Reactive Mercury Measurement and Identification Using the University of Nevada, Reno Reactive Mercury Active System 2.0
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Authors
Luippold, Adriel
Issue Date
2020
Type
Thesis
Language
Keywords
back trajectory , cation exchange membrane , gaseous oxidized mercury , thermal desorption , UNR-RMAS
Alternative Title
Abstract
The atmosphere is an important pathway for the transport of mercury around the globe. It has been established that reactive mercury (RM) concentrations in the atmosphere are underestimated, and there are multiple compounds present. The objectives of this project were to improve RM measurements and provide better understanding the atmospheric chemistry, sources, and oxidants forming RM. RM concentrations and chemistry were measured with the University of Nevada Reno Reactive Mercury Active system 2.0 (UNR-RMAS 2.0) at field stations in Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Maryland, and Hawaii. The 2.0 version of the UNR-RMAS has been improved with new hardware, system design, and analytical techniques. The revised method has significantly improved data precision and allows for better understanding RM chemistry. This project allowed for comparison of RM concentrations and chemistry at field locations affected by different air masses and atmospheric oxidants across the USA.