Browsing by Author "Hibberd, MF"

Now showing 1 - 14 of 14
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Lower Hunter particle characterisation study - chemical speciation and positive matrix factorisation factor concentration data set
    (Office of Environment and Heritage and Environment Protection Authority, 2016-04-01) Hibberd, MF; Keywood, MD; Selleck, PW; Cohen, DD; Stelcer, E; Scrogie, Y; Chang, L
    The Lower Hunter Particle Characterisation Study was commissioned by the NSW Environment Protection Authority in 2013 to investigate the composition and major sources of particle pollution in the Lower Hunter. The study was conducted by scientists from the former Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH), CSIRO and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), with oversight from the NSW Ministry of Health, and completed in 2016. Focusing on very small particles, invisible to the human eye, which can be inhaled and can pass through the throat and nose and into the lungs, the study aimed to determine the composition and major sources of fine particles (PM2.5) and coarse particles (PM2.5-10). Fine particles were monitored at four sites, including two sites representative of regional population exposures (Newcastle, Beresfield) and two sites near the Port of Newcastle (Mayfield and Stockton). Coarse particles were monitored at Mayfield and Stockton, the two sites near the Port of Newcastle.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Lower Hunter particle characterisation study 1st progress report
    (Office of Environment and Heritage and Environment Protection Authority, 2014-07) Hibberd, MF; Keywood, MD; Cohen, DD; Stelcer, E; Scorgie, Y; Thompson, S; Rivett, K
    The Lower Hunter Particle Characterisation Study was commissioned by the NSW Environment Protection Authority in 2013 to investigate the composition and major sources of particle pollution in the Lower Hunter. The study was conducted by scientists from the former Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH), CSIRO and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), with oversight from the NSW Ministry of Health, and completed in 2016. Focusing on very small particles, invisible to the human eye, which can be inhaled and can pass through the throat and nose and into the lungs, the study aimed to determine the composition and major sources of fine particles (PM2.5) and coarse particles (PM2.5-10). Fine particles were monitored at four sites, including two sites representative of regional population exposures (Newcastle, Beresfield) and two sites near the Port of Newcastle (Mayfield and Stockton). Coarse particles were monitored at Mayfield and Stockton, the two sites near the Port of Newcastle.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Lower Hunter particle characterisation study 2nd progress report (Winter)
    (Office of Environment and Heritage and Environment Protection Authority, 2014-10-01) Hibberd, MF; Keywood, MD; Cohen, DD; Stelcer, E; Scoprgie, Y; Thompson, S
    The Lower Hunter Particle Characterisation Study was commissioned by the NSW Environment Protection Authority in 2013 to investigate the composition and major sources of particle pollution in the Lower Hunter. The study was conducted by scientists from the former Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH), CSIRO and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), with oversight from the NSW Ministry of Health, and completed in 2016. Focusing on very small particles, invisible to the human eye, which can be inhaled and can pass through the throat and nose and into the lungs, the study aimed to determine the composition and major sources of fine particles (PM2.5) and coarse particles (PM2.5-10). Fine particles were monitored at four sites, including two sites representative of regional population exposures (Newcastle, Beresfield) and two sites near the Port of Newcastle (Mayfield and Stockton). Coarse particles were monitored at Mayfield and Stockton, the two sites near the Port of Newcastle.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Lower Hunter particle characterisation study 3rd progress report (Spring)
    (Office of Environment and Heritage and Environment Protection Authority, 2015-01-01) Hibberd, MF; Keywood, MD; Cohen, DD; Stelcer, E; Scorgie, Y; Thompson, S
    The Lower Hunter Particle Characterisation Study was commissioned by the NSW Environment Protection Authority in 2013 to investigate the composition and major sources of particle pollution in the Lower Hunter. The study was conducted by scientists from the former Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH), CSIRO and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), with oversight from the NSW Ministry of Health, and completed in 2016. Focusing on very small particles, invisible to the human eye, which can be inhaled and can pass through the throat and nose and into the lungs, the study aimed to determine the composition and major sources of fine particles (PM2.5) and coarse particles (PM2.5-10). Fine particles were monitored at four sites, including two sites representative of regional population exposures (Newcastle, Beresfield) and two sites near the Port of Newcastle (Mayfield and Stockton). Coarse particles were monitored at Mayfield and Stockton, the two sites near the Port of Newcastle. © 2015 CSIRO and Office of Environment and Heritage
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Lower Hunter particle characterisation study 4th progress report (Summer)
    (Office of Environment and Heritage and Environment Protection Authority, 2015-04) Hibberd, MF; Keywood, MD; Cohen, DD; Stelcer, E; Scrogie, Y; Thompson, S
    The Lower Hunter Particle Characterisation Study was commissioned by the NSW Environment Protection Authority in 2013 to investigate the composition and major sources of particle pollution in the Lower Hunter. The study was conducted by scientists from the former Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH), CSIRO and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), with oversight from the NSW Ministry of Health, and completed in 2016. Focusing on very small particles, invisible to the human eye, which can be inhaled and can pass through the throat and nose and into the lungs, the study aimed to determine the composition and major sources of fine particles (PM2.5) and coarse particles (PM2.5-10). Fine particles were monitored at four sites, including two sites representative of regional population exposures (Newcastle, Beresfield) and two sites near the Port of Newcastle (Mayfield and Stockton). Coarse particles were monitored at Mayfield and Stockton, the two sites near the Port of Newcastle.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Lower Hunter particle characterisation study appendices to the final report to the NSW Environment Protection Authority
    (Office of Environment and Heritage and Environment Protection Authority, 2016-04-01) Hibberd, MF; Keywood, MD; Selleck, PW; Cohen, DD; Stecler, E; Scorgie, Y; Chang, L
    The Lower Hunter Particle Characterisation Study was commissioned by the NSW Environment Protection Authority in 2013 to investigate the composition and major sources of particle pollution in the Lower Hunter. The study was conducted by scientists from the former Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH), CSIRO and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), with oversight from the NSW Ministry of Health, and completed in 2016. Focusing on very small particles, invisible to the human eye, which can be inhaled and can pass through the throat and nose and into the lungs, the study aimed to determine the composition and major sources of fine particles (PM2.5) and coarse particles (PM2.5-10). Fine particles were monitored at four sites, including two sites representative of regional population exposures (Newcastle, Beresfield) and two sites near the Port of Newcastle (Mayfield and Stockton). Coarse particles were monitored at Mayfield and Stockton, the two sites near the Port of Newcastle.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Lower Hunter particle characterisation study Final Report to the NSW Environment Protection Authority
    (Office of Environment and Heritage and Environment Protection Authority, 2016-04-01) Hibberd, MF; Keywood, MD; Selleck, PW; Cohen, DD; Stelcer, E; Scorgie, Y; Chang, L
    The Lower Hunter Particle Characterisation Study (LHPCS) provides details about the composition and major sources of PM2.5 (fine airborne particles)and PM2.5-10(coarse airborne particles). Measurements were made for one year from March 2014 to February 2015 at two air quality monitoring stations representative of regional population exposures (Newcastle and Beresfield) and two stations near the Port of Newcastle (Mayfield and Stockton). Annual average PM2.5 concentrations were very similar at Newcastle, Mayfield and Beresfield (6.4–6.7 μg m-3) but about 40% higher at Stockton (9.1 μg m-3). The higher levels at Stockton were mainly due to both more sea salt and to the primary ammonium nitrate, which was only detected at Stockton. The ammonium nitrate, which contributed on average 19% of the PM2.5 mass (and ~40% in winter), was identified as very likely to be due to primary emissions from Orica’s ammonium nitrate manufacturing facility on Kooragang Island. Other than the ammonium nitrate, PM2.5 composition and sources were found to be fairly similar across the four sites. Key results on the sources and their contributions are: fresh sea salt particles: 24% at Newcastle, decreasing to 13% at Beresfield; pollutant-aged sea salt: ~23% at all sites; this is sea salt reacted with industrial, commercial, road and non-road transport emissions from local and regional sources; wood smoke: 15% at Beresfield, decreasing to 6% at Stockton; secondary ammonium sulfate: ~10% at all sites; soil dust: ~10% at all sites; vehicles: ~10% at three sites, but only 5% at Stockton; industry factors: ~12% at three sites but 24% at Stockton; mixed shipping/industry: ~3% at all sites; nitrate: 19% ammonium nitrate at Stockton and secondary nitrate at other sites (6-11%). On an annual average basis, there is an approximately 50:50 split between primary and secondary particles at three sites (Newcastle, Beresfield and Mayfield) and a 65:35 split at Stockton because of the significant contribution from the primary ammonium nitrate. PM2.5-10 composition and sources were only determined at the stations near the Port of Newcastle. The 2½ times higher annual average PM2.5-10 concentration at Stockton (21.5 μg m-3) than at Mayfield (8.3 μg m-3) was found to be mainly due to a much higher contribution by fresh sea salt particles at Stockton. The PM2.5-10 factors and their contributions were identified as:  fresh sea salt: 13.6 μg m-3 at Stockton, 3.3 μg m-3 at Mayfield  industry plus pollutant-aged sea salt: 2.4 μg m-3 at both sites  light-absorbing carbon: 2.2 μg m-3 at Stockton, 0.9 μg m-3 at Mayfield  soil: 2.3 μg m-3 at Stockton, 1.2 μg m-3 at Mayfield  bioaerosol: 1.1 μg m-3 at Stockton, 0.5 μg m-3 at Mayfield. Most PM2.5-10 particles are primary particles or physical combinations of primary emissions, but there is evidence of chemical reactions in the pollutant-aged sea salt factor. Coal particles could contribute up to 10% of PM2.5-10 particles. Further investigations are needed to clarify the contribution of coal.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Preparation of pyrite concentrate powder from the Thackaringa mine for quantitative phase analysis using x-ray diffraction
    (International Union of Crystallography, 2022-12) McDougall, H; Hibberd, MF; Tong, A; Neville, SM; Peterson, VK; Didier, C
    The quantitative phase analysis using X-ray diffraction of pyrite ore concentrate samples extracted from the Thackaringa mine is problematic due to poor particle statistics, microabsorption and preferred orientation. The influence of sample preparation on these issues has been evaluated, with ball milling of the powder found most suitable for accurate and precise quantitative phase analysis. The milling duration and other aspects of sample preparation have been explored, resulting in accurate phase reflection intensities when particle sizes are below 5 µm. Quantitative phase analysis on those samples yielded precise phase fractions with standard deviations below 0.3 wt%. Some discrepancy between the elemental composition obtained using X-ray powder diffraction data and that determined using wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence was found, and is thought to arise from unaccounted for crystalline phase substitution and the possible presence of an amorphous phase. This study provides a methodology for the precise and accurate quantitative phase analysis of X-ray powder diffraction data of pyrite ore concentrate from the Thackaringa mine and a discussion of the limitations of the method. The optimization process reveals the importance of confirming reproducibility on new samples, with as much prior knowledge as possible. © International Union of Crystallography.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Sources of particulate matter in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia
    (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2019-12-18) Keywood, MD; Hibberd, MF; Selleck, PW; Desservattaz, M; Cohen, DD; Stelcer, E; Atanacio, AJ; Scorgie, Y; Chang, L
    Exposure to particulate matter results in adverse health outcomes, especially in sensitive members of the community. Many communities that co-exist with industry are concerned about the perceived impact of emissions from that industry on their health. Such concerns have resulted in two studies in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales, Australia. The chemical composition of samples of particulate matter, collected over two 12-month sampling periods (2012 and 2014–2015) at six sites in the Hunter Valley and across two size fractions (PM2.5 and PM2.5–10) were input to a receptor model to determine the source of particulate matter influencing particle composition at the sites. Fourteen factors were found to contribute to particle mass. Of these, three source profiles common to all sites, size fractions, and sampling periods were sea salt, industry-aged sea salt and soil. Four source profiles were common across all sites for PM2.5 including secondary sulphate, secondary nitrate, mixed industry/vehicles, and woodsmoke. One source profile (other biomass smoke) was only identified in PM2.5 at Singleton and Muswellbrook, two source profiles (mixed industry/shipping and vehicles) were only identified in PM2.5 at Newcastle, Beresfield, Mayfield, and Stockton, and one source (primary nitrate) was only identified at Stockton in PM2.5. Three sources (bioaerosol, light absorbing particles (coal dust), and industry) were only identified in the PM2.5–10 size fraction at Mayfield and Stockton. The contribution of the soil factor to PM2.5 mass was consistent across the sites, while the fresh sea salt factor decreased with distance from the coast from 23% at Stockton to 3% at Muswellbrook, and smoke increased with distance from the coast. Primary industry was greatest at Stockton (due to the influence of ammonium nitrate emitted from a prilling tower) and lowest inland at Muswellbrook. In general, primary emissions across the sites accounted for 30% of the industry sources. The largest contribution to PM2.5 was from secondary sources at all sites except at Muswellbrook, where woodsmoke and industry sources each made an equal contribution of 40%. In general, secondary reactions accounted for approximately 70% of the industry source, although at Stockton, with the presence of the prilling tower, this split was 50% primary and 50% secondary and at Muswellbrook, the split was 20% primary and 80% secondary. These findings add to the evidence base required to inform policies and programs that will improve air quality in the Hunter Valley. © 2019 by the Authors
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Testing atmospheric monitoring techniques for geological storage of CO2
    (Centre for Australian Weather and Climate Research, 2011-11-15) Etheridge, DM; Loh, ZM; Luhar, A; Leuning, R; Steele, LP; Allison, CE; Smith, AM; Hibberd, MF; Feitz, A; Berko, H
    The success of CO2 geological storage in mitigating climate change will depend on its ability to withhold large amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere over centuries or more. Atmospheric techniques have been used to monitor Australia’s first geosequestration project, the CO2CRC Otway Project, since its inception (Etheridge et al. 2011; Jenkins et al. 2011). These techniques have been developed to be sensitive (detecting small potential leakage signals against large and variable background CO2 concentrations and fluxes), specific (attributing variations to sources using chemical and isotopic fingerprints and dispersion modelling) and practical (continuous remote operation) (Leuning et al. 2008; Luhar et al. 2009). A recent stage of the Otway project involved periods of controlled releases of injected gas at the surface that could mimic leakage. This provided a test of the original atmospheric scheme, complemented by additional measurements of CO2 and CH4 concentrations and carbon isotopes of CO2. Based on the experience at Otway and recent results from the new Arcturus baseline atmospheric station in Queensland, this presentation will consider the potential merits of atmospheric techniques for monitoring greenhouse gas emissions from emerging energy technologies such as geosequestration and coal seam methane. © 2011 CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Upper Hunter Valley particle characterization study 2nd progress report
    (CSIRO Publishing, 2012-06-29) Hibberd, MF; Keywood, MD; Cohen, DD
    The objective of the Upper Hunter Valley Particle Characterization Study is to determine the major components and sources of particulate matter (as PM2.5 – particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) in the two main population centres in the Upper Hunter Valley, namely Singleton and Muswellbrook. This 2nd Progress Report presents an update on the project, some preliminary results, and a description of the CSIRO analysis technique.© 2012 CSIRO
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Upper Hunter Valley particle characterization study 3rd progress report
    (CSIRO Publishing, 2013-02-04) Hibberd, MF; Keywood, MD; Cohen, DD
    The objective of the Upper Hunter Valley Particle Characterization Study is to determine the major components and sources of particulate matter (as PM2.5 – particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) in the two main population centres in the Upper Hunter Valley, namely Singleton and Muswellbrook. This 3rd Progress Report presents an update on the project and some quality checks of the data.© 2013 CSIRO
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Upper Hunter Valley particle characterization study: 1st progress report – site commissioning and methodology
    (CSIRO Publishing, 2012-03-30) Hibberd, MF; Keywood, MD; Cohen, DD
    The objective of the Upper Hunter Valley Particle Characterization Study is to determine the major components and sources of particulate matter (as PM2.5 – particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) in the two main population centres in the Upper Hunter Valley, namely Singleton and Muswellbrook. This 1st Progress Report outlines the design of the project, the methodology, and the commissioning phase.© 2012 CSIRO
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Upper Hunter Valley particle characterization study: final report
    (CSIRO Publishing, 2013-09-17) Hibberd, MF; Selleck, PW; Keywood, MD; Cohen, DD; Stelcer, E; Atanacio, AJ
    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