The concentration of oxygenated compounds in the Los Angeles, CA, Area following the introduction of reformulated gasoline

An ambient air quality study was carried out in the South Coast Air Basin (SoCAB), CA, in the Summer of 1995, following the introduction of the federal Phase 1 reformulated gasoline (RFG) program, and in the Summer of 1996, following the introduction of California`s Phase 2 RFG. Over 250 canister and DNPH-impregnated cartridge samples were collected during each sampling campaign at three sampling sites. These samples were analyzed for speciated volatile hydrocarbons (C{sub 2}-C{sub 12}), CO, CO{sub 2}, CH{sub 4}, oxygenated compounds such as MTBE, methanol and ethanol, and for carbonyl compounds. The concentration of oxygenated compounds monitored in the SoCAB during both sampling campaigns is discussed.