Ozone (O<sub>3</sub>) is an important atmospheric molecule. It is an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) criteria pollutant with a typical mixing ratio in the tens of ppbv and an EPA air quality standard of 70 ppbv. Ozone levels are primarily affected by light, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Since laboratory-grade ozone monitoring equipment is somewhat expensive, relatively inexpensive portable sensors are often utilized. The purpose of this research is to increase the data quality of more economical ozone sensors by developing a calibration scheme. This study compares an AeroQual S900 sensor to an EPA certified ozone monitor. Approximately one year of comparison data are analyzed to determine if this sensor can be calibrated to accurately determine ozone levels at multiple sites in western Colorado. Preliminary findings show that an S900 sensor can likely be useful for semiquantitative air quality analysis with proper calibration; current data shows that the S900 sensor reads approximately 40% higher than the EPA monitor. Additional time and data will provide a more accurate view for a potential calibration scheme.

Development of a calibration scheme for ozone sensors in western Colorado

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.