DETECTION OF NITRIC OXIDE POLLUTION

Nitric oxide is a major air pollutant and is the precursor to nitrogen dioxide, the trigger molecule in photochemical processes which yield smog. Eye irritation and other discomforts are severe when high levels of nitric oxide are present in the atmosphere. Although new and improved methods constantly being sought to measure the high levels of nitric oxide in emissions from automobiles and electrical power plant stacks, special techniques are required to measure the low concentrations ordinarily present in the ambient atmosphere. Studies of the enhancement of absorption spectra of certain atomic and molecular species inserted in dye-laser cavities have indicated that nitric oxide can be determined at low concentrations. The apparatus used to make absorption measurements is described.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This article appeared in a publication Analytical Techniques: A Compilation.
• Corporate Authors:

  National Aeronautics and Space Administration

  400 Maryland Avenue, SW
  Washington, DC  United States  20546
• Authors:
  • Chackerian Jr, C
  • Weisbach, M F
• Publication Date: 1975-1

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: p. 23
• Serial:
  • Publication of: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
  • Publisher: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Absorption spectra; Chemical concentration; Equipment; Measurement; Nitrogen; Oxides; Photochemistry
• Uncontrolled Terms: Concentration
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00128514
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: NASA CR-2028
• Contract Numbers: MFS-24402, NPO-11612, MFS-16968
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 21 1976 12:00AM