An Investigation of Ozone and Sulfur Dioxide Concentrations in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Rosenquest, John

ABSTRACT: Airborne measurements of ozone and sulfur dioxide concentrations were made in remote areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park using an instrumented aircraft. The study was conducted because the Park was designated an area to receive maximum protection from air pollutants and it was deemed desirable to determine the existing levels of pollutant concentrations in the area. This report includes the results of observations made between March and September of 1978 during airborne monitoring, as well as the results of observations from two ground level ozone monitors located in nearby cities (Asheville, North Carolina, and Knoxville, Tennessee) and a total oxidant monitor located in the Park. Flights, which were made at monthly intervals, provided data which indicate that ozone levels in the Park frequently exceed the NAAQS by late morning and concentrations as high as 0.096 PPM were measured. Comparison of ground level and airborne data indicate that ground level ozone data were significantly lower possibly due to scavenging of ozone by trees or losses by other mechanisms. Sulfur dioxide concentrations were below the limit of detection of the conductometric sulfur dioxide monitor used during the first flights. The results of the one flight (during September) using a flame photometric SO2 monitor indicates that concentrations in the Park were below 0.010 PPM. Improvement and modification of the system are continuing, including the addition of electronic data logging equipment and visibility monitoring instruments.