ClSO and ClSO2 photochemistry: Implications for the Venusian atmosphere

The electronic structure and spectroscopy of ClSOx (x = 1 and 2) isomers were investigated using coupled cluster theory and multireference interaction methods. In this study, the equilibrium geometry and harmonic vibrational frequencies of these isomers in their ground electronic state were shown. Our analysis of the vertical excitation energy and potential energy surface showed the photochemical instability of ClSO for wavelengths below 280 nm. Furthermore, the photodissociation of ClSO was unlikely to cause the formation of diatomic ClS. At the same time, ClSO could form atomic chlorine and SO as a result of photodissociation through the repulsive states. In the case of ClSO2, a novel weakly bound Cl-SO2 isomer was identified, indicating the potential influences on the chlorine and SO2 reactions. The potential energy surface of the most stable ClSO2 isomer also indicated the potential production of SO2 in both its ground and excited states. In addition, the electronic spectrum of ClSO2 was predicted to be broad, with numerous significant peaks in the near-UV‒Vis range. Valuable new insights into the chemical role of chlorine and sulfur in Venus's atmosphere were provided, along with a discussion of a potential mechanism contributing to the H2O and SO2 depletion in Venus's atmosphere.

Characterization of the Etna volcanic emissions through an active biomonitoring technique (moss-bags): part 1--major and trace element composition

Active biomonitoring using moss-bags was applied to an active volcanic environment for the first time. Bioaccumulation originating from atmospheric deposition was evaluated by exposing mixtures of washed and air-dried mosses (Sphagnum species) at 24 sites on Mt. Etna volcano (Italy). Concentrations of major and a large suite of trace elements were analysed by inductively coupled mass and optical spectrometry (ICP-MS and ICP-OES) after total acid digestion. Of the 49 elements analysed those which closely reflect summit volcanic emissions were S, Tl, Bi, Se, Cd, As, Cu, B, Na, Fe, Al. Enrichment factors and cluster analysis allowed clear distinction between volcanogenic, geogenic and anthropogenic inputs that affect the local atmospheric deposition. This study demonstrates that active biomonitoring with moss-bags is a suitable and robust technique for implementing inexpensive monitoring in scarcely accessible and harsh volcanic environments, giving time-averaged quantitative results of the local exposure to volcanic emissions. This task is especially important in the study area because the summit area of Mt. Etna is visited by nearly one hundred thousand tourists each year who are exposed to potentially harmful volcanic emissions.

Air quality assessment in Southern Kuwait using diffusive passive samplers

Measurements of fortnightly average concentrations of NO, NO2, SO2, H2S, NH3, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (aromatics=benzene, toluene, o-xylene, m+p-xylene, ethyl benzene; non-aromatics=nonane and octane) were carried out in the period from 26/10/05 to 24/11/05 at 20 points in the southern part of Kuwait as part of a baseline environmental impact assessment study requested by Kuwait National Petroleum Company. Two waves of triplicate diffusive passive samplers were used. A high volume air sampler was used to measure PM10 too. During the sampling period, the wind was observed to be mainly from the west and northwest with an average of 4.28 m/s. The consistency of the results allowed the production of spatial distribution maps of the pollutants measured and consequently the comparison between levels of air pollution at different locations. A comparison between the measured concentrations and the applicable air quality standards promulgated by Kuwait Environment Public Authority (KEPA) showed that those compounds had low concentrations compared to both industrial and residential KEPA standards. For other compounds which are not covered by KEPA standards, the results were compared with relevant limits of US Environment Protect Agency (USEPA) and US Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The comparison showed that the measured compounds had low concentrations compared to the existing standards and, accordingly, no violation of air quality standards is reported.