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Distinct Ultrafine Particle Profiles Associated with Aircraft and Roadway Traffic.
Elena Austin1, Jianbang Xiang1, Timothy R Gould2
1Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States.
Environmental Science & Technology
|February 5, 2021
Summary
Ultrafine particles (UFPs) near airports are linked to both cars and planes. Differences in particle size and black carbon levels help identify the source of these air pollutants.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Atmospheric Chemistry
- Public Health
Background:
- Air quality near international airports is a growing concern.
- Ultrafine particles (UFPs) are a significant component of air pollution with potential health impacts.
- Previous studies have not fully distinguished between UFP sources from aircraft and roadway traffic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the air quality impacts of ultrafine particles (UFPs) from aircraft traffic.
- To assess UFP concentrations and characteristics near an international airport.
- To differentiate UFP sources between aircraft and roadway traffic.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a two-year mobile sampling study over four seasons.
- Collected time-resolved data on UFP, CO2, and black carbon (BC) concentrations.
- Analyzed UFP size distributions and correlated findings with traffic patterns.
Main Results:
- UFPs were associated with both roadway traffic and aircraft emissions.
- Highest UFP concentrations were observed on a major roadway (I-5).
- While total UFP counts did not differentiate sources, particle size distribution and BC concentrations did.
Conclusions:
- Key differences in particle characteristics can distinguish between roadway and aircraft UFP sources.
- Mobile monitoring combined with statistical methods can identify the spatial impact of different UFP emitters.
- This research provides a method for better understanding and managing air quality near airports.
