Upper Hunter Valley particle characterization study: final report
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Date
2013-09-17
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
CSIRO Publishing
Abstract
This study provides an analysis of the composition of PM2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) in the two main population centres in the Upper Hunter, namely Muswellbrook and Singleton, during 012.The finer PM2.5 particles have been studied because they are of greatest concern owing to their impact on health.
Samples were collected for 24 hours every third day and analysed for the components of PM2.5, specifically twenty elements, fourteen soluble ions, two anhydrous sugars (levoglucosan and mannosan) that are found in woodsmoke, organic carbon (OC), and black carbon (BC), as well as gravimetric mass.
The chemical composition of all the samples from each site was analysed using a mathematical technique called Positive Matrix Factorisation (PMF), which is widely used in air pollution source apportionment studies. This identified eight factors (also called ‘fingerprints’) which represent the mix of components that
tend to vary together in time. Further analysis, using information about known sources and knowledge of atmospheric chemistry as well as wind sector and seasonal analysis, was undertaken to identify the most likely source of emissions for each factor and hence the contribution that each source makes to the
measured PM2.5 concentrations. © 2013 CSIRO
Description
Summary (factsheet) also attached.
Keywords
Particulates, Carbon, Atmospheric chemistry, Factorization, Air pollution, Emission
Citation
Hibberd, M., Selleck, P., Keywood, M., Cohen, D.D., Stelcer, E. & Atanacio, A.J., (2013). Upper Hunter Valley particle characterization study: final report. Sydney, NSW: CSIRO Marine & Atmospheric Research. Retrieved from https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/air/research/previous-research/upper-hunter-fine-particle-characterisation-study