Influential Receptors in Targetted Emission Control Strategies

Emission abatement strategies which are targeted on environmental goals may provide cost-effective alternatives to flat-rate, source-oriented policies. It is not a trivial matter, however, to develop targeted strategies. Such strategies may require the numerical optimization involving large numbers of variables and constraints. These problems demand large computer resources. Moreover, the optimization process itself is likely to be obscure for all but the most technically competent decision-makers. In this paper, several techniques are presented which identify the receptors locations which influence the outcome of targeted emission abatement strategies. As only such "influential" receptors are needed in optimization problems, their identification may permit a dramatic reduction in the computational burden. These receptors also allow a more direct interpretation of the optimization problem. After developing these filters, influential receptors are identified for several policies related to the reduction of sulfur deposition in Europe

Estimating pollutant exposures from coal fired power plants in a rural region

A critical issue in epidemiological studies of ambient air pollution is the measurement of pollutant exposure in the study population. Accurate characterization of air quality is necessary in any study relating exposure to health effects, and is essential in attempting to quantify risk estimates for specific exposure concentrations. Despite the importance of accurate air quality data, most epidemiological investigations have used relatively crude estimates of pollutant exposure. Results from such investigations may be only qualitative at best.Early studies of air pollution health effects were limited by a lack of air pollution monitoring sites, and thus, exposures were often based on surrogate measures such as tons of coal consumed. With the introduction of reliable and reasonably accurate measurements of pollutant concentrations, several important constraints remained. These limitations include the relatively sparse siting of monitor sites and the variable relationship of monitor concentrations to the exposure experience of the study population. Other considerations in using monitor data include the selection of the pollutant specie(s), the duration of the sampling period, the use of short-term versus long-term averages, peak versus mean concentrations and the cyclical variation in pollutant levels.The Chestnut Ridge region of Pennsylvania is the site of an ongoing study of health effects from air pollution. This site was selected in part because of the extensive and well maintained air pollution monitoring network, and the previous studies of pollutant dispersion in the area. Several studies of respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function in women and school age children have been carried out in the area. The current study evaluated aspects of air pollution exposure estimates which are relevant to these epidemiologic studies. Subsequent papers will discuss findings of the various epidemiologic studies which employ these air pollution measures

Optimized Abatement Strategies Using Critical Loads: Suggested Deposition Criteria and Results

This paper addresses the use of critical loads in optimized emission abatement strategies. As deposition targets, critical loads can not be satisfied at all receptors. In Europe, consequently, there is a need for alternative criteria which still relate to ecological indicators, yet which are feasible, consistent and equitable. Two criteria are suggested: the relative critical load coverage and the relative deposition reduction. These criteria permit deposition goals to be set which guarantee that a specified fraction of ecosystems will attain critical loads, and thus be protected from adverse environmental impacts. In areas which can not achieve critical loads with the best available control measures, deposition is reduced to a specified fraction of the unabated level. After presenting examples which demonstrate their derivation, strengths and weakness of these criteria are discussed. The criteria have been implemented in the RAINS optimization model. Some preliminary examples show the sensitivity, interactions and utility of the criteria. Results obtained indicate that optimized emission strategies based on critical loads are similar to emission strategies based on deposition reductions, at certain levels of the criteria. This suggests that it may not be necessary to utilize critical loads to formulate deposition targets. A second example shows the effect of excluding countries from European cost minimization. A country's participation can save costs with moderate deposition targets, however, significant costs can be imposed with low (stringent) deposition targets. These preliminary results have significant implications for negotiations and multilateral negotiations. Suggestions for future analyses conclude the paper

Nonstationary spatiotemporal Bayesian data fusion for pollutants in the near‐road environment

Concentrations of near‐road air pollutants (NRAPs) have increased to very high levels in many urban centers around the world, particularly in developing countries. The adverse health effects of exposure to NRAPs are greater when the exposure occurs in the near‐road environment as compared to background levels of pollutant concentration. Therefore, there is increasing interest in monitoring pollutant concentrations in the near‐road environment. However, due to various practical limitations, monitoring pollutant concentrations near roadways and traffic sources is generally rather difficult and expensive. As an alternative, various deterministic computer models that provide predictions of pollutant concentrations in the near‐road environment, such as the research line‐source dispersion model (RLINE), have been developed. A common feature of these models is that their outputs typically display systematic biases and need to be calibrated in space and time using observed pollutant data. In this paper, we present a nonstationary Bayesian data fusion model that uses a novel data set on monitored pollutant concentrations (nitrogen oxides or NOx and fine particulate matter or PM2.5) in the near‐road environment and, combining it with the RLINE model output, provides predictions at unsampled locations. The model can also be used to evaluate whether including the RLINE model output leads to improved pollutant concentration predictions and whether the RLINE model output captures the spatial dependence structure of NRAP concentrations in the near‐road environment. A defining characteristic of the proposed model is that we model the nonstationarity in the pollutant concentrations by using a recently developed approach that includes covariates, postulated to be the driving force behind the nonstationary behavior, in the covariance function.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/151876/1/env2581.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/151876/2/env2581_am.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/151876/3/ENV_2581-Supp-0001-BDF_supp_material.pd

X-Ray Synchrotron White Beam Excitation of Auger Electrons

Auger electron spectra have been measured at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS), using the full white beam x-ray spectrum as the excitation source. Ordinary Auger spectra obtained in the laboratory with an electron beam source must employ derivative techniques to distinguish the Auger structures from the large background due to the excitation beam. The synchrotron white beam eliminates this source of background and produces signal rates as high as 107 cps. Superior signal-to-background ratios are found for Auger peaks above a few hundred eV, and count rates are large enough to suggest microprobe applications. X-ray induced Auger satellite peaks were observed with intensities much greater than the electron-induced counterpart; this anomaly is not completely understood

Man-made noise in our living environments

The ITU’s (International Telecommunication Union’s) man-made noise levels are based on measurements performed in the 1970s. Some measurements have been carried out since then, showing that noise caused by automotive ignition systems has been reduced, but manmade noise in business areas and city centers increased, especially due to the widespread use of electronic systems. The interference scenario also changed, from analog communication systems in relatively free-space conditions, to digital systems in living areas, often semi-enclosed such as offi ces, industrial production plants, and even inside cars and trains. Several measurements have therefore been carried out to estimate the level of man-made noise in these semi-enclosed environments

Assessment of subsurface VOCs using a chemical microsensor array. Final report

This report describes the results of laboratory investigations of several performance parameters relevant to surface-acoustic-wave (SAW) chemical sensor arrays for the measurement of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in contaminated soil and groundwater. The small size, low cost, sensitivity and selectivity of such instruments promise improvements in the quality and quantity of data used to guide site assessment and restoration efforts. In this investigation, calibrations were performed for 15 different coated SAW sensors. Each sensor was exposed to six VOCs selected to represent three chemical classes of contaminants that are commonly found at waste sites (i.e., aliphatic, aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons). A new pattern recognition method was developed for determining which coated sensors would maximize the selectivity and accuracy of quantitation for a given set of vapor contaminants. Using this method, an optimal subwet of four coated sensors was selected for testing in a prototype microsensor instrument. Additional laboratory experiments were performed with this optimized array to assess the limits of detection and linear response ranges for the representative vapors, as well as the additivity of responses to vapors in binary mixtures, temperature and humidity effects, aging effects, and other performance parameters related to the application of this technology to soil and groundwater VOC monitoring. Results demonstrate that SAW microsensor arrays can identify and quantify specific VOCs at concentrations in the {mu}g/L to mg/L range when present alone or in simple (e.g., binary) mixtures. SAW sensor technology offers a potentially effective alternative to existing field instrumentation for headspace analysis, soil vapor monitoring, and vacuum extraction process monitoring of VOCs in subsurface media

Ventilation rates in recently constructed U.S. school classrooms

Low ventilation rates (VRs) in schools have been associated with absenteeism, poorer academic performance, and teacher dissatisfaction. We measured VRs in 37 recently constructed or renovated and mechanically ventilated U.S. schools, including LEED and EnergyStarâ certified buildings, using CO2 and the steadyâ state, buildâ up, decay, and transient mass balance methods. The transient mass balance method better matched conditions (specifically, changes in occupancy) and minimized biases seen in the other methods. During the school day, air change rates (ACRs) averaged 2.0±1.3 hourâ 1, and only 22% of classrooms met recommended minimum ventilation rates. HVAC systems were shut off at the school day close, and ACRs dropped to 0.21±0.19 hourâ 1. VRs did not differ by building type, although costâ cutting and comfort measures resulted in low VRs and potentially impaired IAQ. VRs were lower in schools that used unit ventilators or radiant heating, in smaller schools and in larger classrooms. The steadyâ state, buildâ up, and decay methods had significant limitations and biases, showing the need to confirm that these methods are appropriate. Findings highlight the need to increase VRs and to ensure that energy saving and comfort measures do not compromise ventilation and IAQ.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/138411/1/ina12384.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/138411/2/ina12384_am.pd

Levels and sources of volatile organic compounds in homes of children with asthma

Many volatile organic compounds ( VOC s) are classified as known or possible carcinogens, irritants, and toxicants, and VOC exposure has been associated with the onset and exacerbation of asthma. This study characterizes VOC levels in 126 homes of children with asthma in Detroit, Michigan, USA. The total target VOC concentration ranged from 14 to 2274  μ g/m 3 (mean = 150  μ g/m 3 ; median = 91  μ g/m 3 ); 56 VOC s were quantified; and d ‐limonene, toluene, p , m ‐xylene, and ethyl acetate had the highest concentrations. Based on the potential for adverse health effects, priority VOC s included naphthalene, benzene, 1,4‐dichlorobenzene, isopropylbenzene, ethylbenzene, styrene, chloroform, 1,2‐dichloroethane, tetrachloroethene, and trichloroethylene. Concentrations varied mostly due to between‐residence and seasonal variation. Identified emission sources included cigarette smoking, solvent‐related emissions, renovations, household products, and pesticides. The effect of nearby traffic on indoor VOC levels was not distinguished. While concentrations in the Detroit homes were lower than levels found in other North American studies, many homes had elevated VOC levels, including compounds that are known health hazards. Thus, the identification and control of VOC sources are important and prudent, especially for vulnerable individuals. Actions and policies to reduce VOC exposures, for example, sales restrictions, improved product labeling, and consumer education, are recommended.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/108002/1/ina12086.pd