Collection of Nitrate in a Denuder

by Hannah Feig

Submitted : Fall 2008

Data is given for aerosol nitrate (NO3-) size distributions in the atmosphere as recorded by a cascade impactor, as well as for the percentage of different-sized nitrate particles measured by an annular denuder. Using this data, the goal is to find the percent of nitrate in the atmosphere that the denuder is able to detect. This requires finding the size distribution of nitrate that entered the denuder. Once this data is found, the areas under each of the two curves are taken. Since the formulas are both unknown, a trapezoidal formula can be used with this large amount of data. Summed up, each represents the integration of the curve. This can be presented as a radio to find a percent. From the data and calculations, it follows that 16.08% of nitrate in the atmosphere can be detected by the denuder. Therefore, if data is needed for a greater percentage of nitrate, the denuder does not provide enough measurements to make any assessments. Nitrate was measured to study its affects on seagrass in the Tampa Bay and compare data with seagrass growth and decline. Using a denuder for routine measurements will not allow scientists to accurately compare nitrate data to seagrass levels.

[ Back ]