Abstract

CANO BAUDINO, Yulixis Nohemi et al. Evaluation of ozone levels in the city of Maracaibo, Zuila State, Venezuela. Rev. Int. Contam. Ambient [online]. 2016, vol.32, n.1, pp.25-34. ISSN 0188-4999.

This study evaluated the ozone levels on a site in the Northwest area of the city of Maracaibo, Venezuela. Samples were collected in situ using a photometer Model 400A from January to December 2009, for 24 continuous hours (n = 338). The photochemical ozone cycle exhibited a behavior characteristic of urban areas, with minimum values in the early hours of the morning. From 8 am there was an increase of ozone concentration, obtaining maximum values around noon. In the afternoon there was a decrease of those concentrations, with very low values during the night. The maximum ozone records were reported in the dry and rainy season where concentrations were lower. Statistical analysis showed that there were significant differences (p < 0.01) between average concentrations found during both periods. Hourly maximum ozone concentrations did not exceed the national air quality standard (240 μg/m3/h) on any of the days evaluated, but the maximum value per hour was 227 μg/m3 (approximately 95 % of the standard).

Keywords : air pollution; photochemical oxidant; tropospheric ozone.

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