Airborne measurements of pollutants in the sphere of influence of the Radford Army Ammunition Plant

Nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, ozone, light scattering and relative humidity were measured in the sphere of influence of the Radford Army Ammunition Plant using an airborne platform. Data were obtained on twelve days between May and July 1980 and were used to map the upwind-downwind pollutant concentrations around the arsenal.

Results of this investigation indicate that an airborne platform can be used successfully in characterizing pollutant parameters in the sphere of influence of an area source. Results also indicate the complexity of NO-NO₂-O₃ cycle when hydrocarbons and sulfur dioxide are present.

Benefits of this type of study may prove useful for the technical and administrative decision making processes of regulatory agencies and munitions manufacturing personnel.