Air Monitoring
The Truth Behind Ozone
Jun 03 2010
Author: Nicolas Moser on behalf of SGX Europe Sp. z o.o.
This article presents the applications of ozone monitoring. What is ozone? How does it impact air quality? Why is it important to monitor ozone concentrations? What are the industrial applications of ozone?
Ozone (O3) is a triatomic molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms. It is a colorless gas with a pungent smell. Ozone at ground level – in the air we breathe – is an air pollutant and is not to be confused with the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere. Ozone in the upper atmosphere filters potentially damaging ultraviolet light from reaching the Earth’s surface. In the troposphere, near the Earth’s surface, human activities lead to ozone concentrations several times higher than the natural background level.
Ozone impact on air quality
Ozone is the main product of complex photochemical processes in the lower atmosphere involving oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds as precursors. Ozone is a strong photochemical oxidant.
The main sectors that emit ozone precursors are road transport, power and heat generation plants, household (heating), industry, and petrol storage and distribution. The dominant issues determining short-term air
quality are nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter and ozone. All three pollutants are strongly related to the use of fossil fuels. Ground-level ozone (O3), unlike other pollutants mentioned, is not emitted directly into
the atmosphere, but is a secondary pollutant produced by reaction between nitrogen dioxide (NO2), hydrocarbons and sunlight. Sunlight provides the energy to initiate ozone formation; consequently, high
levels of ozone are generally observed during hot, still sunny, summertime weather. During the day, ozone concentrations will usually build up and peak in the afternoon. At night-time, ozone concentrations decline.
Digital Edition
IET 34.2 March 2024
April 2024
Gas Detection - Biogas batch fermentation system for laboratory use with automatic gas analysis in real time Water/Wastewater - Upcycling sensors for sustainable nature management - Prist...
View all digital editions
Events
Apr 22 2024 Hannover, Germany
Apr 22 2024 Marrakech, Morroco
Apr 23 2024 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Apr 23 2024 Kintex, South Korea
Apr 23 2024 Edmonton, AB, Canada