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The 2011 Richardson wildland fire significantly impacted air quality in Alberta's Oil Sands Region, increasing particulate matter and nitrogen compounds. These changes, particularly elevated ammonia and nitric acid, contributed to atmospheric nitrogen deposition.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Atmospheric Chemistry
  • Air Quality Monitoring

Background:

  • The 2011 Richardson wildland mega-fire occurred in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region (AOSR), Northern Alberta, Canada.
  • Wildland fires can significantly impact regional air quality and atmospheric composition.
  • Understanding these impacts is crucial for environmental management and public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the impact of the 2011 Richardson wildland fire on ambient air quality in the AOSR.
  • To analyze the concentrations and changes in various air pollutants, including particulate matter and nitrogen compounds.
  • To evaluate the contribution of fire emissions to atmospheric nitrogen deposition.

Main Methods:

  • Continuous monitoring of PM2.5, O3, NO, NO2, SO2, NH3, HONO, HNO3, NH4+, and NO3- at a central receptor site.
  • Passive sampling of NH3, HNO3, NO2, SO2, and O3 across the AOSR for monthly and bi-monthly averages.
  • Comparison of pollutant concentrations during fire emission periods versus non-fire periods.

Main Results:

  • Hourly PM2.5 concentrations exceeded 450 μg/m³ during the fire, surpassing air quality standards.
  • Sharp increases in NH3, HONO, HNO3, NH4+, NO3-, and total inorganic reactive nitrogen correlated with PM2.5.
  • Relative contribution of NO and NO2 to total inorganic nitrogen decreased during the fire, while NH3, NH4+, and NO3- increased.
  • Elevated NH3 and HNO3 concentrations were widespread, contributing significantly to atmospheric nitrogen deposition, though not at toxic levels for plants.
  • Ozone (O3) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) concentrations showed no significant changes and remained below harmful levels.

Conclusions:

  • The Richardson Fire substantially altered air quality in the AOSR, particularly affecting particulate matter and nitrogen species.
  • Increased ammonia and nitric acid during the fire period played a significant role in atmospheric nitrogen deposition.
  • While ozone and sulfur dioxide levels were not significantly impacted, the fire's influence on nitrogen compounds warrants attention for ecosystem health.