Spatial analysis and land use regression of VOCs and NO2 in Dallas, Texas during two seasons

Passive air sampling for nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)) and select volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was conducted at 24 fire stations and a compliance monitoring site in Dallas, Texas, USA during summer 2006 and winter 2008. This ambient air monitoring network was established to assess intra-urban gradients of air pollutants to evaluate the impact of traffic and urban emissions on air quality. Ambient air monitoring and GIS data from spatially representative fire station sites were collected to assess spatial variability. Pairwise comparisons were conducted on the ambient data from the selected sites based on city section. These weeklong samples yielded NO(2) and benzene levels that were generally higher during the winter than the summer. With respect to the location within the city, the central section of Dallas was generally higher for NO(2) and benzene than north and south. Land use regression (LUR) results revealed spatial gradients in NO(2) and selected VOCs in the central and some northern areas. The process used to select spatially representative sites for air sampling and the results of analyses of coarse- and fine-scale spatial variability of air pollutants on a seasonal basis provide insights to guide future ambient air exposure studies in assessing intra-urban gradients and traffic impacts.     

Air quality effects of traffic in a canyon-like street (Falmouth,U.K.)

It has been suggested that in relation to air quality impacts, roads with low (<20 000 vpd) traffic flow need not be consideredas significant. This study examines this suggestion more closelyby comparing real-time monitoring of traffic related pollutants (NO₂, PM₁₀ and PAH) at two sites (including a `canyon-street') in Falmouth, Cornwall in relation to traffic flow. For comparison, real-time monitoring data for NO₂ and PM₁₀ is also taken from a well ventilated site in Camelford, Cornwall. The data obtained suggest that roads with traffic flow considerably lower than 20 000 vpd can give rise topollutant levels which have implications for human health. The application of simple linear regression techniques to the datasuggests that under certain conditions simple estimates can be made in relation to likely traffic-related air quality effects in canyon-like streets.     

Determining Ecoregions for Environmental and GMO Monitoring Networks

A representative environmental monitoring network at the regional scale cannot use raster-based or random sampling designs, but requires a stratified sampling procedure integrating different information layers, and it has to occur in ecologically differing homogeneous regions (ecoregions). These we have determined using a set of spatial strata with ecological variables which we analysed with classification and regression trees (CART). We present a framework for environmental monitoring, that covers different scales, and we transfer the framework to a potential GMO (genetically modified organisms) monitoring network. We use ecoregion and other environmental strata together with existing environmental monitoring networks to determine GMO monitoring sites more precisely.     

北京市大气污染物浓度空间分布与优化布点研究

基于地统计学方法对北京市2012年11—12月的大气污染物SO2、NO2、PM10和PM2.5浓度数据进行了空间分析。结果表明,4种污染物浓度数据均符合正态分布,满足地统计学分析的使用条件且均呈现中等强度的变异性。4种污染物半变异函数的块金效应值分别是29%、24%、7%、4%,表现出很强的空间相关性。4种污染物长轴变程分别是63、58、62、90 km,短轴变程分别是31、37、48、50 km,空间分布呈现出各向异性,变程范围与中尺度天气系统相当。研究大气污染物的空间分布特性对于整体把握区域环境空气质量和监测点位优化十分重要,以北京市区域空气质量中PM2.5监测站点设置为例,其监测站点在长轴方向上的间隔设置应取20~25 km,短轴方向上布点间隔应为8~12 km。     

Variation in spatial pattern of criteria air pollutants before and during initial rain of monsoon

Spatial patterns of various criteria air pollutants,like SO₂, NO₂, O₃, and TSP were studied atShahdara National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring stationin Delhi (India) in July 1999. The minimum pollutantconcentrations were observed during morning hours,whereas the highest concentrations were found during thelate night hours, which seem to be related with thevehicular emission. Pre-monsoon daily ambient airquality spatial pattern was compared with the spatialpattern during initial and subsequent rain shower ofmonsoon. These spatial patterns were found to beessentially the same before and during rain, however asignificant decrease in SO₂, NO₂ and TSPconcentrations (40-45%) was observed after initial andsubsequent rains of the monsoon, demonstrating theimportance of rainfall in the scavenging of thesecriteria air pollutants.     

Air quality monitoring for multiple pollutants: Optimization of a network around a hypothetical potash plant and two thermal power stations in open countryside

A method is presented for the design of multi-pollutant air quality monitoring networks (AQMN). This technique leads to an optimal network, i.e. a network providing a maximum of information with a minimum of measurement devices. The spatial correlation analysis technique is used to compare the information given by the potential sites that may form the network. The concept of potential of violation is defined to take into account the number of times that the maximum emission values tolerated by law are exceeded. Both objectives are weighted automatically through an adjustable parameter, b, for which an estimation procedure has been developed in this study, depending on the purpose of the network. Several methods are described, allowing simultaneous consideration of different pollutants. As an illustration of these methods, a number of air quality monitoring networks is designed to perform an analysis of the environmental impact due to a hypothetical potash processing plant and two thermal power stations.     

Spatio-Temporal Variations of Sulphur Dioxide Patterns with Wind Conditions in Central Taiwan

Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) is one of the main atmospheric pollutants in central Taiwan. This article analyses the SO₂ concentration seasonal variations and spatial distribution using data obtained from ten air quality monitoring stations and the Taiwan Weather Bureau. It reveals that SO₂ concentration is high in winter and low in summer and that high concentration centers are located south of the Taichung coal-fired power plant, the main source of SO₂ emissions in the region.The location of high concentration centers changeswith different prevailing winds. SO₂ variations due towind direction are not unique. During short periods,when meteorological conditions are constant, variationin the pollution sources cause variations in thespatial distribution. This has been deduced byappreciation of Intervention analysis to time seriesof hourly data.     

An integrated air quality forecast system for a metropolitan area

Air quality forecasting is an important issue in environmental research, due to the effects that air pollutants have on population health. To deal with this topic, in this work an integrated modelling system has been developed to forecast daily maximum eight hours ozone concentrations and daily mean PM10 concentrations, up to two days in advance, over an urban area. The presented approach involves two steps. In the first step, artificial neural networks are identified and applied to get point-wise forecasting. In the second step, the forecasts obtained at the monitoring station locations are spatially interpolated all over the domain using the cokriging technique, which allows to improve the spatial interpolation in the absence of densely sampled data. The integrated modelling system has been then applied to a case study over Northern Italy, performing a validation over space and time for the year 2004 and analyzing if the limit values for the protection of human health set by the European Commission are respected. The presented approach represents a fast and reliable way to provide decision makers and the general public with air quality forecasting, and to support prevention and precautionary measures.     

Ambient Air Quality Status in Raniganj-Asansol Area, India

This investigation presents the assessment of ambient air quality with respect to suspended particulate matter (SPM), sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and oxides of nitrogen (NO_X) at four sites (RGC, SRS, BBC and BCC) in the Raniganj-Asansol area in West Bengal, India. Ambient air was monitored with a sampling frequency of twenty four hours (3 × 8 hours) at each site on every alternate day (3 days a week) covering a period of one year. A total of 429 samples were collected from RGC, 429 from SRS and 435 each from the BBC and BCC sites. Meteorological parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, wind-speed and wind-direction were also recorded simultaneously during the sampling period. Monthly and seasonal variation of these pollutants have been observed and recorded. The annual average and range values have also been calculated. Results of the investigation indicates that the 95th percentile values of SPM levels exceed the limits (200 g m^-3) at RGC, SRS and BBC sites and is within the limit of 500 g m^-3 at the BCC sites. The 95th percentile values of SO₂ levels did not exceed the reference level at any of the monitoring stations. The 95th percentile values of NO_X are found to be exceeding the limit (80 g m^-3) at RGC, SRS and BBC sites but is within the prescribed limit of 120 g m^-3 at the BCC site. Further, it has been observed that the concentrations of the pollutants are high in winter in comparison to the summer or the monsoon seasons. Results of the investigation indicates that industrial activities, indiscriminate open air burning of coal by the local inhabitants for cooking as well as coking purposes, vehicular traffic, etc. are responsible for the high concentration of pollutants in this area.     

2001年～2008年及奥运会期间天津市大气污染特征分析

根据天津市大气质量监测数据,对2001年～2008年及奥运会期间天津市大气污染特征和主要大气污染物的变化规律进行了分析。结果表明,2001年～2008年天津市的PM10、SO2和NO2污染总体呈下降趋势,但质量浓度仍相对较高。2008年8月奥运会期间天津市PM10和SO2质量浓度达到国家空气质量二级标准,NO2质量浓度达到国家空气质量一级标准,空气质量良好。天津市PM10污染相对稳定,SO2和NO2的污染分布呈现明显的季节性,时间上表现为冬强夏弱。气象条件对污染物浓度影响明显,沙尘、大雾等天气可使污染物浓度急剧升高。     

Preliminary air pollution monitoring in San Miguel, Buenos Aires

Passive diffusion samplers were employed in San Miguel(Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area) for a preliminary airpollution monitoring. The highest loads were observedin downtown, compared with an urban background site.Total suspended particulate matter (TSPM) varied from0.257 to 0.033 mg cm^-2 month^-1; dust was examinedfor particle nature and size distribution. A similartrend was observed for nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) andTSPM spatial distribution, suggesting that traffic isthe major pollution source. Sulphur dioxide (SO₂)values were low and rather homogeneous. Levels for theinvestigated pollutants are below EPA's guide linevalues. Geographic (flat area, near to Rio de LaPlata) and climatologic factors (rainfalls andvariable wind directions) contribute to disperse pollutants.     

Using the polychaete Arenicola marina to determine toxicity and bioaccumulation of PAHS bound to sediments

Transportation system has contributed significantly to the development of human civilization; on the other hand it has an enormous impact on the ambient air quality in several ways. In this paper the air and noise pollution at selected sites along three sections of National Highway was monitored. Pakistan National Highway Authority has started a Highway Improvement program for rehabilitations and maintenance of National highways to improve the traffic flows, and would ultimately improve the air quality along highways. The ambient air quality and noise level was monitored at nine different locations along these sections of highways to quantify the air pollution. The duration of monitoring at individual location was 72 h. The most of the sampling points were near the urban or village population, schools or hospitals, in order to quantify the air pollution at most affected locations along these roads. A database consisting of information regarding the source of emission, local metrology and air quality may be created to assess the profile of air quality in the area.     

基于LSTM-GCN的PM2.5浓度预测模型

应用机器学习算法开展空气质量预测已成为当前研究热点之一,空气质量监测数据具有显著的时空特征,即具有时间维度时序特征和空间维度传输演化特征。面向空气质量监测数据,联合LSTM提取的时间特征和GCN提取的空间特征,提出预测PM_2.5浓度的LSTM-GCN组合模型。以北京市35个空气质量监测站2018—2020年监测数据进行仿真实验,并将LSTM-GCN模型与LSTM模型、GCN模型以及时空地理加权回归模型(GTWR)进行对比,结果显示:LSTM-GCN模型相较于LSTM模型均方根误差(RMSE)、平均绝对误差(MAE)分别降低了11.68%、7.34%;相较于GCN模型RMSE、MAE分别降低了40.22%、36.37%;相较于GTWR模型RMSE、MAE分别降低了17.52%、23.69%,表明所提出LSTM-GCN模型在准确率上有所提升。用LSTM-GCN模型预测2021年1—7月PM_2.5浓度,结果显示预测效果较好。     

山西省大气污染特征及对公众健康的空间影响

利用山西省11个地级市大气环境监测站的PM_2.5、PM₁₀和O₃浓度数据,分析了2015—2020年山西省PM_2.5、PM₁₀和O₃浓度时空变化特征,采用空间计量模型和岭回归方法,分析了空气污染对公众健康的空间影响。结果表明:PM_2.5和PM₁₀年均质量浓度总体下降,两者在2017年最高,2020年最低;O₃年均浓度总体增加。在季节尺度上,PM_2.5和PM₁₀质量浓度在冬季的12月和1月最高,夏季的8月最低;O₃浓度在6月最高。空间上,相较2015年,2020年山西省各地级市PM_2.5污染程度均有改善,其中长治改善效果最好;2020年山西各地级市PM₁₀污染兼有加重和减轻的情形,所有地级市PM_2.5和PM₁₀污染水平均超过国家二级污染浓度限值;2020年山西多数地级市O₃浓度升高。山西公众健康水平具有明显的空间离散特征,PM_2.5和PM₁₀浓度的局部空间自相关特征高度一致,呈现"南高北低"的格局,O₃浓度分布呈"南部高,中北部低"的格局。大气环境质量和经济发展水平均对医疗机构诊疗人数和健康体检人数的变化有正向影响,每万人卫生技术人员数量和公共财政支出比例对公众健康均有负向影响,其中经济发展水平和大气环境质量的影响最显著。山西省PM_2.5治理取得一定成效,但大部分城市PM_2.5和PM₁₀达标率较低,O₃浓度有持续升高的趋势,PM₁₀和O₃污染改善缓慢,深度减排仍面临挑战。PM_2.5和PM₁₀是危害山西公众健康的主要大气污染物,未来需要加强PM_2.5、PM₁₀和O₃的精细化管理及协同治理。     

烟花爆竹禁燃对春节期间东北地区空气质量影响评估

利用2015—2017年春节期间东北地区主要大气污染物(PM_(10)、PM_(2.5)、SO_2、NO_2、CO和O3)质量浓度监测资料及相应气象因子(温度、湿度、风速和气压)观测资料,分析了春节期间烟花爆竹禁燃对东北地区空气质量的影响。结果表明:随着东北地区主要城市禁燃力度的增强,空气质量逐年提升,PM_(2.5)和SO_2浓度逐年大幅度下降。禁燃可明显降低城区PM_(2.5)浓度,而由于春节期间污染源整体减少,城区和城郊监测点PM_(2.5)浓度值差异减小。烟花爆竹对PM_(10)和PM_(2.5)浓度影响高于对气体污染物SO_2、NO_2和CO的影响。此外,气象条件对东北地区春节期间禁燃改善空气质量的效果也有明显影响。因此,结合春节期间的气象条件,在东北地区实施禁燃政策动态调整非常必要。     

洞庭湖区一次重度空气污染过程成因分析

利用AQI和PM_(2. 5)质量浓度、地面气象要素、NCEP、ERSST_V3、GBL等资料,对2016年12月29日至2017年1月5日洞庭湖区一次重度空气污染过程成因进行了分析。结果表明,静稳天气形势下的累积效应和本地持续升温、降压、增湿、小风导致污染物浓度不断增加。本地风速与雨量对污染物浓度产生显著影响。降温前风速明显加大,有利于污染物快速扩散。湿度增加有利于污染物吸湿性增长,但高湿易引起降水有利于污染物的湿清除。此次重度空气污染过程中大气稳定度为中性或稳定,14:00混合层高度逐渐降低且重度空气污染日降至100 m以下。污染物空间分布与主导风向和污染通道密切相关。气流后向轨迹分析表明,洞庭湖区各地气流来源和影响路径差异明显,且存在大范围区域性同步污染现象。北方外来污染源是洞庭湖区重要的污染面源,本地工业污染排放点源和地理条件也是洞庭湖区空气污染物空间分布差异的重要因素。     

台州市酸雨污染现状及其对策分析

通过对近十年来的酸雨监测资料的收集分析,结合同期台州市大气环境中二氧化硫和氮氧化物的监测数据,采用秩相关系数法,对酸雨污染趋势和成因进行分析和讨论,并提出针对性措施,以期为台州市以及类似地区的大气污染、酸雨污染等防治工作提供政策参考。     

2017年上半年北京市及周边地区空气质量特征分析

依托北京市、廊坊市和保定市高密度的地面空气质量监测、气象要素监测以及PM_2.5化学组分监测和后向轨迹分析等手段，对2017年上半年三地的空气质量进行分析。研究发现：三地中北京市空气质量较好，保定市较差。分污染物来看，保定市SO₂浓度水平明显高于廊坊市和北京市，颗粒物PM₁₀和PM_2.5也呈现保定市最高、北京市最低的规律。从污染物日变化来看，CO、SO₂、NO₂、PM₁₀和PM_2.5呈双峰型分布，O₃呈单峰型分布。从区域整体分布规律来看，PM_2.5和SO₂呈现明显的"南高北低"特征。PM_2.5化学组分分析结果表明：1—4月燃煤对该区域空气质量的影响较大，5—6月机动车排放的影响更为凸显。后向轨迹分析结果表明：在2017年上半年到达北京市的气流中有24%来自于北京市南部，且这些气流多为低空传输，表明区域传输对于北京市空气质量具有一定的影响。     

Extreme Nitrogen Oxide and Ozone Concentrations in Athens Atmosphere in Relation to Meteorological Conditions

In the present study, we investigate the variation of NO _x (NO + NO₂) and O₃ concentrations and the relation between the extreme events (episodes) of NO _x and O₃ concentrations and the relevant meteorological conditions in the urban atmosphere of the Athens basin. Hourly data of NO, NO₂ and O₃ concentrations from 10 representative monitoring sites located in the Athens basin were used, covering the 10-year time period from 1994 to 2003. The results of our analysis show that the concentrations of air pollutants differ significantly from one monitoring site to another, due to the location and proximity of each station to the emission sources. For each site, there are also significant differences in NO _x and O₃ concentrations from day to day, as well as from month to month and/or from season to season. The annual and seasonal variations show higher NO values in winter and lower in summer. On the contrary, NO₂ and O₃ values are higher in summer (photochemical production of O₃) and lower in winter. These differences are attributed, to a large extent, to the prevailing synoptic and meteorological conditions, the most important between them being the wind direction and speed as well as the atmospheric pressure. Our analysis of the identified 179 extreme NO _x air pollution events shows that most of them took place under anticyclonic conditions, associated with calm or weak winds (speed <2.5 ms⁻¹) of mostly southern to southwestern directions, as well as with low air temperatures and intense stable surface atmospheric conditions. There exists a significant decreasing tendency in NO _x air pollution episodic events over the 10-year study period, resulting in very few to none events in the period from 2000 to 2003. As far as it concerns the extreme O₃ concentrations, 34 air pollution events were identified, occurring under high air temperatures, variable weak winds and intense solar irradiation. The trends of O₃ concentrations are stronger in suburban sites than in urban ones.     

支撑京津冀区域大气污染联防联控的大气监测体系构建

京津冀区域已成为全国大气污染最严重的地区之一,并且呈现出明显的区域性污染特征,加强区域间的环境合作,实施区域联防联控是解决京津冀区域大气污染问题的有效手段。对照《生态环境监测网络建设方案》的要求,目前京津冀区域大气监测体系还存在着监测网络不健全、监测项目覆盖不全面、监测新技术应用不足、质控体系不完善、信息产品供给与公众需求有差距等问题,与京津冀区域大气污染联防联控的要求不相适应。为全面提升京津冀区域大气监测体系对区域联防联控的技术支撑能力,亟需进一步完善京津冀区域的监测网络,增设传输研究、污染监控等特殊监测点位;逐步拓展监测项目,开展颗粒物化学组分和O_3前体物监测;加快遥感监测等立体监测技术在大气监测中的应用,全面分析污染物时空分布特征与传输规律;加强空气质量预报预警能力建设,为重污染天气应对提供技术支持;规范监测事权上收后的全过程质控体系,建立颗粒物标准方法比对和O_3量值传递质控机制;构建环境监测大数据平台,加强数据分析应用与信息公开。