Daily and continuous monitoring of PM{sub 10}/PM{sub 2.5} in Ontario, Canada
- Ontario Ministry of Environment and Energy, Etobicoke, Ontario (Canada)
In recent years, both epidemiological and clinical studies have shown strong linkages between fine airborne particulate matter and respiratory health. As a result, Ontario`s monitoring activities have shifted from measuring total suspended particulates (TSP) and suspended particles (coefficient of haze) to more size specific fractions (PM{sub 10} and PM{sub 2.5}), daily and continuous. Currently, there are 20 daily and 14 continuous PM monitors (12 PM{sub 10} and 2 PM{sub 2.5}) in the Ontario network. Analysis of the daily PM{sub 10} data for the period 1991--1995 indicates annual means in the range 16 to 38 {micro}g/m{sup 3} with most sites in the range 20 to 30 {micro}g/m{sup 3}. PM{sub 10} greater than the US primary standard of 150 {micro}g/m{sup 3} (24-h) occurred at one location, Sault Ste Marie, an industrialized city. There were no annual mean PM{sub 10} concentration greater than the US primary standard of 50 {micro}g/m{sup 3}. Dichotomous sampling of daily PM{sub 10} and PM{sub 2.5} in Windsor, Ontario for the period 1988--1994 during high event days showed that PM{sub 2.5} accounted for approximately 70% of the PM{sub 10}. Of the PM{sub 2.5}, sulfate accounted for approximately 50%. Analysis of the continuous PM{sub 10} monitoring data shows the influence of both local and long-range transport contributions. During periods of elevated ozone levels, PM{sub 10} monitoring data for 1995--1996 shows the influence of both local and long-range transport contributions. During periods of elevated ozone levels, PM{sub 10} concentrations were also relatively high. Co-located PM{sub 10} and PM{sub 2.5} monitors at one site shows that PM{sub 2.5} was approximately 80% of the PM{sub 10} concentrations during episodes of fine particulate and ozone (smog). The acquisition of real-time PM{sub 10}/PM{sub 2.5} data is currently being used to develop real-time forecasting techniques to augment the existing air quality advisory program and air quality index system in Ontario.
- OSTI ID:
- 351219
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-970677--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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