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https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-3919
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-3919
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Preprints
03 Aug 2026
 | 03 Aug 2026
Status: this preprint is open for discussion and under review for Atmospheric Measurement Techniques (AMT).

Evaluating N2O Analyzers for Urban Monitoring: Evidence for Underestimated Emissions

Andrew Hallward-Driemeier, Raghav Dhall, Yuwei Zhao, and Róisín Commane

Abstract. Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas and ozone-depleting substance. Approximately 42 % of anthropogenic N2O emissions are thought to be emitted from urban areas. We tested three N2O analyzers for their suitability to measure N2O in urban areas from tower and mobile platforms. All three analyzers (Aerodyne SuperDUAL, Aeris MIRA Ultra, and LI-COR LI-7820) have sufficient precision for urban measurements but require different amounts of calibration and attention for best results. Using these analyzers, we observed tower-level enhancements at least 3 times larger than predicted from the best available inventory for the NYC region. Co-measurement of carbon monoxide (available on all but the LI-7820) were used to identify combustion-related enhancements of N2O. Mobile driving confirmed that traffic related emissions for NYC are captured by the inventory and that wastewater treatment is the most likely source for the missing N2O emissions.

How to cite. Hallward-Driemeier, A., Dhall, R., Zhao, Y., and Commane, R.: Evaluating N2O Analyzers for Urban Monitoring: Evidence for Underestimated Emissions, EGUsphere [preprint], https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-3919, 2026.
Received: 01 Jul 2026 – Discussion started: 03 Aug 2026
Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this paper. While Copernicus Publications makes every effort to include appropriate place names, the final responsibility lies with the authors. Views expressed in the text are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.
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Andrew Hallward-Driemeier, Raghav Dhall, Yuwei Zhao, and Róisín Commane

Status: open (until 08 Sep 2026)

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Andrew Hallward-Driemeier, Raghav Dhall, Yuwei Zhao, and Róisín Commane

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https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-3919-supplement

Andrew Hallward-Driemeier, Raghav Dhall, Yuwei Zhao, and Róisín Commane
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Short summary
Nitrous oxide is the third most important greenhouse gas and an important ozone depleting substance. We tested three nitrous oxide analyzers and found all three were suitable for urban tower and mobile measurements. We observed large plumes of nitrous oxide associated with wastewater treatment, rather than traffic. We estimated that nitrous oxide emissions for the New York City region were three times larger than inventory estimates, which emphasizes the importance of urban measurements.
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