A Concentração de Monóxido de Carbono (CO) no Ar como Parâmetro de Pureza

Abstract

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a natural atmospheric component, taking part in some important chemical cycles, especially regarding ozone. Combustion processes can add co to the atmosphere. and in this case it may become an ozone precursor. Our objective is to determine quantitatively to what degree industrial centers can affect the atmosphere of natural ecosystems. INPE's ozone group has recently installed a CO sensor of great sensitivity, capable of detecting a few parts per billion of CO. Initial measurements were made with air samples from São José dos Campos, Cachoeira Paulista, Dutra Highway, and near a forest preserve in Campos do Jordão, in the state of São Paulo, and in Belém, in the state of Pará. The largest concentrations were observed in São José dos Campos where in comparison to the forest preserve the concentrations are between 3 to 6 times larger. Surface concentrations are larger in the morning, decreasing towards the afternoon by dilution in the mixing layer.