Mercury, PM 2.5 and gaseous co-pollutants in the Ohio River Valley region: Preliminary results from the Athens supersite

Abstract

This paper presents preliminary results from an ongoing air quality project at a rural super site in Athens, Ohio (39°18′N, 82°7′W). Athens is located in the heart of the Ohio River Valley region, which is characterized by a high number of coal-fired power plants, chemical plants, and manufacturing industries. Highly time-resolved gaseous elemental mercury (Hg 0), reactive gaseous mercury (RGM), and particulate mercury (Hg p) data are reported in this paper. Mercury species are measured using an automated Tekran 2537A CVAFS analyzer and Tekran 1130 and 1135 speciation and particulate modules. Continuous mercury data are reported from 27 July 2004, to 30 July 2005. This study also measured wet deposited mercury; reported here are results from 3 May 2004, until 31 May 2005. The highest mercury deposition occurred during September 2004. This is due in part to a series of unusual weather events featuring transport predominantly from the north, northeast, and southeast. The effects of the remnants of hurricanes Frances and Ivan on air quality data are also apparent during this month. This paper also presents results of PM 2.5, gaseous co-pollutant, and meteorological measurements. Results are compiled into daily and monthly averages to display diurnal and seasonal patterns. Low background concentrations with frequent pollution episodes make this rural site an excellent location to capture transport events into and out of the Ohio River Valley.