Original scientific paper

Estimation of Ozone and Peroxide Levels in the Air of Croatia

Gordana Pehnec orcid.org/0000-0001-5155-1847 ; Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Leo Klasinc ; Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička c. 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Vladimir Vađić ; Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Glenda Šorgo ; Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička c. 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Volume fractions of different atmospheric gas constituents were modelled using Master Mechanism (MM) model developed by S. Madronich (NCAR, Boulder, CO, USA). Ozone (O₃) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) seasonal variations were estimated at three different locations in Zagreb. Modelled ozone values showed good agreement with measured values at all three sites. The estimation of H₂O₂ annual variations with the MM model showed typical H₂O₂ seasonal variation at a remote location and at an urban location not exposed to traffic, with the highest values over the summer months, due to higher solar radiation. The summer/winter differences were more pronounced at the remote location. At the site exposed to traffic, H₂O₂ volume fractions did not show seasonal variations and H₂O₂ levels were determined by the levels of nitrogen oxides. The model was also used to estimate oxidant levels during the heat wave in August 2003. It yielded high hydrogen peroxide (2.5 ppb–3.5 ppb) and ozone (> 100 ppb) levels, followed by increased concentrations of OH radicals. The model confirmed that in extreme conditions (high temperature and solar radiation, elevated CO and NO₂ levels) over the summer, the atmospheric oxidizing capacity in Croatia exceedingly rises and may exert harmful effects on the environment.

Keywords

air pollution; Master Mechanism model; oxidants; seasonal variation

Hrčak ID:

39679

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/39679

Publication date:

15.7.2009.

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