Preliminary data analysis of real-time and daily PM10/PM2.5 monitoring networks in Ontario
- Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Etobicoke, Ontario (Canada)
Since June 1995, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment has installed a state-of-the-art continuous (inhalable and respirable) monitoring network of 23 real-time instruments across the province. This PM10/PM2.5 monitoring is intended to capture immediate changes to fine particulate levels in urban communities, near local industries, and in areas impacted by transboundary sources. It also complements the daily PM10 (six day cycle) network of 23 sites which was established in 1989. Preliminary results show the influence of both local and long-range transport contributions. During summertime episodic conditions, both fine particles and ozone were elevated and up to 80% of the fine particles were in the PM2.5 size fraction. PM10 levels from this continuous and daily network were also analyzed in terms of Ontario`s recently promulgated interim PM10 24-hour criterion of 50 {micro}g/m{sup 3}. The highest percentage of days on which PM10 exceeded the Ontario criterion in 1996 was approximately 11%, and this occurred in Hamilton, a city with significant iron and steel industries and fine particulate sources, and in an area subjected to trans-boundary impact. A significant number of days of PM10 exceedances (approximately 5%) was also noted in Windsor and London, locations strongly influenced by long-range transport and trans-boundary impact. This study also discusses how the monitored data from this network are being used in an assessment underway to revise the existing air quality index reporting system and air quality advisories in Ontario so as to include fine particles. This will allow smog advisories to be issued for both ground-level ozone and fine particles.
- OSTI ID:
- 361968
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-980632--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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