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Rice RB, Boaggio K, Olson NE, Foley KM, Weaver CP, Sacks JD, McDow SR, Holder AL, LeDuc SD. Wildfires Increase Concentrations of Hazardous Air Pollutants in Downwind Communities. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:21235-21248. [PMID: 38051783 PMCID: PMC10862657 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c04153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Due in part to climate change, wildfire activity is increasing, with the potential for greater public health impact from smoke in downwind communities. Studies examining the health effects of wildfire smoke have focused primarily on fine particulate matter (PM2.5), but there is a need to better characterize other constituents, such as hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). HAPs are chemicals known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health effects that are regulated by the United States (US) Environmental Protection Agency. Here, we analyzed concentrations of 21 HAPs in wildfire smoke from 2006 to 2020 at 309 monitors across the western US. Additionally, we examined HAP concentrations measured in a major population center (San Jose, CA) affected by multiple fires from 2017 to 2020. We found that concentrations of select HAPs, namely acetaldehyde, acrolein, chloroform, formaldehyde, manganese, and tetrachloroethylene, were all significantly elevated on smoke-impacted versus nonsmoke days (P < 0.05). The largest median increase on smoke-impacted days was observed for formaldehyde, 1.3 μg/m3 (43%) higher than that on nonsmoke days. Acetaldehyde increased 0.73 μg/m3 (36%), and acrolein increased 0.14 μg/m3 (34%). By better characterizing these chemicals in wildfire smoke, we anticipate that this research will aid efforts to reduce exposures in downwind communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Byron Rice
- US EPA, Office of Research and Development, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Katie Boaggio
- US EPA, Office of Air and Radiation, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Nicole E Olson
- US EPA, Office of Research and Development, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Kristen M Foley
- US EPA, Office of Research and Development, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Christopher P Weaver
- US EPA, Office of Research and Development, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Jason D Sacks
- US EPA, Office of Research and Development, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Stephen R McDow
- US EPA, Office of Research and Development, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Amara L Holder
- US EPA, Office of Research and Development, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Stephen D LeDuc
- US EPA, Office of Research and Development, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
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Rawat P, Sharma B, Dey S, Rana A, Mukherjee A, Polana AJ, Mao J, Jia S, Yadav AK, Khillare PS, Sarkar S. Are fireworks a significant episodic source of brown carbon? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:40252-40261. [PMID: 35404032 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20183-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We hypothesize that firework events involving the combustion of charcoal fuel, organic binders, metal salts, and cellulose-based wrapping material could be significant transient sources of aerosol brown carbon (BrC). To test this, we couple high time-resolution (1 min) measurements of black carbon (BC) and BrC absorption from a 7-wavelength aethalometer with time-integrated (12-24 h) measurements of filter extracts, i.e., UV-visible, fluorescence, and Fourier-transformed infrared (FT-IR) signatures of BrC, total and water-soluble organic carbon (OC and WSOC), ionic species, and firework tracer metals during a sampling campaign covering the Diwali fireworks episode in India. In sharp contrast to BC, BrC absorption shows a distinct and considerable rise of 2-4 times during the Diwali period, especially during the hours of peak firework activity, as compared to the background. Fluorescence profiles suggest enrichment of humic-like substances (HULIS) in the firework plume, while the enhancement of BrC absorption in the 400-500 nm range suggests the presence of nitroaromatic compounds (NACs). Considerable contributions of WSOC and secondary organics to OC (44.1% and 31.2%, respectively) and of the water-soluble fraction of BrC to total BrC absorption (71.0%) during the Diwali period point toward an atmospherically processed, polar signature of firework-related BrC, which is further confirmed by FT-IR profiles. This aqueous BrC exerts a short-lived but strong effect on atmospheric forcing (12.0% vis-à-vis BC in the UV spectrum), which could affect tropospheric chemistry via UV attenuation and lead to a stabilization of the post-Diwali atmosphere, resulting in enhanced pollutant build-up and exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Rawat
- Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata, Mohanpur, 741246, Nadia, India
- School of Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi, Kamand, Himachal Pradesh, 175075, India
| | - Bijay Sharma
- Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata, Mohanpur, 741246, Nadia, India
- School of Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi, Kamand, Himachal Pradesh, 175075, India
| | - Supriya Dey
- Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata, Mohanpur, 741246, Nadia, India
- School of Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi, Kamand, Himachal Pradesh, 175075, India
| | - Archita Rana
- Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata, Mohanpur, 741246, Nadia, India
| | - Arya Mukherjee
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata, Mohanpur, 741246, Nadia, India
| | - Anuraag J Polana
- Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata, Mohanpur, 741246, Nadia, India
| | - Jingying Mao
- Institute for Environmental and Climate Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiguo Jia
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Climate Change and Natural Disaster Studies, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Amit K Yadav
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Pandit S Khillare
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Sayantan Sarkar
- Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata, Mohanpur, 741246, Nadia, India.
- School of Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi, Kamand, Himachal Pradesh, 175075, India.
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Zhang L, Luo Z, Li Y, Chen Y, Du W, Li G, Cheng H, Shen G, Tao S. Optically Measured Black and Particulate Brown Carbon Emission Factors from Real-World Residential Combustion Predominantly Affected by Fuel Differences. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:169-178. [PMID: 33295176 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c04784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Residential solid fuel use is an important source of black carbon (BC) but also a main source of uncertainty in BC emission inventories, as reliable real-world emission factors (EFs) and data on consumption of noncommercial household fuels are limited. In this study, particulate BC and brown carbon (BrC) for real-world indoor coal and biomass burning were evaluated using a SootScan model OT21 optical transmissometer from a field campaign including 343 biomass/coal combustion events. The highest BC EF from the burning of coal cake (a mixed fuel locally made from coal and clay) was 1.6-6.4 higher than that of other fuels, and BC EFs were higher for coal combustion than for biomass burning. The highest particulate BrC EF was from charcoal burning and was 1.5-4.3 times higher than that from other biomass and coals. Burning fuel in iron stoves had lower BC and BrC EFs, at approximately 15-66% and 40-54%, respectively, compared with burning in other stove types. The difference between heating and cooking activities was statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). A generalized linear model coupled with dominance analysis evidenced that the EFs were significantly associated with fuel and stove types, with the fuel difference being a major influencing factor explaining 68% of the variation. This suggests that a clean fuel transition would have beneficial impacts on air pollution associated with the residential sector in China. The absorption EFs differed by 2-3 orders of magnitude across different fuel-stove combinations. The Absorption Ångström Exponent values for the particulate from residential solid fuel combustions ranged from 0.92 to 3.7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhang
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zhihan Luo
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yaojie Li
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yuanchen Chen
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Wei Du
- Laboratory of Geographic Information Science, School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Gang Li
- School of Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Hefa Cheng
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Guofeng Shen
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Shu Tao
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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Jaffe DA, O’Neill SM, Larkin NK, Holder AL, Peterson DL, Halofsky JE, Rappold AG. Wildfire and prescribed burning impacts on air quality in the United States. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2020; 70:583-615. [PMID: 32240055 PMCID: PMC7932990 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2020.1749731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Air quality impacts from wildfires have been dramatic in recent years, with millions of people exposed to elevated and sometimes hazardous fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) concentrations for extended periods. Fires emit particulate matter (PM) and gaseous compounds that can negatively impact human health and reduce visibility. While the overall trend in U.S. air quality has been improving for decades, largely due to implementation of the Clean Air Act, seasonal wildfires threaten to undo this in some regions of the United States. Our understanding of the health effects of smoke is growing with regard to respiratory and cardiovascular consequences and mortality. The costs of these health outcomes can exceed the billions already spent on wildfire suppression. In this critical review, we examine each of the processes that influence wildland fires and the effects of fires, including the natural role of wildland fire, forest management, ignitions, emissions, transport, chemistry, and human health impacts. We highlight key data gaps and examine the complexity and scope and scale of fire occurrence, estimated emissions, and resulting effects on regional air quality across the United States. The goal is to clarify which areas are well understood and which need more study. We conclude with a set of recommendations for future research. IMPLICATIONS In the recent decade the area of wildfires in the United States has increased dramatically and the resulting smoke has exposed millions of people to unhealthy air quality. In this critical review we examine the key factors and impacts from fires including natural role of wildland fire, forest management, ignitions, emissions, transport, chemistry and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A. Jaffe
- School of STEM and Department of Atmospheric Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Amara L. Holder
- Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - David L. Peterson
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington Seattle, Seattle WA, USA
| | - Jessica E. Halofsky
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington Seattle, Seattle WA, USA
| | - Ana G. Rappold
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Lab, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Wang Y, Hu M, Lin P, Tan T, Li M, Xu N, Zheng J, Du Z, Qin Y, Wu Y, Lu S, Song Y, Wu Z, Guo S, Zeng L, Huang X, He L. Enhancement in Particulate Organic Nitrogen and Light Absorption of Humic-Like Substances over Tibetan Plateau Due to Long-Range Transported Biomass Burning Emissions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:14222-14232. [PMID: 31722173 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b06152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
To elucidate the influence of long-range transported biomass burning organic aerosols (BBOA) on the Tibetan Plateau, the molecular compositions and light absorption of HUmic-Like Substances (HULIS), major fractions of brown carbon, were characterized during the premonsoon season. Under the significant influence of biomass burning, HULIS concentrations increased to as high as 26 times of the background levels, accounting for 54% of water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) and 50% of organic carbon (OC). The light absorption of HULIS also enhanced up to 42 times of the background levels, contributing 61% of the WSOC absorption and 50% of OC absorption. Meanwhile, elevated nitrogen-containing compounds (NOCs) among HULIS were observed. The NOCs from fresh and aged BBOA were unambiguously identified on the molecular level, through comparing with the molecular compositions of NOCs from lab-controlled and field burning experiments. N-Heterocyclic bases represent major fractions in the reduced nitrogen compounds from fresh BBOA, and nitroaromatic compounds are important groups among the oxidized nitrogen compounds from aged BBOA. The nitrogen-containing compounds, including nitroaromatics and N-heterocyclic compounds, were also important chromophores, which contributed to the enhanced light absorption of extracted HULIS during biomass burning-influenced periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujue Wang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering , Peking University , Beijing 100871 , China
| | - Min Hu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering , Peking University , Beijing 100871 , China
- Beijing Innovation Center for Engineering Sciences and Advanced Technology , Peking University , Beijing 100871 , China
| | - Peng Lin
- Department of Chemistry , Purdue University , West Lafayette , Indiana 47907 , United States
| | - Tianyi Tan
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering , Peking University , Beijing 100871 , China
| | - Mengren Li
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering , Peking University , Beijing 100871 , China
| | - Nan Xu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering , Peking University , Beijing 100871 , China
| | - Jing Zheng
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering , Peking University , Beijing 100871 , China
| | - Zhuofei Du
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering , Peking University , Beijing 100871 , China
| | - Yanhong Qin
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering , Peking University , Beijing 100871 , China
| | - Yusheng Wu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering , Peking University , Beijing 100871 , China
| | - Sihua Lu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering , Peking University , Beijing 100871 , China
| | - Yu Song
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering , Peking University , Beijing 100871 , China
| | - Zhijun Wu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering , Peking University , Beijing 100871 , China
| | - Song Guo
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering , Peking University , Beijing 100871 , China
| | - Liwu Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Urban Habitat Environmental Science and Technology, School of Environment and Energy , Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School , Shenzhen 518055 , China
| | - Xiaofeng Huang
- Key Laboratory for Urban Habitat Environmental Science and Technology, School of Environment and Energy , Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School , Shenzhen 518055 , China
| | - Lingyan He
- Key Laboratory for Urban Habitat Environmental Science and Technology, School of Environment and Energy , Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School , Shenzhen 518055 , China
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6
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A Multipollutant Smoke Emissions Sensing and Sampling Instrument Package for Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Development and Testing. FIRE-SWITZERLAND 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/fire2020032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Poor air quality arising from prescribed and wildfire smoke emissions poses threats to human health and therefore must be taken into account for the planning and implementation of prescribed burns for reducing contemporary fuel loading and other management goals. To better understand how smoke properties vary as a function of fuel beds and environmental conditions, we developed and tested a compact portable instrument package that integrates direct air sampling with air quality and meteorology sensing, suitable for in situ data collection within burn units and as a payload on multi-rotor small unmanned aircraft systems (sUASs). Co-located sensors collect carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter data at a sampling rate of ~0.5 Hz with a microcontroller-based system that includes independent data logging, power systems, radio telemetry, and global positioning system data. Sensor data facilitates precise remote canister collection of air samples suitable for laboratory analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other major and trace gases. Instrument package specifications are compatible with common protocols for ground-based and airborne measurements. We present and discuss design specifications for the system and preliminary data collected in controlled burns at Tall Timbers Research Station, FL, USA and Sycan Marsh Preserve, OR, USA.
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7
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Xie M, Chen X, Hays MD, Holder AL. Composition and light absorption of N-containing aromatic compounds in organic aerosols from laboratory biomass burning. ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS 2019; 19:2899-2915. [PMID: 31501655 PMCID: PMC6733279 DOI: 10.5194/acp-19-2899-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
This study seeks to understand the compositional details of N-containing aromatic compounds (NACs) emitted during biomass burning (BB) and their contribution to light-absorbing organic carbon (OC), also termed brown carbon (BrC). Three laboratory BB experiments were conducted with two U.S. pine forest understory fuels typical of those consumed during prescribed fires. During the experiments, submicron aerosol particles were collected on filter media and subsequently extracted with methanol and examined for their optical and chemical properties. Significant correlations (p < 0.05) were observed between BrC absorption and elemental carbon (EC)/OC ratios for individual burns data. However, the pooled experimental data indicated that the BB BrC absorption depends on more than the BB fire conditions as represented by the EC/OC ratio. Fourteen NAC formulas were identified in the BB samples, most of which were also observed in simulated secondary organic aerosol (SOA) from photo-oxidation of aromatic VOCs with NOX. However, the molecular structures associated with the identical NAC formula from BB and SOA are different. In this work, the identified NACs from BB are featured by methoxy and cyanate groups, and are predominately generated during the flaming phase. The mass concentrations of identified NACs were quantified using authentic and surrogate standards, and their contributions to bulk light absorption of solvent extractable OC were also calculated. The contributions of identified NACs to organic matter (OM) and BrC absorption were significantly higher in flaming-phase samples than those in smoldering-phase samples, and correlated with EC/OC ratio (p < 0.05) for both individual burns and pooled experimental data, indicating that the formation of NACs from BB largely depends on burn conditions. The average contributions of identified NACs to overall BrC absorption at 365 nm ranged from 0.087 ± 0.024 to 1.22 ± 0.54%, 3 - 10 times higher than their mass contributions to OM (0.023 ± 0.0089 to 0.18 ± 0.067%), so the NACs with light absorption identified in this work from BB are likely strong BrC chromophores. Further studies are warranted to identify more light-absorbing compounds to explain the unknown fraction (> 98%) of BB BrC absorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjie Xie
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, 219 Ningliu Road, Nanjing 210044, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Pak, NC 27711, USA
- National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Pak, NC 27711, USA
- Correspondence to: Mingjie Xie, ; ; Tel: +86-18851903788;, Fax: +86-25-58731051, Mailing address: 219 Ningliu Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210044, China
| | - Xi Chen
- National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Pak, NC 27711, USA
| | - Michael D. Hays
- National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Pak, NC 27711, USA
| | - Amara L. Holder
- National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Pak, NC 27711, USA
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8
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Zhou L, Baker KR, Napelenok SL, Pouliot G, Elleman R, O'Neill SM, Urbanski SP, Wong DC. Modeling crop residue burning experiments to evaluate smoke emissions and plume transport. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 627:523-533. [PMID: 29426175 PMCID: PMC5955395 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.01.237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Crop residue burning is a common land management practice that results in emissions of a variety of pollutants with negative health impacts. Modeling systems are used to estimate air quality impacts of crop residue burning to support retrospective regulatory assessments and also for forecasting purposes. Ground and airborne measurements from a recent field experiment in the Pacific Northwest focused on cropland residue burning was used to evaluate model performance in capturing surface and aloft impacts from the burning events. The Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model was used to simulate multiple crop residue burns with 2 km grid spacing using field-specific information and also more general assumptions traditionally used to support National Emission Inventory based assessments. Field study specific information, which includes area burned, fuel consumption, and combustion completeness, resulted in increased biomass consumption by 123 tons (60% increase) on average compared to consumption estimated with default methods in the National Emission Inventory (NEI) process. Buoyancy heat flux, a key parameter for model predicted fire plume rise, estimated from fuel loading obtained from field measurements can be 30% to 200% more than when estimated using default field information. The increased buoyancy heat flux resulted in higher plume rise by 30% to 80%. This evaluation indicates that the regulatory air quality modeling system can replicate intensity and transport (horizontal and vertical) features for crop residue burning in this region when region-specific information is used to inform emissions and plume rise calculations. Further, previous vertical emissions allocation treatment of putting all cropland residue burning in the surface layer does not compare well with measured plume structure and these types of burns should be modeled more similarly to prescribed fires such that plume rise is based on an estimate of buoyancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luxi Zhou
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States; National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine, Washington, DC 20001, United States.
| | - Kirk R Baker
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States
| | - Sergey L Napelenok
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States
| | - George Pouliot
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States
| | - Robert Elleman
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
| | - Susan M O'Neill
- U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, Seattle, WA 98103, United States
| | - Shawn P Urbanski
- U.S. Forest Service, Fire Sciences Laboratory, Missoula, MT 59808, United States
| | - David C Wong
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States
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9
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Thermochemical Properties of PM2.5 as Indicator of Combustion Phase of Fires. ATMOSPHERE 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos9060230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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10
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Noestheden M, Dennis EG, Zandberg WF. Quantitating Volatile Phenols in Cabernet Franc Berries and Wine after On-Vine Exposure to Smoke from a Simulated Forest Fire. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2018; 66:695-703. [PMID: 29244496 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.7b04946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Smoke-taint is a wine defect linked to organoleptic volatile phenols (VPs) in Vitis vinifera L. berries that have been exposed to smoke from wildland fires. Herein, the levels of smoke-taint-associated VPs are reported in Cabernet Franc berries from veraison to commercial maturity and in wine after primary fermentation following on-vine exposure to simulated wildland fire smoke. VPs increased after smoke exposure were rapidly stored as acid-labile conjugates, and the levels of both free VPs and conjugated forms remained constant through ripening to commercial maturity. An increase in total VPs after primary fermentation suggested the existence of VP-conjugates other than the acid-labile VP-glycosides already reported. This conclusion was supported with base hydrolysis on the same samples. Relative to published results, the data suggested a multifactorial regional identity for smoke-taint and they inform efforts to produce a predictive model for perceptible smoke-taint in wine based on the chemical composition of smoke-exposed berries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Noestheden
- University of British Columbia Okanagan , Kelowna, British Columbia V1V 1V7, Canada
- Supra Research & Development , Kelowna, British Columbia V1W 4C2, Canada
| | - Eric G Dennis
- University of British Columbia Okanagan , Kelowna, British Columbia V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Wesley F Zandberg
- University of British Columbia Okanagan , Kelowna, British Columbia V1V 1V7, Canada
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11
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Dominguez T, Aurell J, Gullett B, Eninger R, Yamamoto D. Characterizing emissions from open burning of military food waste and ration packaging compositions. JOURNAL OF MATERIAL CYCLES AND WASTE MANAGEMENT 2018; 20:902-913. [PMID: 32803193 PMCID: PMC7425625 DOI: 10.1007/s10163-017-0652-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Emissions from open burning of military food waste and ration packaging compositions were characterized in response to health concerns from open burning disposal of waste, such as at military forward operating bases. Emissions from current and prototype Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MREs), and material options for their associated fiberboard packaging were quantified to assess contributions of the individual components. MREs account for 67-100% of the particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and -furans (PCDDs/PCDFs) emissions when burned in unison with the current fiberboard container and liner. The majority of the particles emitted from these burns are of median diameter 2.5 μm (PM2.5). Metal emission factors were similar regardless of waste composition. Measurements of VOCs and PAHs indicate that targeted replacement of MRE components may be more effective in reducing emissions than variation of fiberboard-packaging types. Despite MRE composition variation, equivalent emission factors for PM, PAH, VOC, and PCDD/PCDF were seen. Similarly, for fiberboard packaging, composition variations exhibited essentially equivalent PM, PAH, VOC, and PCDD/PCDF emission factors amongst themselves. This study demonstrated a composition-specific analysis of waste burn emissions, assessing the impact of waste component substitution using military rations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Dominguez
- Department of Systems Engineering and Management, U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology, 2950 Hobson Way, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, 45433, USA
| | - Johanna Aurell
- Energy Technology and Materials Division, University of Dayton Research Institute, 300 College Park, Dayton, OH, 45469, USA
| | - Brian Gullett
- National Risk Management Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711, USA
| | - Robert Eninger
- Department of Systems Engineering and Management, U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology, 2950 Hobson Way, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, 45433, USA
| | - Dirk Yamamoto
- Department of Systems Engineering and Management, U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology, 2950 Hobson Way, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, 45433, USA
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12
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Light-absorbing organic carbon from prescribed and laboratory biomass burning and gasoline vehicle emissions. Sci Rep 2017; 7:7318. [PMID: 28779152 PMCID: PMC5544734 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06981-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Light-absorbing organic carbon (OC), also termed brown carbon (BrC), from laboratory-based biomass burning (BB) has been studied intensively to understand the contribution of BB to radiative forcing. However, relatively few measurements have been conducted on field-based BB and even fewer measurements have examined BrC from anthropogenic combustion sources like motor vehicle emissions. In this work, the light absorption of methanol-extractable OC from prescribed and laboratory BB and gasoline vehicle emissions was examined using spectrophotometry. The light absorption of methanol extracts showed a strong wavelength dependence for both BB and gasoline vehicle emissions. The mass absorption coefficients at 365 nm (MAC365, m2 g-1C) - used as a measurement proxy for BrC - were significantly correlated (p < 0.05) to the elemental carbon (EC)/OC ratios when examined by each BB fuel type. No significant correlation was observed when pooling fuels, indicating that both burn conditions and fuel types may impact BB BrC characteristics. The average MAC365 of gasoline vehicle emission samples is 0.62 ± 0.76 m2 g-1C, which is similar in magnitude to the BB samples (1.27 ± 0.76 m2 g-1C). These results suggest that in addition to BB, gasoline vehicle emissions may also be an important BrC source in urban areas.
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13
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Zhou X, Aurell J, Mitchell W, Tabor D, Gullett B. A small, lightweight multipollutant sensor system for ground-mobile and aerial emission sampling from open area sources. ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT (OXFORD, ENGLAND : 1994) 2017; 154:31-41. [PMID: 30416364 PMCID: PMC6223182 DOI: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2017.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Characterizing highly dynamic, transient, and vertically lofted emissions from open area sources poses unique measurement challenges. This study developed and applied a multipollutant sensor and time-integrated sampler system for use on mobile applications such as vehicles, tethered balloons (aerostats) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to determine emission factors. The system is particularly applicable to open area sources, such as forest fires, due to its light weight (3.5 kg), compact size (6.75 L), and internal power supply. The sensor system, termed "Kolibri", consists of sensors measuring CO2 and CO, and samplers for particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The Kolibri is controlled by a microcontroller which can record and transfer data in real time through a radio module. Selection of the sensors was based on laboratory testing for accuracy, response delay and recovery, cross-sensitivity, and precision. The Kolibri was compared against rack-mounted continuous emissions monitoring system (CEMs) and another mobile sampling instrument (the "Flyer") that has been used in over ten open area pollutant sampling events. Our results showed that the time series of CO, CO2, and PM2.5 concentrations measured by the Kolibri agreed well with those from the CEMs and the Flyer, with a laboratory- tested percentage error of 4.9%, 3%, and 5.8%, respectively. The VOC emission factors obtained using the Kolibri were consistent with existing literature values that relate concentration to combustion efficiency. The potential effect of rotor downwash on particle sampling was investigated in an indoor laboratory and the preliminary results suggested that its influence is minimal. Field application of the Kolibri sampling open detonation plumes indicated that the CO and CO2 sensors responded dynamically and their concentrations co-varied with emission transients. The Kolibri system can be applied to various challenging open area scenarios such as fires, lagoons, flares, and landfills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochi Zhou
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, 121 Hudson Hall, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Johanna Aurell
- University of Dayton Research Institute, 300 College Park, Dayton, OH 45469, USA
- Visiting scientist to the U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - William Mitchell
- U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Dennis Tabor
- U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Brian Gullett
- U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Durham, NC 27709, USA
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14
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Qi J, Li Q, Wu J, Jiang J, Miao Z, Li D. Biocoal Briquettes Combusted in a Household Cooking Stove: Improved Thermal Efficiencies and Reduced Pollutant Emissions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:1886-1892. [PMID: 28036164 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b03411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Clean fuels are urgently needed to reduce household cooking emissions. The thermal efficiencies (ηth) and pollutant emission factors (EFs) of biocoal briquettes (made from a mixture of biomass and coal powder) burned in a typical cooking stove were investigated and compared with those of coal briquettes and biomass briquettes. Biocoal briquette samples were obtained by molding blends of anthracite with 10-30 wt % crop straw of various types (maize straw, wheat straw, or rice straw). The optimum proportions for energy savings and PM2.5 EF reduction were found to be 15-20 wt %. Compared with the ηth of coal briquettes and biomass briquettes, the ηth of biocoal briquettes increased by 81-127% and 88-179%, respectively, with the optimum addition ratios of crop straw, while the delivered energy-based PM2.5 EFs of the biocoal briquettes were reduced by 61-67% and 99.0-99.5%, respectively. Delivered energy-based EFs of NOX, SO2, and toxic elements (As, Se, and Pb) also showed a significant reduction. These results indicated that biocoal briquettes can serve as a promising substitute for domestic solid fuel to reduce pollutant emissions and save energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Qi
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, China University of Mining and Technology , Xuzhou, 221116, China
| | - Qing Li
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University , Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Jianjun Wu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, China University of Mining and Technology , Xuzhou, 221116, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Coal Preparation and Purification, China University of Mining and Technology , Xuzhou, 221116, China
| | - Jingkun Jiang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University , Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Zhenyong Miao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, China University of Mining and Technology , Xuzhou, 221116, China
| | - Duosong Li
- School of Environment and Surveying and Mapping, China University of Mining and Technology , Xuzhou, 221116, China
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15
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Cagnetta G, Hassan MM, Huang J, Yu G, Weber R. Dioxins reformation and destruction in secondary copper smelting fly ash under ball milling. Sci Rep 2016; 6:22925. [PMID: 26975802 PMCID: PMC4791656 DOI: 10.1038/srep22925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Secondary copper recovery is attracting increasing interest because of the growth of copper containing waste including e-waste. The pyrometallurgical treatment in smelters is widely utilized, but it is known to produce waste fluxes containing a number of toxic pollutants due to the large amount of copper involved, which catalyses the formation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (“dioxins”). Dioxins are generated in secondary copper smelters on fly ash as their major source, resulting in highly contaminated residues. In order to assess the toxicity of this waste, an analysis of dioxin-like compounds was carried out. High levels were detected (79,090 ng TEQ kg−1) in the ash, above the Basel Convention low POPs content (15,000 ng TEQ kg−1) highlighting the hazardousness of this waste. Experimental tests of high energy ball milling with calcium oxide and silica were executed to assess its effectiveness to detoxify such fly ash. Mechanochemical treatment obtained 76% dioxins reduction in 4 h, but longer milling time induced a partial de novo formation of dioxins catalysed by copper. Nevertheless, after 12 h treatment the dioxin content was substantially decreased (85% reduction) and the copper, thanks to the phenomena of incorporation and amorphization that occur during milling, was almost inactivated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Cagnetta
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control (SKJLESPC), Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Organic Contaminants Control (BKLEOCC), School of Environment, POPs Research Center, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Mohammed Mansour Hassan
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control (SKJLESPC), Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Organic Contaminants Control (BKLEOCC), School of Environment, POPs Research Center, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Jun Huang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control (SKJLESPC), Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Organic Contaminants Control (BKLEOCC), School of Environment, POPs Research Center, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Gang Yu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control (SKJLESPC), Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Organic Contaminants Control (BKLEOCC), School of Environment, POPs Research Center, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Roland Weber
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control (SKJLESPC), Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Organic Contaminants Control (BKLEOCC), School of Environment, POPs Research Center, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China.,POPs Environmental Consulting, Lindenfirststrasse 23, 73527 Schwaebisch Gmuend, Germany
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