Indoor-outdoor levels of nitrogen and sulphur species and their relation to air flow in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

A study was conducted in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, to determine the extent to which acid rain related pollutants are present in indoor ambient air. The pollutant study included: fine (0 to 2.5 micron) and coarse (2.5 to 10 micron) particulates, sulphates, nitrates, acidity (H2SO4 and HNO3), SO2 and NO2. During the 3 1/2 month study, maximum levels of 173n equivalent/m3 fine sulphate and 55 n equivalent/m3 H2SO4 were recorded for outdoor air within the town site compared to corresponding values of 110 n equivalent/m3 and 13 n equivalent/m3 for indoor air. Based on back trajectory analysis, wind direction, and sulphuric acid content, it was postulated that local or medium range pollution sources are predominant in the winter while long range transport originating from the United States produces the major episodes when SW winds are persistent.