1.

1 Objective
To monitor the concentration of NOx, Sox & CO in air sample using ambient NOx,
SOx & CO monitors respectively.

1.2 Apparatus
Ambient NOx, Sox & CO monitors.

1.3 Reagents
Ambient Air

1.4 Theory
NOx is a representation of 2 nitrogen compounds NO and NO2. Nitrogen dioxide is
an irritant gas, which at high concentrations causes inflammation of the
airways.When nitrogen is released during fuel combustion it combines with oxygen
atoms to create nitric oxide (NO). This further combines with oxygen to create
nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Nitrogen Oxide is not hazardous at a typical ambient
concentration but Nitrogen dioxide is. NOx gases react to form smog and are a
source of acid rain. Sources of NOx include combustion of fuels, in engines of mobile
vehicles and industrial waste. Combustions that include nitrogen are most likely to
emit NOx gases in the environment which are dangerous for human lungs and can
cause death.
Sulfur dioxide (SO2), a colorless, bad-smelling, toxic gas, is part of a larger group of
chemicals referred to as sulfur oxides (SOx). These types of gases are emitted due to
combustion of fossil fuels, industrial flue gases which include gases that are emitted
through burning of coal. Combustion of minerals containing sulphur releases SOx in
the environment. Natural sources of SOx include volcanic eruptions and bush
fires.Sulfur dioxide, associated SOx, and secondary pollutants can contribute to
respiratory illness by making breathing more difficult, especially for children, the
elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions. In addition to health problems SOx
can cause smog formation and thick haze which can hamper visibility.
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, tasteless and toxic gas which is
released in the environment through incomplete combustion of carbon containing
compounds. The largest source of carbon monoxide in air is the mobile vehicles.
Breathing the high concentrations of CO typical of a polluted environment leads to
reduced oxygen (O2) transport by hemoglobin and has health effects that include
headaches, increased risk of chest pain for persons with heart disease, and impaired
reaction timing. Excess exposure to CO can cause unconsciousness which can cause
death. In this day and age with the increasing domestic cars and industrial activities
the measurement of CO in air is an important representation of quality of air.
1.5 Procedure
● Switch on the Sox measurement unit.
● Let it heat up for about 4 hours.
● The heating is completed when light stops blinking on the screen.
● After that, let the unit ON for three hours and enter the air from the back
through the duct.
● Note down the reading of concentration of SO2 and H2S.
● Similarly repeat the above steps for NOx and CO meters and note down the
values for NO, NO2 and CO.

1.6 Observations And Calculations

No. Components Concentrations from Permitted

Experiment (ppm) Concentrations
(ppm)

1 NO 0.039 0.0025

2 NO2 0.002 0.053

3 NOx 0.421 0.0555

4 SO2 0.2904 0.075

5 H2 S 0.4952 0.0002

6 CO 0.05 0.2