Measurement Of Atmospheric Pollutants Research Articles

Computationally intelligent pulsed photoacoustics

In this paper, the application of computational intelligence in pulsed photoacoustics is discussed. Feedforward multilayer perception networks are applied for real-time simultaneous determination of the laser beam spatial profile and vibrational-to-translational relaxation time of the polyatomic molecules in gases. Networks are trained and tested with theoretical data adjusted for a given experimental set-up. Genetic optimization has been used for calculation of the same parameters, fitting the photoacoustic signals with a different number of generations. Observed benefits from the application of computational intelligence in pulsed photoacoustics and advantages over previously developed methods are discussed, such as real-time operation, high precision and the possibility of finding solutions in a wide range of parameters, similar to in experimental conditions. In addition, the applicability for practical uses, such as the real-time in situ measurements of atmospheric pollutants, along with possible further developments of obtained results, is argued.

Measurement of atmospheric pollutants associated with oil and natural gas exploration and production activity in Pennsylvania’s Allegheny National Forest

Oil and natural gas exploration and production (E&P) activities generate emissions from diesel engines, compressor stations, condensate tanks, leaks and venting of natural gas, construction of well pads, and well access roads that can negatively impact air quality on both local and regional scales. A mobile, autonomous air quality monitoring laboratory was constructed to collect measurements of ambient concentrations of pollutants associated with oil and natural gas E&P activities. This air-monitoring laboratory was deployed to the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) in northwestern Pennsylvania for a campaign that resulted in the collection of approximately 7 months of data split between three monitoring locations between July 2010 and June 2011. The three monitoring locations were the Kane Experimental Forest (KEF) area in Elk County, which is downwind of the Sackett oilfield; the Bradford Ranger Station (BRS) in McKean County, which is downwind of a large area of historic oil and gas productivity; and the U.S. Forest Service Hearts Content campground (HC) in Warren County, which is in an area relatively unimpacted by oil and gas development and which therefore yielded background pollutant concentrations in the ANF. Concentrations of criteria pollutants ozone and NO2 did not vary significantly from site to site; averages were below National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with oil and natural gas (ethane, propane, butane, pentane) were highly correlated. Applying the conditional probability function (CPF) to the ethane data yielded most probable directions of the sources that were coincident with known location of existing wells and activity. Differences between the two impacted and one background site were difficult to discern, suggesting the that the monitoring laboratory was a great enough distance downwind of active areas to allow for sufficient dispersion with background air such that the localized plumes were not detected.ImplicationsMonitoring of pollutants associated with oil and natural gas exploration and production activity at three sites within the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) showed only slight site-to-site differences even with one site far removed from these activities. However, the impact was evident not in detection of localized plumes but in regional elevated ethane concentrations, as ethane can be considered a tracer species for oil and natural gas activity. The data presented serve as baseline conditions for evaluation of impacts from future development of Marcellus or Utica shale gas reserves.

First simultaneous space measurements of atmospheric pollutants in the boundary layer from IASI: A case study in the North China Plain

AbstractIn this paper we investigate a severe pollution episode that occurred in Beijing, Tianjin, and the Hebei province in January 2013. The episode was caused by the combination of anthropogenic emissions and a high‐pressure system that trapped pollutants in the boundary layer. Using IASI (Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer) satellite measurements, high concentrations of key trace gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ammonia (NH3) along with ammonium sulfate aerosol ((NH4)2SO4) are found. We show that IASI is able to detect boundary layer pollution in case of large negative thermal contrast combined with high levels of pollution. Our findings demonstrate that anthropogenic key pollutants, such as CO and SO2, can be monitored by IASI in the North China Plain during wintertime in support of air quality evaluation and management.

A Local Model and Calibration Set Ensemble Strategy for Open-Path FTIR Gas Measurement with Varying Temperature

Abstract Open-Path Fourier Transform Infrared OP-FTIR spectrometers are commonly used for the measurement of atmospheric pollutants and of gases in industrial processes. Spectral interpretation for the determination of gas concentrations is based on the HITRAN database line-by-line modeling method. This article describes algorithms used to model gas spectra and to determine gas concentration under variable temperatures. Integration of individual rotational lines has been used to reduce the impact of spectrometer functions on the comparison of both measured and synthetic modeled spectra. Carbon monoxide was used as an example. A new algorithm for gas concentration retrieval consisting of two ensemble methods is proposed. The first method uses an ensemble of local models based on linear and non-linear PLS (partial least square) regression algorithms, while the second is an ensemble of a calibration set built for different temperatures. It is possible to combine these methods to decrease the number of regression models in the first ensemble. These individual models are appropriate for specific measurement conditions specified by the ensemble of the calibration set. Model selection is based on comparison of gas spectra with values determined from each local model

Computational intelligence based simultaneous determination of the spatial profile of the laser beam and vibrational-to-translational relaxation time by pulsed photoacoustics

This paper is concerned with the possibilities of computational intelligence application for simultaneous determination of the laser beam spatial profile and vibrational-to-translational relaxation time of the polyatomic molecules in gases by pulsed photoacoustics. Results regarding the application of neural computing and genetic optimization are presented through the use of feed forward multilayer perception networks and real-coded genetic algorithms. Feed forward multilayer perception networks are trained in an offline batch training regime to estimate simultaneously, and in real-time, laser beam spatial profile R(r) (profile shape class) and vibrational-to-translational relaxation time ?V?T from a given (theoretical) photoacoustic signals ?p(r,t). The proposed method significantly shortens the time required for the simultaneous determination of the laser beam spatial profile and relaxation time and has the advantage of accurately calculating the aforementioned quantities. Real coded genetic algorithms are used to calculate ?V?T by fitting the ?p(r,t) with the theoretical one. The previously developed methods determine the laser beam profile and relaxation time with sufficient precision, but the methods based on the application of artificial intelligence are more suitable for practical applications, such as the real-time in-situ measurements of atmospheric pollutants.

Estimation of the influence that natural fires have on air pollution in the region of Moscow megalopolis based on the combined use of chemical transport model and measurement data

Satellite measurements of the fire radiation power, measurements of atmospheric pollution in the network of GPU Mosekomonitoring stations, and the modern CHIMERE chemical transport model (CHIMERE CTM) are used for estimating the influence that forest fires have on the air pollution level in the Moscow megalopolis region during the summer of 2007. The method by which the radiation power caused by natural fires determined from satellite measurements is converted into emissions of individual model species is described. General problems related to the optimization of estimates of fire emission and the effects caused by them based on the combined use of measurement data on the composition of the atmosphere and the CTM are considered using a concrete example. It is shown, in particular, that the use of the standard least squares method for the optimization of fire emissions from leads in the general case to obtaining biased (underestimated) estimates. The results of calculations consistent with measurements show that forest fires near Moscow can occasionally be responsible for a considerable part of the air pollution observed in Moscow and its vicinities, and they can be the main reason for the high level of atmospheric pollution in some neighboring regions.

Intercomparison Exercise for Gases Emitted by a Cement Industry in Spain: A Functional Data Approach

ABSTRACT This paper describes the results of an intercomparison exercise referring to the measurement of atmospheric pollutants emitted by cement plants. The research was conducted in 2008 in Catalonia, Spain. Thirteen Spanish companies accredited to make pollutant measurements and with suitably approved equipment and trained staff participated in the research. The aim of the research was to evaluate the technical competence of the accredited companies in conducting tests in situ. The results obtained from the application of the methodology described in international standards—on the basis of conventional statistical analyses—were compared with those obtained using functional data analysis. On comparing the two methods, it was concluded that the functional method, although more complex, has advantages over the conventional statistical method. This is because the functional approach compares curves rather than mean values. Furthermore, it does not presuppose a normal distribution of the data. IMPLICATIONS This work is of interest for companies accredited to make measurements of atmospheric pollutants. Gas emissions recorded for these companies are usually compared using a standard method that basically compares mean values for the whole measurement time interval. The authors propose to overcome the problems associated with this methodology by using a method that is based on the comparison of curves adjusted to the observed data. Advantages of the proposed method were confirmed in a real intercom-parison exercise conducted in Spain.

Measurement of environmental pollutants using passive sampling devices – a commentary on the current state of the art

Passive sampling devices have been used since the 1970s to measure time-weighted average (TWA) or equilibrium concentrations of pollutants in various environmental matrices (e.g. air, soils and sediments and water). In recent years the popularity of using such samplers has increased and the technology in now well established for the measurement of atmospheric pollutants. This sector has a long experience of using passive samplers in the short- and long-term assessment of air quality in the local environment and on a global scale (e.g. within the United Nations Stockholm Convention on the trans-boundary movement of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) where large networks of samplers on a continental scale have been established). In comparison, the use of passive samplers for monitoring the aquatic environment has been slower to take off. There has, however, been a recent research drive to develop devices for measuring the wide range of pollutants that can be found in environmental waters (e.g. ground, surface, and marine). It is now being recognised that passive samplers can play a valuable role in monitoring water quality within a legislative framework such as the European Union's Water Framework Directive (WFD). The data from these devices can be used alongside the results obtained from conventional spot or bottle sampling to improve risk assessments and to inform decisions on undertaking potentially expensive remedial actions. Such monitoring techniques may have uses within the European Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation & restriction of CHemicals (REACH) Directive and the forthcoming European Marine Strategy Directive. It is expected that the aquatic monitoring sector will follow a transition similar to that which occurred in air monitoring where data obtained from passive samplers can use used within a legal framework. There has also been increased interest in extending the role of passive samplers to both the measurement of equilibrium concentrations and investigating the movement and release of the dissolved fraction of various pollutants in the pore water of sediments and soils.

Vertical lidar sounding of atomic mercury and nitric oxide in a major Chinese city

Vertical range-resolved measurements of atmospheric pollutants were performed in a major city in southern China, employing a lidar system operating with an optical parametric oscillator transmitter. Recordings of atomic mercury (Hg) and nitric oxide (NO) absorbing in the deep-UV region were taken, yielding concentration profiles only attainable with lidar techniques. In particular, the potential influence of molecular oxygen in low-concentration mercury monitoring was elucidated. Diurnal observations are discussed and presented together with weather parameters.

An approach for determining air pollution monitoring sites

EC Directive 2008/50/CE on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe specifies the obligations of Member States regarding fixed measurements of atmospheric pollutants in areas where maximum concentration levels exceed the lower assessment threshold. However, indications as to the siting of atmospheric monitoring stations are less precise and sometimes confusing. Campaigns to measure benzene and other volatile organic compounds in Murcia in 2007 and 2008 revealed that the areas where measurements coincided with the mean concentration for the whole city were always practically the same. Consequently, we propose a method for siting atmospheric monitoring stations in cities for which emission sources remain steady throughout the year, as is the case for cities in most southern European countries, where the most important emission source is traffic. The method is particularly useful for towns in which only one fixed measuring point is compulsory and should help local authorities in making correct decisions in this context.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in atmospheric urban area: monitoring on various types of sites

The air quality over the Toulouse urban area (France) is recorded daily by the regional "Midi-Pyrénées" atmospheric pollution measurements network (ORAMIP). Relevant data is collected from about 100 analysers spread over more than thirty stations. The regulations covering major indicators of atmospheric pollution (ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide) have been updated in recent years to include additional compounds like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The ORAMIP, in partnership with the ENSIACET has undertaken background PAH average concentration measurements over the urban agglomeration of Toulouse during spring 2006 for various types of sites (traffic, urban, industrial). The sampling was performed using a low volume air sampler equipped with quartz fiber filters and polyurethane foams For the two urban sites, total atmospheric concentrations between 12 and 20 ng/m(3) have been obtained, whereas for the industrial site the values averaged 22 ng/m(3). In addition, and regardless of site, the average concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene, at present the only regulated PAH, were always less than the 1 ng/m(3) limit.

東アジアから東シナ海・沖縄に輸送される大気汚染物質・エアロゾルの観測

東アジアから東シナ海・沖縄に輸送される大気汚染物質・エアロゾルの観測

Disease-First: A New Paradigm for Environmental Health Science Research

Disease-First: A New Paradigm for Environmental Health Science Research

Calibration of a multivariate gas sensing device for atmospheric pollution measurement

The aim of this work is to realize a device with semiconductor gas sensors for the measurement of air pollution. This device is made with three different thick film layers. Electrical conductivities are measured at different temperatures. Two kinds of calibration models are made and tested: a conventional one made with artificial gas standards and a more original using real pollution measurements.

Atmospheric pollution measurement with a multi-materials sensing device

The aim of this work is to realize a device with semiconductor gas sensors for the measurement of the two more important air pollution components: ozone and “automotive traffic” pollution. This device is made with three different thick film layers deposited on an alumina heating substrate. Electrical conductivities are measured at different temperatures. Two kinds of calibration models are made with a Neural Network Algorithm and are tested: a conventional one made with artificial gas standards and a more original where real pollution measurements are used to calibrate the multisensor. Interesting results are obtained and portability, or universality, of the models is discussed.

Ultraviolet and visible spectroscopy and spaceborne remote sensing of the Earth's atmosphere

Current capabilities for ultraviolet and visible spectroscopic measurements of the Earth's stratosphere and troposphere are reviewed. Atmospheric spectral properties are described. The major measurement geometries and types are presented. Instrumental, spectroscopic, and radiative transfer modeling challenges are discussed. Current and planned satellite instruments for this field, with their measurement properties, spectral coverage, and target molecules are presented. Measurement examples include stratospheric and tropospheric NO 2, tropospheric BrO in the polar spring, global tropospheric HCHO, and tropospheric ozone measurements from the nadir geometry. The field is shown to be sufficiently mature that global measurements of atmospheric pollution from space may be undertaken. To cite this article: K. Chance, C. R. Physique 6 (2005).

Simultaneous Measurements of Atmospheric Pollutants and Visibility with a Long-Path DOAS System in Urban Areas

In this paper, the applicability of a Long-Path Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (LP-DOAS) system was checked for the feasibility of the simultaneous measurement of trace gases (such as 03, NO2, SO2, and HCHO) and atmospheric visibility (light extinction by aerosols) in Asian urban areas. Field studies show that an LP-DOAS system can simultaneously measure the key pollutants (such as O3, NO2, SO2, and HCHO) at detection limits in the ppb/sub-ppb range as well as the Mie extinction coefficient with an uncertainty of approximately 0.1 km(-1) at time resolution of a few minutes. It is thus concluded that the use of LP-DOAS system is feasible for simultaneous measurement of gaseous pollutants as well as an atmospheric extinction coefficient which is tightly bound to fine particulate concentration.

A study on the effect of Fraunhofer structure on the measurement of atmospheric pollutants with differential optical absorption spectroscopy

During the measurment of atmospheric environment with differential optical absorption spectroscopy, stray light of the sun will be added to the measurment spectrum and the Fraunhofer structure in the solar radiation could affect the measurement of NO２, CH2O, HONO etc. But if it is treated as a k ind of `component' of atmosphere and retrieved with other atmospheric components together, its ef fect on the measurement could be restricted to a minimum.

Aerial measurement of air pollutants and aerosols during 20–22 March 2001 over the East China Sea

Aerial measurement of atmospheric pollutants was carried out over the East China Sea on 20, 21, and 22 March 2001. High concentrations of not only gaseous species (maximum concentrations of SO2 > 10 ppb and O3 > 100 ppb in the marine boundary layer) but also particulate matter (PM) (average concentration of PM2.5 ∼ 30 μg m−3 and PM10 ∼ 1000 μg m−3 in the marine boundary layer) were observed on 21March. Such high concentrations were observed only at low altitude. A cold front passing over the Korean Peninsula and extension of a high‐pressure system from central China to the East China Sea were responsible for the transport of pollutants. High concentrations of pollutants were confined to lower altitude by the high‐pressure system. This result is in marked contrast to our previous observation: A highly polluted air mass was transported from central China when a low‐pressure system originating near Taiwan moved northeast to Japan along the south coast of the main islands. Anthropogenic sulfate aerosols were transported ahead of Kosa particles (fine yellow sand dust particles). A humid air mass containing a high concentration of sulfate (>20 μg m−3) was followed by a dry air mass containing a high concentration of calcium (>1000 μg m−3). Interactions between aerosol components and anthropogenic gaseous species gave insight into the formation process of aerosols over the East China Sea. Nitrate showed a good correlation with calcium except in the highly polluted air mass, indicating that gaseous nitric acid was adsorbed on the surface of coarse particles. No correlation between nitrate and ammonium supported this contention. In contrast, sulfate showed an excellent linear correlation with ammonium, indicating quick neutralization of sulfuric acid by ammonia in the polluted air mass. Exceptions were observed when the calcium concentration was >4 μg m−3, suggesting that SO2 gas was adsorbed on the surface of yellow sand dust particles and that oxidation took place on the surface.

New Directions: Infrared measurements of atmospheric pollution from space

New Directions: Infrared measurements of atmospheric pollution from space