FORMIC-ACID AND ACETIC-ACID MEASUREMENTS DURING THE SOUTHERN-CALIFORNIA-AIR-QUALITY-STUDY

As part of the Southern California Air Quality Study (SCAQS), ambient levels of gas phase formic acid and acetic acid have been measured at four locations: a 'control' site (San Nicholas Island), a source-dominated coastal site (Long Beach) and two inland smog receptor sites (Claremont and Palm Springs). Samples were collected on alkaline traps and were analyzed by size exclusion liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Levels of gas phase formic acid (up to 19 ppb) and acetic acid (up to 17 ppb) exhibited diurnal (frequent night-time maxima), spatial and seasonal variations. During summer smog episodes, concentrations increased from 0.6 ppb at the 'control' site to up to 13-19 ppb at the inland smog receptor sites reflecting primary emissions and in situ formation during transport inland. The acetic acid/formic acid (A/F) ratio decreased from coastal to inland sites. At the coastal site levels of both acids and the A/F ratio were substantially higher during the fall than during the summer. © 1990.