The investigation of potential wood smoke impact on air quality in a Melbourne suburb.
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Date
2007-09-13
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Clearn Air Society of Australian and New Zealand
Abstract
An air monitoring program was conducted during 2005 to measure the impact of wood smoke from solid fuel heaters in a Melbourne residential suburb where there is extensive use of solid fuel heaters. A number of air pollutants including fine and course particles, organic air toxics benzene, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen were monitored to determine the impact on air quality. Air quality was assessed by comparing the monitoring results to national and State air quality policy objectives and advisory reporting standards. Measured levels were also compared to other EPA air monitoring sites in Melbourne. The study found the main impact to air quality was caused by particles measured during April and May by coarse particles from surrounding soil and mainly by fine particles from wood smoke. Elevated fine particle levels were measured on nine days during June, highest concentration of 43 µg/m³ being measured. Multielemental analysis by Ion Beam Analysis was also undertaken to characterise the fine particles. Measured levels were also compared to other EPA air monitoring sites in Melbourne. The findings of this study are summarised in this paper.
Description
Keywords
Wood, Smokes, Australia, Air quality, Heaters, Solid fuels
Citation
Torre, P., Bydder, C., King, E., Zerbst, A., & Cohen, D. D. (2007). The investigation of potential wood smoke impact on air quality in a Melbourne suburb. Presentation to the 14th IUAPPA World Congress, 9th – 13th September 2007. Brisbane, Australia: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.