1
|
Liu Y, Xu X, Ji D, He J, Wang Y. Examining trends and variability of PM 2.5-associated organic and elemental carbon in the megacity of Beijing, China: Insight from decadal continuous in-situ hourly observations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 938:173331. [PMID: 38777070 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) play pivotal roles in impacting human health, air quality, and climate change dynamics. Long-term monitoring datasets of OC and EC in PM2.5 are indispensable for comprehending their temporal variations, spatial distribution, evolutionary patterns, and trends, as well as for assessing the effectiveness of clean air action plans. This study presents and scrutinizes a comprehensive 10-year hourly dataset of PM2.5-bound OC and EC in the megacity of Beijing, China, spanning from 2013 to 2022. Throughout the entire study period, the average concentrations of OC and EC were recorded at 8.8 ± 8.7 and 2.5 ± 3.0 μg/m3, respectively. Employing the seasonal and trend decomposition methodology, specifically the locally estimated scatter plot smoothing method combined with generalized least squares with the autoregressive moving average method, the study observed a significant decline in OC and EC concentrations, reducing by 5.8 % yr-1 and 9.9 % yr-1 at rates of 0.8 and 0.4 μg/m3 yr-1, respectively. These declining trends were consistently verified using Theil-Sen method. Notably, the winter months exhibited the most substantial declining trends, with rates of 9.3 % yr-1 for OC and 10.9 % yr-1 for EC, aligning with the positive impact of the implemented clean air action plan. Weekend spikes in OC and EC levels were attributed to factors such as traffic regulations and residential emissions. Diurnal variations showcased higher concentrations during nighttime and lower levels during daytime. Although meteorological factors demonstrated an overall positive impact with average reduction in OC and EC concentrations by 8.3 % and 8.7 %, clean air action plans including the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan (2013-2017) and the Three-Year Action Plan to Win the Blue Sky War (2018-2020) have more contributions in reducing the OC and EC concentrations with mass drop rates of 87.1 % and 89.2 % and 76.7 % and 96.7 %, respectively. Utilizing the non-parametric wind regression method, significant concentration hotspots were identified at wind speeds of ≤2 m/s, with diffuse signals recorded in the southwestern wind sectors at wind speeds of approximately 4-5 m/s. Interannual disparities in potential source regions of OC and EC were evident, with high potential source areas observed in the southern and northwestern provinces of Beijing from 2013 to 2018. In contrast, during 2019-2022, potential source areas with relatively high values of potential source contribution function were predominantly situated in the southern regions of Beijing. This analysis, grounded in observational data, provides insights into the decadal changes in the major atmospheric composition of PM2.5 and facilitates the evaluation of the efficacy of control policies, particularly relevant for developing countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Boundary Layer Physics and Atmospheric Chemistry, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Atmosphere Sub-Center of Chinese Ecosystem Research Network, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xiaojuan Xu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Atmosphere Sub-Center of Chinese Ecosystem Research Network, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Dongsheng Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Boundary Layer Physics and Atmospheric Chemistry, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Atmosphere Sub-Center of Chinese Ecosystem Research Network, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Jun He
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo 315100, China; Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation Institute, Ningbo 315100, China
| | - Yuesi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Boundary Layer Physics and Atmospheric Chemistry, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Atmosphere Sub-Center of Chinese Ecosystem Research Network, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100191, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lindberg J, Wurth M, Frank BP, Tang S, LaDuke G, Trojanowski R, Butcher T, Mahajan D. Realistic operation of two residential cordwood-fired outdoor hydronic heater appliances-Part 3: Optical properties of black and brown carbon emissions. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2022; 72:777-790. [PMID: 35775659 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2022.2051776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Residential biomass combustion is a source of carbonaceous aerosol. Inefficient combustion, particularly of solid fuels produces large quantities of black and brown carbon (BC and BrC). These particle types are important as they have noted effects on climate forcing and human health. One method of measuring these quantities is by measurement of aerosol light-absorption and scattering, which can be performed using an aethalometer and nephelometer, respectively. These instruments are widely deployed in the study of ambient air and are frequently used in air quality modeling and source apportionment studies. In this study, we will describe (1) a method for measuring primary BC and BrC emissions from two residential log-fired wood hydronic heaters and (2) the BC and BrC emission from these devices over a wide range of operating conditions, such as cold-starts, warm-starts, four different levels of output ranging from 15% to 100% maximum rated output, and periods of repeated cycling. The range in flue-gas BC concentrations, measured using an aethalometer at the 880 nanometer (nm) wavelength, were between 5.09 × 102 and 2.24 × 104 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3) while the scattering coefficient of the flue-gas, measured by a nephelometer at 880 nm, ranged between 2.20 × 103 and 8.56 × 105 inverse megameters (Mm-1). The BrC concentrations, measured using the 370 nm wavelength of an aethalometer, were between 9.10 × 101 and 3.56 × 104 µg/m3. The calculated Angstrom Absorption Exponent (AAE) of the flue-gas aerosol ranged between 1.54 and 3.63. Performing a comparison between the measured BC concentration and an external particulate matter (PM) concentration showed that overall BC makes up roughly a quarter of the PM emitted by either of the two appliances. Further for both appliances, the cold-start and the test phase immediately following it had the highest BC and BrC concentrations, the highest measured scattering coefficient, as well as a low AAE.Implications: In this work we provide information on the black and brown carbon emissions from outdoor cordwood-fired hydronic heaters. Aethalometer based black carbon measurements are common in atmospheric science, but are uncommonly used in laboratory studies. This work helps to bridge that gap. This data helps to inform the work of modelers and policy makers interested in hydronic heaters and source apportioning biomass combustion emissions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jake Lindberg
- Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York, USA
- Brookhaven National Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Science Department, Energy Conversion Group, Upton, New York, USA
| | - Marilyn Wurth
- York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Air Resources, Bureau of Mobile Sources & Technology Development, Emissions Measurement Research GroupNew, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Brian P Frank
- York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Air Resources, Bureau of Mobile Sources & Technology Development, Emissions Measurement Research GroupNew, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Shida Tang
- York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Air Resources, Bureau of Mobile Sources & Technology Development, Emissions Measurement Research GroupNew, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Gil LaDuke
- York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Air Resources, Bureau of Mobile Sources & Technology Development, Emissions Measurement Research GroupNew, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Rebecca Trojanowski
- Brookhaven National Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Science Department, Energy Conversion Group, Upton, New York, USA
- Department of Earth and Environmental Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Thomas Butcher
- Brookhaven National Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Science Department, Energy Conversion Group, Upton, New York, USA
| | - Devinder Mahajan
- Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Marin A, Rector L, Morin B, Allen G. Residential wood heating: An overview of U.S. impacts and regulations. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2022; 72:619-628. [PMID: 35775654 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2022.2050442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution from residential wood heating poses a significant public health risk and is a primary cause of PM nonattainment in some areas of the United States. Those emissions also play a role in regional haze and climate change. While regulatory programs have focused on emissions reductions from large facilities, the residential heating sector has received limited attention. The failure to develop effective programs to address this emission source hampers the ability of state and local air quality programs to meet clean air goals. An updated New Source Performance Standard (NSPS) for Residential Wood Heaters was promulgated in 2015, which includes more stringent emissions standards for wood stoves and broadens its scope to regulate additional types of wood heating appliances. However, weaknesses in the test methods and programs used to certify compliance with the NSPS limits hamper the efficacy of those requirements. Current emissions certification tests measure stove performance under defined laboratory conditions that (1) do not adequately reflect operation and performance of appliances in homes, (2) are not sufficiently repeatable to allow for comparison of emissions of different appliances, and (3) allow manufacturers leeway to modify critical test fueling and operating parameters which can significantly impact performance outcomes. These foundational regulatory issues present substantial challenges to promoting the cleanest and most efficient wood heating systems. This paper provides an overview of the air quality and public health impacts of residential wood heating and discusses the weaknesses in the current emission certification approaches and work by the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM) and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to develop improved testing methods. Other articles in this issue discuss the development and testing of those methods in detail.Implications: Air pollution from residential wood heating poses a significant public health risk and is a primary cause of PM nonattainment in some areas of the United States. Those emissions also play a role in regional haze and climate change. While regulatory programs have focused on emissions reductions from large facilities, the residential heating sector has received limited attention. The failure to develop effective programs to address this emission source hampers the ability of state and local air quality programs to meet clean air goals. This paper provides an overview of the issue.
Collapse
|
4
|
Shukla K, Seppanen C, Naess B, Chang C, Cooley D, Maier A, Divita F, Pitiranggon M, Johnson S, Ito K, Arunachalam S. ZIP Code-Level Estimation of Air Quality and Health Risk Due to Particulate Matter Pollution in New York City. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:7119-7130. [PMID: 35475336 PMCID: PMC9178920 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c07325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to PM2.5 is associated with hundreds of premature mortalities every year in New York City (NYC). Current air quality and health impact assessment tools provide county-wide estimates but are inadequate for assessing health benefits at neighborhood scales, especially for evaluating policy options related to energy efficiency or climate goals. We developed a new ZIP Code-Level Air Pollution Policy Assessment (ZAPPA) tool for NYC by integrating two reduced form models─Community Air Quality Tools (C-TOOLS) and the Co-Benefits Risk Assessment Health Impacts Screening and Mapping Tool (COBRA)─that propagate emissions changes to estimate air pollution exposures and health benefits. ZAPPA leverages custom higher resolution inputs for emissions, health incidences, and population. It, then, enables rapid policy evaluation with localized ZIP code tabulation area (ZCTA)-level analysis of potential health and monetary benefits stemming from air quality management decisions. We evaluated the modeled 2016 PM2.5 values against observed values at EPA and NYCCAS monitors, finding good model performance (FAC2, 1; NMSE, 0.05). We, then, applied ZAPPA to assess PM2.5 reduction-related health benefits from five illustrative policy scenarios in NYC focused on (1) commercial cooking, (2) residential and commercial building fuel regulations, (3) fleet electrification, (4) congestion pricing in Manhattan, and (5) these four combined as a "citywide sustainable policy implementation" scenario. The citywide scenario estimates an average reduction in PM2.5 of 0.9 μg/m3. This change translates to avoiding 210-475 deaths, 340 asthma emergency department visits, and monetized health benefits worth $2B to $5B annually, with significant variation across NYC's 192 ZCTAs. ZCTA-level assessments can help prioritize interventions in neighborhoods that would see the most health benefits from air pollution reduction. ZAPPA can provide quantitative insights on health and monetary benefits for future sustainability policy development in NYC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Komal Shukla
- Institute
for the Environment, The University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel
Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Catherine Seppanen
- Institute
for the Environment, The University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel
Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Brian Naess
- Institute
for the Environment, The University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel
Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Charles Chang
- Institute
for the Environment, The University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel
Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - David Cooley
- Abt
Associates, Durham, North Carolina 27703, United States
| | - Andreas Maier
- Abt
Associates, Durham, North Carolina 27703, United States
| | - Frank Divita
- Abt
Associates, Durham, North Carolina 27703, United States
| | - Masha Pitiranggon
- New
York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of Environmental Surveillance and Policy, New York, New York 10013, United States
| | - Sarah Johnson
- New
York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of Environmental Surveillance and Policy, New York, New York 10013, United States
| | - Kazuhiko Ito
- New
York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of Environmental Surveillance and Policy, New York, New York 10013, United States
| | - Saravanan Arunachalam
- Institute
for the Environment, The University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel
Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
PM2.5 composition and disease aggravation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Environ Epidemiol 2022; 6:e204. [PMID: 35434459 PMCID: PMC9005248 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
|
6
|
Urban Air Chemistry in Changing Times. ATMOSPHERE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos13020327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Urban air chemistry is characterized by measurements of gas and aerosol composition. These measurements are interpreted from a long history for laboratory and theoretical studies integrating chemical processes with reactant (or emissions) sources, meteorology and air surface interaction. The knowledge of these latter elements and their changes have enabled chemists to quantitatively account for the averages and variability of chemical indicators. To date, the changes are consistent with dominating energy-related emissions for more than 50 years of gas phase photochemistry and associated reactions forming and evolving aerosols. Future changes are expected to continue focusing on energy resources and transportation in most cities. Extreme meteorological conditions combined with urban surface exchange are also likely to become increasingly important factors affecting atmospheric composition, accounting for the past leads to projecting future conditions. The potential evolution of urban air chemistry can be followed with three approaches using observations and chemical transport modeling. The first approach projects future changes using long term indicator data compared with the emission estimates. The second approach applies advanced measurement analysis of the ambient data. Examples include statistical modeling or evaluation derived from chemical mechanisms. The third method, verified with observations, employs a comparison of the deterministic models of chemistry, emission futures, urban meteorology and urban infrastructure changes for future insight.
Collapse
|