The Southeastern Aerosol Research and Characterization Study, Part 3: Continuous measurements of fine particulate matter mass and composition
- Atmospheric Research & Analysis, Inc., Cary, NC (United States)
Deployment of continuous analyzers in the Southeastern Aerosol Research and Characterization Study (SEARCH) network began in 1998 and continues today as new technologies are developed. Measurement of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) mass is performed using a dried, 30 {sup o}C tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOM). TEOM measurements are complemented by observations of light scattering by nephelometry. Measurements of major constituents include: (1) SO{sub 4}{sup 2-} via reduction to SO{sub 2}; (2) NH{sub 4}{sup +} and NO{sub 3}{sup -} via respective catalytic oxidation and reduction to NO, (3) black carbon (BC) by optical absorption,(4) total carbon by combustion to CO{sup 2}, and (5) organic carbon by difference between the latter two measurements. Several illustrative examples of continuous data from the SEARCH network are presented. A distinctive composite annual average diurnal pattern is observed for PM2.5 mass, nitrate, and BC, likely indicating the influence of traffic-related emissions, growth, and break up of the boundary layer and formation of ammonium nitrate. Examination of PM2.5 components indicates the need to better understand the continuous composition of the unmeasured 'other' category, because it contributes a significant fraction to total mass during periods of high PM2.5 loading. Selected episodes are presented to illustrate applications of SEARCH data. An SO{sub 2} conversion rate of 0.2%/hr is derived from an observation of a plume from a coal-fired power plant during early spring, and the importance of local, rural sources of NH{sub 3} to the formation of ammonium nitrate in particulate matter (PM) is demonstrated. 41 refs., 15 figs., 3 tabs.
- OSTI ID:
- 20813112
- Journal Information:
- Journal of the Air and Waste Management Association, Vol. 56, Issue 9; ISSN 1047-3289
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
USA
AEROSOLS
PARTICULATES
PARTICLE SIZE
COAL
FOSSIL-FUEL POWER PLANTS
AIR POLLUTION MONITORING
NITRATES
AMMONIUM NITRATES
SEASONAL VARIATIONS
AIR POLLUTION MONITORS
HOURLY VARIATIONS
FLORIDA
MASSACHUSETTS
GEORGIA
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ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY
QUANTITATIVE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
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CARBON
DAILY VARIATIONS
POLLUTION SOURCES
VEHICLES
GASOLINE