ATMOSPHERIC HYDROCARBON AND CARBON MONOXIDE MEASUREMENTS AT POINT BARROW ALASKA

The concentrations of low molecular weight hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide in uncontaminated Arctic air masses have been analyzed at Point Barrow, Alaska. Using gas chromatographic techniques, a variety of organic compounds were regularly observed in these air masses, and the following average concentrations were obtained: methane, 1.6 p.p.m.; butane, 0.06 p.p.b.; acetone, 1.0 p.p.b.; and nbutanol, 190 p.p.b. Carbon monoxide concentrations averaged about 90 p.p.b. Special investigations confirmed the unexpected presence of n-butanol in these samples. Sources of these organics are postulated. © 1969, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.