Intercomparison of DOAS and conventional analysers in the measurement of atmospheric pollutants in an urban background monitoring site of Rome

An advanced monitoring station, equipped with a combination of DOAS system and classic monitoring devices, was set up in the urban background of Rome. An intercomparison between DOAS and gas-cromatographic tecnique for the measurement of the concentration level of benzene and toluene in the urban area has been carried out. At the same time, an intercomparison between the DOAS and data provided by the chemiluminescent conventional analyser has been developed to test the capability of DOAS system as a monitoring tool for secondary pollutants. The comparison between the data collected by the DOAS system and the conventional analyser, provides quality assurance and reliability for the monitoring network and allows to understand the sources of the differences in instrumental responses. The results show that DOAS can be conveniently used for urban pollution monitoring.