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Concentration gradient patterns of traffic and non-traffic generated aerosols: Ultrafine, PM2.5, and coarse particles

Sparks, Christopher S.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1314302308

Abstract Details

2011, MS, University of Cincinnati, Medicine: Industrial Hygiene (Environmental Health).
The objective of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of elemental carbon, organic carbon, the elemental carbon/organic carbon ratio, fine particles (0.02-1 µm), and coarse particles (0.7-20 µm) at different distances from the highway. Site 1 was located 124 m from a highway, Site 2 was 277 m from the nearest highway, and site three was >2000 m from the nearest highway. Both Site 1 and Site 2 were located on the roofs of buildings just north of downtown Cincinnati, along the I-75 corridor. Site 3 was located on the ground in a backyard of a small subdivision north of Cincinnati, between I-71 and I-275. Particles less than 2.5 µm in diameter (PM2.5) were also monitored at Site 1. Samples were collected for 24-hours over twelve sample days during three seasons (summer, fall, winter). Wind data were also obtained for all sample days, and concentrations were compared using the wind speed and wind direction as factors. Data were analyzed using a Mixed Model ANOVA for Fixed Effects, allowing determination of concentration differences based on wind speed and direction. It was found that, while seasonal variation of concentrations was rare, significant spatial variation was observed for concentrations of all particles, except for coarse particles. Concentrations measured at the site nearest the highway (Site 1) were found to be significantly greater than at the other two sites. Furthermore, concentrations at Site 2 were found to be significantly higher than at Site 3 (farthest from the highway). In most cases, wind speed was the more significant parameter than wind direction in determining the concentrations at all sites for all types of particles, except organic carbon. Adding wind speed in the statistical model increased the significance of the differences between all sites. All measured daily PM2.5 concentrations were below the 24-hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS), but the average of all PM2.5 values was higher than the annual NAAQS. In conclusion, concentrations of traffic related carbonaceous aerosols were consistently higher with decreasing distance from the nearest high traffic highway indicating that residents and workers in areas near high traffic highways, especially those with respiratory complications, are more likely to experience adverse health effects as a result of exposure to these aerosols.
Tiina Reponen, PhD (Committee Chair)
Sergey Grinshpun, PhD (Committee Member)
Patrick Ryan, PhD (Committee Member)
66 p.
Traffic Related Aerosols; PM2.5; Concentration Gradient; Ultrafine Particles; Coarse Particles

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Citations

  • Sparks, C. S. (2011). Concentration gradient patterns of traffic and non-traffic generated aerosols: Ultrafine, PM2.5, and coarse particles [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1314302308

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Sparks, Christopher. Concentration gradient patterns of traffic and non-traffic generated aerosols: Ultrafine, PM2.5, and coarse particles. 2011. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1314302308.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Sparks, Christopher. "Concentration gradient patterns of traffic and non-traffic generated aerosols: Ultrafine, PM2.5, and coarse particles." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1314302308

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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© 2011, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.