ATMOSPHERIC CONTAMINANTS AT REMOTE CALIFORNIA COASTAL SITES

Abstract

The chemical analyses of particulate samples obtained by high-volume air-sampling instruments at remote sites near the California coast are shown to be related to trajectories of the sampled air. In particular, high-chloride concentrations are associated with nearby heavy-surf conditions. Background concentrations of materials analyzed are shown to agree reasonably well among the various sites. Measurements of oxidant concentrations at rural sites are given and compared with previously observed background concentrations. The occurrence of relatively high oxidant concentrations at a site 70 mi from the nearest most-likely source area is discussed with respect to trajectory computations.