This paper describes calibration strategies in laboratory conditions that can be applied to ensure accurate measurements of the isotopic composition of the CO in ultradry air, expressed as δC and δO on the VPDB scale, with either FT-IR (in this case a Vertex 70 V (Bruker)) or an isotope ratio infrared spectrometer (IRIS) (in this case a Delta Ray (Thermo Fisher Scientific)). In the case of FT-IR a novel methodology using only two standards of CO in air with different mole fractions but identical isotopic composition was demonstrated to be highly accurate for measurements of δC and δO with standard uncertainties of 0.09‰ and 1.03‰, respectively, at a nominal CO mole fraction of 400 μmol mol in air. In the case of the IRIS system, we demonstrate that the use of two standards of CO in air of known but differing δC and δO isotopic composition allows standard uncertainties of 0.18‰ and 0.48‰ to be achieved for δC and δO measurements, respectively. The calibration strategies were validated using a set of five traceable primary reference gas mixtures. These standards, produced with whole air or synthetic air covered the mole fraction range of (378-420) μmol mol and were prepared and/or value assigned either by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) or the National Physical Laboratory (NPL). The standards were prepared using pure CO obtained from different sources, namely, combustion; Northern Continental and Southern Oceanic Air and a gas well source, with δC values ranging between -35‰ and -1‰. The isotopic composition of all standards was value assigned at the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry Jena (MPI-Jena).
Abstract. Ozone plays a crucial role in tropospheric chemistry, is the third largest contributor to greenhouse radiative forcing after carbon dioxide and methane and also a toxic air pollutant affecting human health and agriculture. Long-term measurements of tropospheric ozone have been performed globally for more than 30 years with UV photometers, all relying on the absorption of ozone at the 253.65 nm line of mercury. We have re-determined this cross-section and report a value of 11.27 × 10 −18 cm 2 molecule −1 with an expanded relative uncertainty of 0.86 % (coverage factor k = 2). This is lower than the conventional value currently in use and measured by Hearn (1961) with a relative difference of 1.8 %, with the consequence that historically reported ozone concentrations should be increased by 1.8 %. In order to perform the new measurements of cross-sections with reduced uncertainties, a system was set up to generate pure ozone in the gas phase together with an optical system based on a UV laser with lines in the Hartley band, including accurate path length measurement of the absorption cell and a careful evaluation of possible impurities in the ozone sample by mass spectrometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. This resulted in new measurements of absolute values of ozone absorption cross-sections of 9.48×10 −18 , 10.44×10 −18 and 11.07 × 10 −18 cm 2 molecule −1 , with relative expanded uncertainties better than 0.7 %, for the wavelengths (in vacuum) of 244.06, 248.32, and 257.34 nm respectively. The cross-section at the 253.65 nm line of mercury was determined by comparisons using a Standard Reference Photometer equipped with a mercury lamp as the light source. The newly reported value should be used in the future to obtain the most accurate measurements of ozone concentration, which are in closer agreement with non-UV-photometry based methods such as the gas phase titration of ozone with nitrogen monoxide.
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Sources of bias in the National Institute of Standards and Technology ozone Standard Reference Photometer (SRP) maintained by the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures have been investigated. A relative bias of −0.4% in the ozone mole fraction measurement caused by a temperature gradient in the gas cells of the instrument was characterized and corrected for in a modified version of the instrument. A second relative bias of +0.5% due to the multiple reflections of light within the gas cells was also corrected. The Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement approach was used to develop an uncertainty budget for the modified SRP, including a relative value for the ozone absorption cross-section uncertainty of 2.1% (k = 2). The measurement uncertainty for the bias-corrected SRPs is enlarged compared with earlier studies, but their comparability improved.
CCQM-K120.a comparison involves preparing standards of carbon dioxide in air which are fit for purpose for the atmospheric monitoring community, with stringent requirements on matrix composition and measurement uncertainty of the CO2 mole fraction. This represents an analytical challenge and is therefore considered as a Track C comparison. The comparison will underpin CMC claims for CO2 in air for standards and calibrations services for the atmospheric monitoring community, matrix matched to real air, over the mole fraction range of 250 μmol/mol to 520 μmol/mol. CCQM-K120.b comparison tests core skills and competencies required in gravimetric preparation, analytical certification and purity analysis. It is considered as a Track A comparison. It will underpin CO2 in air and nitrogen claims in a mole fraction range starting at the smallest participant's reported expanded uncertainty and ending at 500 mmol/mol. Participants successful in this comparison may use their result in the flexible scheme and underpin claims for all core mixtures This study has involved a comparison at the BIPM of a suite of 44 gas standards prepared by each of the participating laboratories. Fourteen laboratories took part in both comparisons (CCQM-K120.a, CCQM-K120.b) and just one solely in the CCQM-K120.b comparison. The standards were sent to the BIPM where the comparison measurements were performed. Two measurement methods were used to compare the standards, to ensure no measurement method dependant bias: GC-FID and FTIR spectroscopic analysis corrected for isotopic variation in the CO2 gases, measured at the BIPM using absorption laser spectroscopy. Following the advice of the CCQM Gas Analysis Working Group, results from the FTIR method were used to calculate the key comparison reference values. KEY WORDS FOR SEARCH FTIR, CO2, GC-FID, Carbon dioxide at background level, Carbon dioxide at urban level, Delta Ray, CO2 gas standards Main text To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
The CCQM-K82 comparison was designed to evaluate the degrees of equivalence of NMI capabilities for methane in air primary reference mixtures in the range (1800 to 2200) nmol/mol. The balance gas for the standards was either scrubbed dry real air or synthetic air. CH4 in air standards have been produced by a number of laboratories for many years, with more recent developments focused on standards at atmospheric measurement concentrations and aimed at obtaining agreement between independently produced standards. A comparison of the differences in primary gas standards for methane in air was previously performed in 2003 (CCQM-P41 Greenhouse gases. 1 and 2) with a standard deviation of results around the reference value of 30 nmol/mol and 10 nmol/mol for a more limited set of standards. This can be contrasted with the level of agreement required from field laboratories routinely measuring atmospheric methane levels, set by Data Quality Objectives (DQO) established by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to reflect the scientifically desirable level of compatibility for CH4 measurements at the global scale, currently set at 2 nmol/mol (1 sigma). The measurements of this key comparison took place from May 2012 to June 2012. Eight laboratories took part in this comparison coordinated by the BIPM and NIST. Key comparison reference values were calculated based on Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy Measurements performed at the BIPM, combined with participant's gravimetric values to identify a consistent set of standards. Regression analysis allowed predicted values for each standard to be calculated which acted as the KCRVs. In this comparison reported standard uncertainties by participants ranged from 0.50 nmol/mol to 2.4 nmol/mol and the uncertainties of individual KCRVs ranged from 0.68 nmol/mol to 0.71 nmol/mol. The standard deviation of the ensemble of standards about the KCRV value was 1.70 nmol/mol. This represents a greater than tenfold improvement in the level of compatibility of methane in air standards compared to that demonstrated in 2003. Further improvements in the compatibility of standards will require improved methods and uncertainties for the measurement of trace level methane in balance gases. Main text. To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
There is a high international priority attached to activities which reduce NOx in the atmosphere. The current level of permitted emissions is typically between 50 µmol/mol and 100 µmol/mol, but lower values are expected in the future. Currently, ambient air quality monitoring regulations also require the measurement of NOx mole fractions as low as 0.2 µmol/mol. The production of accurate standards at these levels of mole fractions requires either dilution of a stable higher concentration gas standard or production by a dynamic technique, for example one based on permeation tubes.The CCQM-K74 key comparison was designed to evaluate the level of comparability of National Metrology Institutes' measurement capabilities and standards for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) at a nominal mole fraction of 10 µmol/mol.The measurements of this key comparison took place from June 2009 to May 2010.Seventeen laboratories took part in this comparison coordinated by the BIPM and VSL. The key comparison reference value was based on BIPM measurement results, and the standard measurement uncertainty of the reference value was 0.042 µmol/mol.This key comparison demonstrated that the results of the majority of the participants agreed within limits of ±3% relative to the reference value. The results of only one laboratory lay significantly outside these limits. Likewise this comparison made clear that a full interpretation of the results of the comparison needed to take into account the presence of nitric acid (in the range 100 nmol/mol to 350 nmol/mol) in the cylinders circulated as part of the comparison, as well as the possible presence of nitric acid in the primary standards used by participating laboratories.Main text. To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA).
Rhoderick, GC, et al. 2019. Stability of gaseous volatile organic compounds contained in gas cylinders with different internal wall treatments. Elem Sci Anth, 7: 28.Measurements of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been ongoing for decades to track growth rates and assist in curbing emissions of these compounds into the atmosphere. To accurately establish mole fraction trends and assess the role of these gas-phase compounds in atmospheric chemistry it is essential to have good calibration standards. A necessity and precursor to accurate VOC gas standards are the gas cylinders and the internal wall treatments that aid in maintaining the stability of the mixtures over long periods of time, measured in years. This paper will discuss the stability of VOC gas mixtures in different types of gas cylinders and internal wall treatments. Stability data will be given for 85 VOCs studied in gas mixtures by National Metrology Institutes and other agency laboratories. This evaluation of cylinder treatment materials is the outcome of an activity of the VOC Expert Group within the framework of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Global Atmospheric Watch (GAW) program.
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