Measurements of ground-level ozone in Czech mountain forests: what we have learnt from using diffusive samplers

Abstract

Ground-level ozone (O3) is a key atmospheric constituent participating in many important atmospheric reactions, and has many negative effects both on human health and the environment. We have measured O3 ambient concentrations in four Czech rural areas of great natural value: the Orlicke hory Mts., Novohradske hory Mts., Česke Švycarsko and Jizerske hory Mts. For our measurement we used Ogawa diffusive samplers. The measurements were carried out during the vegetations seasons of 2004–2010, the samplers were exposed for two-weeks periods and the filters analyzed in the CHMI laboratory. The aim of this paper is to summarize the experience we have of using the diffusive sampling method in the field.