Direct quantification of PM{sub 2.5} fossil and biomass carbon within the Northern Front Range Air Quality Study's domain
Journal Article
·
· Environmental Science and Technology
Radiocarbon ({sup 14}C) analyses of PM{sub 2.5} (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 {micro}m or less) of both ambient and source samples from the Northern Front Range Air Quality Study (NFRAQS) in Colorado were performed. The {sup 14}C analyses were undertaken to provide direct fossil vs modern (biomass) carbon source discrimination data for a subset of summer and winter 1996--1997 samples collected within the Denver metropolitan area. Samples were prepared for {sup 14}C accelerator mass spectrometry measurements using techniques specially developed for small samples, i.e., {lt}100 {mu}g C. For the days and sampling periods analyzed the median and interquartile range of the winter blank corrected fraction of modern carbon was 23% (16--34%) at Welby and 27% (25--37%) at Brighton. The summer samples exhibited a more mixed signature with a median and interquartile range of 47% (9--70%). Source samples yielded {sup 14}C signatures consistent with expectation. The authors conclude fossil-derived sources contribute substantially in both seasons and at both locations; however, the biomass carbon component dominates episodically in the summer.
- Research Organization:
- National Inst. of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD (US)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- Coordinating Research Council; National Renewable Energy Laboratory; Colorado State University
- OSTI ID:
- 20006141
- Journal Information:
- Environmental Science and Technology, Journal Name: Environmental Science and Technology Journal Issue: 23 Vol. 33; ISSN ESTHAG; ISSN 0013-936X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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