Spatial and Temporal Variations of Atmospheric Concentrations of Carbonyl Compounds in Seoul Metropolitan Area

The purpose of this study is to evaluate concentrations of carbonyl compounds during summer season in Seoul metropolitan area. The air samples were collected at 7 sites in this area from June 2001 to June 2003. The carbonyl compounds were analyzed by DNPH/HPLC method. The analytical method applied in this study showed good repeatability, linearity, and sensitivity. The most abundant carbonyl was formaldehyde (average 4.48 ppb), and followed by acetone, acetaldehyde, methyl ethyl ketone, butyraldehyde, propionaldehyde and benzaldehyde, respectively. Concentrations of carbonyl compounds in June were higher than those in August. There was not only higher solar radiation but also higher ozone concentration in June than in August. As a result o photochemical reactions, carbonyl compounds from both primary and secondary sources are likely to contribute to the formation of ozone. The contributions to photochemical ozone creation of two carbonyl compounds such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde were estimated to be about 70%. Ratios of formaldehyde to acetaldehyde in this study ranged from 1.13 to 4.26, which are generally equivalent levels to those of other urban areas in domestic and foreign countries.