even in semi-remote and remote areas. An interpretation of the field results in terms of chemical properties of the atmosphere is given.