Analysis of PAMS data to evaluate reformulated gasoline effects
- Sonoma Technology, Inc., Santa Rosa, CA (United States)
The reformulation of motor vehicle fuel began in late 1992 in California and in early 1995 outside California. Under the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Mobile Sources sponsorship, the authors evaluated the use of Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Station (PAMS) data to provide some early confirmation of reformulated gasoline`s (RFG) ambient air quality benefits in a number of regions around the country. This paper describes the analysis used to: (a) determine if the PAMS measurements indicate real reductions in ambient concentrations of ozone precursors and toxics, rather than fluctuations and (b) determine to what extent these reductions in ambient concentrations can be linked to the implementation of the RFG program. The study on which the paper is based includes the following elements: (1) determine if the PAMS or other data are sufficient in quantity, quality, and scope to warrant further investigation at this time; (2) identify various ambient species and indicators which might reflect changes in fuel composition due to the introduction of RFG -- the ambient species and indicators might include specific species concentrations, species mass or mole fractions, and ratios of species concentrations; (3) if the data set is sufficient, determine if statistically significant differences can be detected using measurements collected before and after the introduction of RFG; and (4) evaluate the consistency among the results using various species, indicators, and auxiliary data sets, and using various analysis methods. Results of this investigation indicate that RFG is impacting ambient hydrocarbon levels.
- OSTI ID:
- 362005
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-980632--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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