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With increasing interest in understanding the contribution of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) to particulate air pollution in urban areas, an exploratory study was carried out to determine levels of carbonaceous aerosols and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. PM2.5 samples were collected using a high-volume sampler for 24 h in several areas in Kuala Lumpur during the north-easterly monsoon from January to March 2019. Samples were analyzed for water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC), organic carbon (OC), and elemental carbon (EC). Secondary organic carbon (SOC) in PM2.5 was estimated. Particle-bound PAHs were analyzed using gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Average concentrations of WSOC, OC, and EC were 2.73 ± 2.17 (range of 0.63–9.12) µg/m3, 6.88 ± 4.94 (3.12–24.1) µg/m3, and 3.68 ± 1.58 (1.33–6.82) µg/m3, respectively, with estimated average SOC of 2.33 µg/m3, contributing 34% to total OC. The dominance of char-EC over soot-EC suggests that PM2.5 is influenced by biomass and coal combustion sources. The average of total PAHs was 1.74 ± 2.68 ng/m3. Source identification methods revealed natural gas and biomass burning, and urban traffic combustion as dominant sources of PAHs in Kuala Lumpur. A deterministic health risk assessment of PAHs was conducted for several age groups, including infant, toddler, children, adolescent, and adult. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk of PAH species were well below the acceptable levels recommended by the USEPA. Backward trajectory analysis revealed north-east air mass brought pollutants to the studied areas, suggesting the north-easterly monsoon as a major contributor to increased air pollution in Kuala Lumpur. Further work is needed using long-term monitoring data to understand the origin of PAHs contributing to SOA formation and to apply source-risk apportionment to better elucidate the potential risk factors posed by the various sources in urban areas in Kuala Lumpur.
Hamidah Suradi; Firoz Khan; Nor Sairi; Haasyimah Rahim; Sumiani Yusoff; Yusuke Fujii; Kai Qin; Aynul Bari; Murnira Othman; Mohd Latif. Ambient Levels, Emission Sources and Health Effect of PM2.5-Bound Carbonaceous Particles and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the City of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Atmosphere 2021, 12, 549 .
AMA StyleHamidah Suradi, Firoz Khan, Nor Sairi, Haasyimah Rahim, Sumiani Yusoff, Yusuke Fujii, Kai Qin, Aynul Bari, Murnira Othman, Mohd Latif. Ambient Levels, Emission Sources and Health Effect of PM2.5-Bound Carbonaceous Particles and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the City of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Atmosphere. 2021; 12 (5):549.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHamidah Suradi; Firoz Khan; Nor Sairi; Haasyimah Rahim; Sumiani Yusoff; Yusuke Fujii; Kai Qin; Aynul Bari; Murnira Othman; Mohd Latif. 2021. "Ambient Levels, Emission Sources and Health Effect of PM2.5-Bound Carbonaceous Particles and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the City of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia." Atmosphere 12, no. 5: 549.
With ongoing interest in sulfur dioxide (SO2) levels approaching a new Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region (AOSR), an exploratory study was undertaken to identify potential local emission sources that influence ambient SO2 concentrations. The approach used in this study was to apply the receptor model positive matrix factorization (PMF) using ambient measurement data of PM10 components (metals and ion species), gaseous pollutants and volatile organic compound (VOC) species from two industrial air monitoring stations (i.e., AMS13-Fort McKay South and AMS15-CNRL Horizon) over a 3-year period (2015–2017). Results were then used to examine receptor model-defined sources for which SO2 was a statistically strong predictor. Eleven sources were tentatively identified: a mixed oil sands, stack emissions & fugitive dust factor, a haul road dust factor, an aged air mass & biogenic factor, secondary inorganic aerosol, a W–Co–Bi–SO2-rich factor, oil sands mixed fugitives and a mixed industrial and off-road traffic factor. No significant variation was observed in inferred contributions of major SO2-related sources among the two air monitoring stations investigated. These preliminary findings offer insights about different source emissions that influence ambient SO2 concentrations in the AOSR. We suggest there may be potential application of this approach to other settings where similar datasets are available and there is interest in understanding sources affecting ambient SO2 levels.
Aynul Bari; Warren B. Kindzierski; Prabal Roy. Identification of ambient SO2 sources in industrial areas in the lower Athabasca oil sands region of Alberta, Canada. Atmospheric Environment 2020, 231, 117505 .
AMA StyleAynul Bari, Warren B. Kindzierski, Prabal Roy. Identification of ambient SO2 sources in industrial areas in the lower Athabasca oil sands region of Alberta, Canada. Atmospheric Environment. 2020; 231 ():117505.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAynul Bari; Warren B. Kindzierski; Prabal Roy. 2020. "Identification of ambient SO2 sources in industrial areas in the lower Athabasca oil sands region of Alberta, Canada." Atmospheric Environment 231, no. : 117505.
Exposure to ambient volatile organic compound (VOCs) in urban areas is of interest because of their potential chronic and acute adverse effects to public health. Limited information is available about VOC sources in urban areas in Canada. An investigation of ambient VOCs levels, their potential sources and associated risks to public health was undertaken for the urban core of Alberta's largest city (downtown Calgary) for the period 2010-2015. Twenty-four hour arithmetic and geometric mean concentrations of total VOCs were 42μg/m and 39μg/m, respectively and ranged from 16 to 160μg/m, with winter levels about two-fold higher than summer. Alkanes (58%) were the most dominant compounds followed by halogenated VOCs (22%) and aromatics (11%). Mean and maximum 24h ambient concentrations of selected VOCs of public health concern were below chronic and acute health risk screening criteria of the United States regulatory agencies and a cancer screening benchmark used in Alberta equivalent to 1 in 100,000 lifetime risk. The Positive matrix factorization (PMF) model revealed nine VOC sources at downtown Calgary, where oil/natural gas extraction/combustion (26%), fuel combustion (20%), traffic sources including gasoline exhaust, diesel exhaust, mixed fugitive emissions (10-15%), and industrial coatings/solvents (12%) were predominant. Other sources included dry cleaning (3.3%), biogenic (3.5%) and a background source (18%). Source-specific health risk values were also estimated. Estimated cancer risks for all sources were below the Alberta cancer screening benchmark, and estimated non-cancer risks for all sources were well below a safe level.
Aynul Bari; Warren B. Kindzierski. Ambient volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in Calgary, Alberta: Sources and screening health risk assessment. Science of The Total Environment 2018, 631-632, 627 -640.
AMA StyleAynul Bari, Warren B. Kindzierski. Ambient volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in Calgary, Alberta: Sources and screening health risk assessment. Science of The Total Environment. 2018; 631-632 ():627-640.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAynul Bari; Warren B. Kindzierski. 2018. "Ambient volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in Calgary, Alberta: Sources and screening health risk assessment." Science of The Total Environment 631-632, no. : 627-640.
With concern about fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution in urban areas and levels approaching a new Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS), an exploratory study of air quality characteristics and potential sources affecting PM2.5 levels was undertaken in the City of Calgary, Alberta. The study was performed for the economic recession period 2014 to 2016 using hourly concentrations of criteria air pollutants at two monitoring stations (Calgary central and Calgary northwest). The overall mean and median PM2.5 concentrations were similar at both Calgary central (arithmetic mean: 7.7 μg/m3, median: 6.0 μg/m3) and Calgary northwest (arithmetic mean: 7.5 μg/m3, median: 6.0 μg/m3). Three-year averages of annual average daily 24 h PM2.5 concentrations at both stations were below the 2015 annual CAAQS of 10 μg/m3 during the study period 2014–2016. A multivariate receptor model positive matrix factorization (PMF) revealed five sources, where secondary aerosol was identified as the largest source of PM2.5 contributing 54% at Calgary central and 42% at Calgary northwest. Other sources included combustion (18%, 39%), traffic (18%, 12%), an O3-rich source (8%, 4%), and a mixed urban source (2%, 3%) at Calgary central and Calgary northwest, respectively. Variations in annual contributions of secondary aerosol, combustion and traffic were observed at Calgary downtown for 2014–2016. At Calgary northwest no variation was found for annual traffic contributions. These findings offer preliminary information about the contributions of different potential sources to PM2.5 in Calgary; and this information can support policy makers in developing appropriate air quality management initiatives for PM2.5 pollution if needed.
Aynul Bari; Warren B. Kindzierski. Characterization of air quality and sources of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the City of Calgary, Canada. Atmospheric Pollution Research 2018, 9, 534 -543.
AMA StyleAynul Bari, Warren B. Kindzierski. Characterization of air quality and sources of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the City of Calgary, Canada. Atmospheric Pollution Research. 2018; 9 (3):534-543.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAynul Bari; Warren B. Kindzierski. 2018. "Characterization of air quality and sources of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the City of Calgary, Canada." Atmospheric Pollution Research 9, no. 3: 534-543.
An investigation of ambient levels and sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and associated public health risks was carried out at two northern Alberta oil sands communities (Fort McKay and Fort McMurray located < 25 km and >30 km from oil sands development, respectively) for the period January 2010–March 2015. Levels of total detected VOCs were comparatively similar at both communities (Fort McKay: geometric mean = 22.8 μg/m3, interquartile range, IQR = 13.8–41 μg/m3); (Fort McMurray: geometric mean = 23.3 μg/m3, IQR = 12.0–41 μg/m3). In general, methanol (24%–50%), alkanes (26%–32%) and acetaldehyde (23%–30%) were the predominant VOCs followed by acetone (20%–24%) and aromatics (∼9%). Mean and maximum ambient concentrations of selected hazardous VOCs were compared to health risk screening criteria used by United States regulatory agencies. The Positive matrix factorization (PMF) model was used to identify and apportion VOC sources at Fort McKay and Fort McMurray. Five sources were identified at Fort McKay, where four sources (oil sands fugitives, liquid/unburned fuel, ethylbenzene/xylene-rich and petroleum processing) were oil sands related emissions and contributed to 70% of total VOCs. At Fort McMurray six sources were identified, where local sources other than oil sands development were also observed. Contribution of aged air mass/regional transport including biomass burning emissions was ∼30% of total VOCs at both communities. Source-specific carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk values were also calculated and were below acceptable and safe levels of risk, except for aged air mass/regional transport (at both communities), and ethylbenzene/xylene-rich (only at Fort McMurray).
Aynul Bari; Warren B. Kindzierski. Ambient volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in communities of the Athabasca oil sands region: Sources and screening health risk assessment. Environmental Pollution 2018, 235, 602 -614.
AMA StyleAynul Bari, Warren B. Kindzierski. Ambient volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in communities of the Athabasca oil sands region: Sources and screening health risk assessment. Environmental Pollution. 2018; 235 ():602-614.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAynul Bari; Warren B. Kindzierski. 2018. "Ambient volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in communities of the Athabasca oil sands region: Sources and screening health risk assessment." Environmental Pollution 235, no. : 602-614.
Aynul Bari; Warren B. Kindzierski. Characterization of air quality and fine particulate matter sources in the town of Hinton, Alberta. Atmospheric Pollution Research 2018, 9, 84 -94.
AMA StyleAynul Bari, Warren B. Kindzierski. Characterization of air quality and fine particulate matter sources in the town of Hinton, Alberta. Atmospheric Pollution Research. 2018; 9 (1):84-94.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAynul Bari; Warren B. Kindzierski. 2018. "Characterization of air quality and fine particulate matter sources in the town of Hinton, Alberta." Atmospheric Pollution Research 9, no. 1: 84-94.
An investigation of levels and potential sources affecting ambient fine particulate matter (PM) and associated risk to public health was undertaken at two Canadian oil sands communities (Fort McKay and Fort McMurray) using a 4-year dataset (2010-2013). Geometric mean concentrations of PM at Fort McKay and Fort McMurray are not considered high and were 5.47μg/m (interquartile range, IQR=3.02-8.55μg/m) and 4.96μg/m (IQR=3.20-7.04μg/m), respectively. Carcinogenic risks of trace elements were below acceptable (1×10) and/or within tolerable risk (1×10), and non-carcinogenic risks were below a safe level of concern (hazard index=1). Positive matrix factorization (PMF) modeling revealed five sources, where fugitive dust appeared as the major contributor to PM mass (Fort McKay: 32%, Fort McMurray: 46%) followed by secondary sulfate (31%, 42%) and secondary nitrate/biomass burning (26%, 8%). Other minor sources included a mining/mobile and a Mn-rich/Mn-Co-Zn-rich source. Source-specific risk values were also estimated and were well below acceptable and safe level of risks. Further work would be needed to better understand the contribution of secondary organic aerosols to PM formation in these oil sands communities.
Aynul Bari; Warren B. Kindzierski. Ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Canadian oil sands communities: Levels, sources and potential human health risk. Science of The Total Environment 2017, 595, 828 -838.
AMA StyleAynul Bari, Warren B. Kindzierski. Ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Canadian oil sands communities: Levels, sources and potential human health risk. Science of The Total Environment. 2017; 595 ():828-838.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAynul Bari; Warren B. Kindzierski. 2017. "Ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Canadian oil sands communities: Levels, sources and potential human health risk." Science of The Total Environment 595, no. : 828-838.
With concern about levels of air pollutants in recent years in the Capital Region of Alberta, an investigation of ambient concentrations, sources and potential human health risk of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) or air toxics was undertaken in the City of Edmonton over a 5-year period (2009-2013). Mean concentrations of individual HAPs in ambient air including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and trace metals ranged from 0.04 to 1.73 μg/m, 0.01-0.54 ng/m, and 0.05-3.58 ng/m, respectively. Concentrations of benzene, naphthalene, benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), arsenic, manganese and nickel were far below respective annual Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objectives. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk of air toxics were also compared with risk levels recommended by regulatory agencies. Positive matrix factorization identified six air toxics sources with traffic as the dominant contributor to total HAPs (4.33 μg/m, 42%), followed by background/secondary organic aerosol (SOA) (1.92 μg/m, 25%), fossil fuel combustion (0.92 μg/m, 11%). On high particulate air pollution event days, local traffic was identified as the major contributor to total HAPs compared to background/SOA and fossil fuel combustion. Carcinogenic risk values of traffic, background/SOA and metals industry emissions were above the USEPA acceptable level (1 × 10), but below a tolerable risk (1 × 10) and Alberta benchmark (1 × 10). These findings offer useful preliminary information about current ambient air toxics levels, dominant sources and their potential risk to public health; and this information can support policy makers in the development of appropriate control strategies if required.
Aynul Bari; Warren B. Kindzierski. Concentrations, sources and human health risk of inhalation exposure to air toxics in Edmonton, Canada. Chemosphere 2017, 173, 160 -171.
AMA StyleAynul Bari, Warren B. Kindzierski. Concentrations, sources and human health risk of inhalation exposure to air toxics in Edmonton, Canada. Chemosphere. 2017; 173 ():160-171.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAynul Bari; Warren B. Kindzierski. 2017. "Concentrations, sources and human health risk of inhalation exposure to air toxics in Edmonton, Canada." Chemosphere 173, no. : 160-171.
With concern about levels and exceedances of Canadian and provincial standards and objectives for fine particulate matter (PM) in recent years, an investigation of air quality characteristics and potential local and long-range sources influencing PM concentrations was undertaken in the City of Red Deer, Alberta. The study covered the period May 2009 to December 2015. Comparatively higher concentrations of PM were observed in winter (mean: 11.6 μg/m, median: 10 μg/m) than in summer (mean: 9.0 μg/m, median: 7.0 μg/m). Exceedances of the 1 h Alberta Ambient Air Quality objective (3-31 times per year > 80 μg/m) and the 24 h Canada-Wide Standard (2-11 times per year > 30 μg/m) were found at the Red Deer Riverside air monitoring station, particularly in 2010, 2011 and 2015. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) followed by multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis identified a mixed industry/agriculture factor as the dominant contributor to PM (39.3%), followed by an O-rich (biogenic) factor (26.4%), traffic (19.3%), biomass burning (10.5%) and a mixed urban factor (4.4%). In addition to local traffic, the mixed industry/agriculture factor - inferred as mostly upstream oil and gas emission sources surrounding Red Deer - was identified as another potentially important source contributing to wintertime high PM pollution days. These findings offer useful preliminary information about current PM sources and their potential contributions in Red Deer; and this information can support policy makers in the development of particulate matter control strategies if required.
Aynul Bari; Warren B. Kindzierski. Characteristics of air quality and sources affecting fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels in the City of Red Deer, Canada. Environmental Pollution 2017, 221, 367 -376.
AMA StyleAynul Bari, Warren B. Kindzierski. Characteristics of air quality and sources affecting fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels in the City of Red Deer, Canada. Environmental Pollution. 2017; 221 ():367-376.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAynul Bari; Warren B. Kindzierski. 2017. "Characteristics of air quality and sources affecting fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels in the City of Red Deer, Canada." Environmental Pollution 221, no. : 367-376.
To design effective PM control strategies in urban centers, there is a need to better understand local and remote sources influencing PM levels and associated risk to public health. An investigation of PM levels, sources and potential human health risk associated with trace elements in the PM was undertaken in Edmonton over a 6-year period (September 2009-August 2015). The geometric mean PM concentration of was 7.11 μg/m (interquartile range, IQR = 4.83-10.08 μg/m). Positive matrix factorization (PMF) receptor modeling identified secondary organic aerosol (SOA) as the major contributor (2.2 μg/m, 27%), followed by secondary nitrate (1.3 μg/m, 17%) and secondary sulfate (1.2 μg/m, 15%). Other local sources included transportation (1.1 μg/m, 14%) and industry-related emissions (0.26 μg/m, 3.4%), biomass burning (1.0 μg/m, 13%) and soil (0.54 μg/m, 6.8%). Five factors (i.e., SOA, secondary nitrate, secondary sulfate, transportation and biomass burning) contributed more than 85% to PM for the 2009-2015 period. Geometric (arithmetic) mean and maximum ambient air concentrations for hazardous trace elements of public health concern in PM during the study period were below United States regulatory agency chronic and acute health risk screening criteria. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk of trace elements and source-specific risk values were well below acceptable and safe levels of risks recommended by regulatory agencies. More work is needed to understand the origin of potential SOA and wintertime wood burning sources in Edmonton and the surrounding region and to apply source-risk apportionment using all available hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) including organic compounds to better interpret the potential health risk posed by various sources in urban areas.
Aynul Bari; Warren B. Kindzierski. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Edmonton, Canada: Source apportionment and potential risk for human health. Environmental Pollution 2016, 218, 219 -229.
AMA StyleAynul Bari, Warren B. Kindzierski. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Edmonton, Canada: Source apportionment and potential risk for human health. Environmental Pollution. 2016; 218 ():219-229.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAynul Bari; Warren B. Kindzierski. 2016. "Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Edmonton, Canada: Source apportionment and potential risk for human health." Environmental Pollution 218, no. : 219-229.
There has been an increase in oil sands development in northern Alberta, Canada and an overall increase in economic activity in the province in recent years. An evaluation of the state of air quality was conducted in four Alberta locations – urban centers of Calgary and Edmonton, and smaller communities of Fort McKay and Fort McMurray in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region (AOSR). Concentration trends, diurnal hourly and monthly average concentration profiles, and exceedances of provincial, national and international air quality guidelines were assessed for several criteria air pollutants over the period 1998 to 2014. Two methods were used to evaluate trends. Parametric analysis of annual median 1 h concentrations and non-parametric analysis of annual geometric mean 1 h concentrations showed consistent decreasing trends for NO2 and SO2 (< 1 ppb per year), CO (< 0.1 ppm per year) at all stations, decreasing for THC (< 0.1 ppm per year) and increasing for O3 (≤ 0.52 ppb per year) at most stations and unchanged for PM2.5 at all stations in Edmonton and Calgary over a 17-year period. Little consistency in trends was observed among the methods for the same air pollutants other than for THC (increasing in Fort McKay < 0.1 ppm per year and no trend in Fort McMurray), PM2.5 in Fort McKay and Fort McMurray (no trend) and CO (decreasing < 0.1 ppm per year in Fort McMurray) over the same period. Levels of air quality indicators at the four locations were compared with other Canadian and international urban areas to judge the current state of air quality. Median and annual average concentrations for Alberta locations tended to be the smallest in Fort McKay and Fort McMurray. Other than for PM2.5, Calgary and Edmonton tended to have median and annual average concentrations comparable to and/or below that of larger populated Canadian and U.S. cities, depending upon the air pollutant.
Aynul Bari; Warren B. Kindzierski. Evaluation of air quality indicators in Alberta, Canada – An international perspective. Environment International 2016, 92-93, 119 -129.
AMA StyleAynul Bari, Warren B. Kindzierski. Evaluation of air quality indicators in Alberta, Canada – An international perspective. Environment International. 2016; 92-93 ():119-129.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAynul Bari; Warren B. Kindzierski. 2016. "Evaluation of air quality indicators in Alberta, Canada – An international perspective." Environment International 92-93, no. : 119-129.
Environmental exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in ambient air is one of a number of concerns that the First Nation Community of Fort McKay, Alberta has related to development of Canada's oil sands. An in-depth investigation of trends in ambient air VOC levels in Fort McKay was undertaken to better understand the role and possible significance of emissions from Alberta's oil sands development. A non-parametric trend detection method was used to investigate trends in emissions and ambient VOC concentrations over a 12-year (2001 − 2012) period. Relationships between ambient VOC concentrations and production indicators of oil sands operations around Fort McKay were also examined. A weak upward trend (significant at 90% confidence level) was found for ambient concentrations of total VOCs based on sixteen detected species with an annual increase of 0.64 μg/m3 (7.2%) per year (7.7 μg/m3 increase per decade). Indicators of production (i.e., annual bitumen production and mined oil sands quantities) were correlated with ambient total VOC concentrations. Only one of 29 VOC species evaluated (1-butene) showed a statistically significant upward trend (p = 0.05). Observed geometric (arithmetic) mean and maximum ambient concentrations of selected VOCs of public health concern for most recent three years of the study period (2010 − 2012) were below chronic and acute health risk screening criteria of the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Thirty-two VOCs are recommended for tracking in future air quality investigations in the community to better understand whether changes are occurring over time in relation to oil sands development activities and to inform policy makers about whether or not these changes warrant additional attention.
Aynul Bari; Warren B. Kindzierski; David Spink. Twelve-year trends in ambient concentrations of volatile organic compounds in a community of the Alberta Oil Sands Region, Canada. Environment International 2016, 91, 40 -50.
AMA StyleAynul Bari, Warren B. Kindzierski, David Spink. Twelve-year trends in ambient concentrations of volatile organic compounds in a community of the Alberta Oil Sands Region, Canada. Environment International. 2016; 91 ():40-50.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAynul Bari; Warren B. Kindzierski; David Spink. 2016. "Twelve-year trends in ambient concentrations of volatile organic compounds in a community of the Alberta Oil Sands Region, Canada." Environment International 91, no. : 40-50.
Currently there have been questions about ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels in the Capital Region of Alberta, Canada. An investigation of temporal trends in PM2.5 and its chemical components was undertaken in the City of Edmonton within the Capital Region over an 8-year period (2007–2014). A non-parametric trend detection method was adopted to characterize trends in ambient concentrations. No statistically significant change was observed for ambient PM2.5 concentrations during 2007–2014, while significant decreasing trends were found for organic carbon, elemental carbon, oxalate, barium, lead and cadmium. A statistically significant increasing trend was observed for sodium chloride indicating an increase of de-icing salt contribution for winter road maintenance in recent years. Concentrations of potassium ion and zinc exhibited strong and significant seasonal variability with higher concentrations in winter than in summer likely reflecting wood smoke origins more than other potential sources in Edmonton and the surrounding region. No statistically significant changes were observed for all other chemical components examined. Notwithstanding robust population growth that has occurred in Edmonton, these findings reveal that particulate air quality and corresponding trace elements in Edmonton's air has been unchanged or improved over the investigated period (2007–2014). Longer-term air quality monitoring at least over several decades is needed to establish whether trends reported here are actually occurring.
Aynul Bari; Warren B. Kindzierski. Eight-year (2007–2014) trends in ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and its chemical components in the Capital Region of Alberta, Canada. Environment International 2016, 91, 122 -132.
AMA StyleAynul Bari, Warren B. Kindzierski. Eight-year (2007–2014) trends in ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and its chemical components in the Capital Region of Alberta, Canada. Environment International. 2016; 91 ():122-132.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAynul Bari; Warren B. Kindzierski. 2016. "Eight-year (2007–2014) trends in ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and its chemical components in the Capital Region of Alberta, Canada." Environment International 91, no. : 122-132.
Aynul Bari; Warren B. Kindzierski; Amanda Wheeler; Marie-Ève Héroux; Lance Wallace. Source apportionment of indoor and outdoor volatile organic compounds at homes in Edmonton, Canada. Building and Environment 2015, 90, 114 -124.
AMA StyleAynul Bari, Warren B. Kindzierski, Amanda Wheeler, Marie-Ève Héroux, Lance Wallace. Source apportionment of indoor and outdoor volatile organic compounds at homes in Edmonton, Canada. Building and Environment. 2015; 90 ():114-124.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAynul Bari; Warren B. Kindzierski; Amanda Wheeler; Marie-Ève Héroux; Lance Wallace. 2015. "Source apportionment of indoor and outdoor volatile organic compounds at homes in Edmonton, Canada." Building and Environment 90, no. : 114-124.
Aynul Bari; Rhonda Lee T. Curran; Warren B. Kindzierski. Field performance evaluation of Maxxam passive samplers for regional monitoring of ambient SO2, NO2 and O3 concentrations in Alberta, Canada. Atmospheric Environment 2015, 114, 39 -47.
AMA StyleAynul Bari, Rhonda Lee T. Curran, Warren B. Kindzierski. Field performance evaluation of Maxxam passive samplers for regional monitoring of ambient SO2, NO2 and O3 concentrations in Alberta, Canada. Atmospheric Environment. 2015; 114 ():39-47.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAynul Bari; Rhonda Lee T. Curran; Warren B. Kindzierski. 2015. "Field performance evaluation of Maxxam passive samplers for regional monitoring of ambient SO2, NO2 and O3 concentrations in Alberta, Canada." Atmospheric Environment 114, no. : 39-47.
Exposure to submicron particles (PM1) is of interest due to their possible chronic and acute health effects. Seven consecutive 24-h PM1 samples were collected during winter and summer 2010 in a total of 74 nonsmoking homes in Edmonton, Canada. Median winter concentrations of PM1 were 2.2 μg/m(3) (interquartile range, IQR = 0.8-6.1 μg/m(3)) and 3.3 μg/m(3) (IQR = 1.5-6.9 μg/m(3)) for indoors and outdoors, respectively. In the summer, indoor (median 4.4 μg/m(3), IQR = 2.4-8.6 μg/m(3)) and outdoor (median 4.3 μg/m(3), IQR = 2.6-7.4 μg/m(3)) levels were similar. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) was applied to identify and apportion indoor and outdoor sources of elements in PM1 mass. Nine sources contributing to both indoor and outdoor PM1 concentrations were identified including secondary sulfate, soil, biomass smoke and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), traffic, settled and mixed dust, coal combustion, road salt/road dust, and urban mixture. Three additional indoor sources were identified i.e., carpet dust, copper-rich, and silver-rich. Secondary sulfate, soil, biomass smoke and ETS contributed more than 70% (indoors: 0.29 μg/m(3), outdoors: 0.39 μg/m(3)) of measured elemental mass in PM1. These findings can aid understanding of relationships between submicron particles and health outcomes for indoor/outdoor sources.
Aynul Bari; Warren B. Kindzierski; Lance Wallace; Amanda Wheeler; Morgan MacNeill; Marie-Ève Héroux. Indoor and Outdoor Levels and Sources of Submicron Particles (PM1) at Homes in Edmonton, Canada. Environmental Science & Technology 2015, 49, 6419 -6429.
AMA StyleAynul Bari, Warren B. Kindzierski, Lance Wallace, Amanda Wheeler, Morgan MacNeill, Marie-Ève Héroux. Indoor and Outdoor Levels and Sources of Submicron Particles (PM1) at Homes in Edmonton, Canada. Environmental Science & Technology. 2015; 49 (11):6419-6429.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAynul Bari; Warren B. Kindzierski; Lance Wallace; Amanda Wheeler; Morgan MacNeill; Marie-Ève Héroux. 2015. "Indoor and Outdoor Levels and Sources of Submicron Particles (PM1) at Homes in Edmonton, Canada." Environmental Science & Technology 49, no. 11: 6419-6429.
An investigation of ambient air quality was undertaken at three communities within the Athabasca Oil Sands Region (AOSR) of Alberta, Canada (Fort McKay, Fort McMurray, and Fort Chipewyan). Daily and seasonal patterns and 15-year trends were investigated for several criteria air pollutants over the period of 1998 to 2012. A parametric trend detection method using percentiles from frequency distributions of 1h concentrations for a pollutant during each year was used. Variables representing 50th, 65th, 80th, 90th, 95th and 98th percentile concentrations each year were identified from frequency distributions and used for trend analysis. Small increasing concentration trends were observed for nitrogen dioxide (<1ppb/year) at Fort McKay and Fort McMurray over the period consistent with increasing emissions of oxides of nitrogen (ca. 1000tons/year) from industrial developments. Emissions from all oil sands facilities appear to be contributing to the trend at Fort McKay, whereas both emissions from within the community (vehicles and commercial) and oil sands facility emissions appear to be contributing to the trend at Fort McMurray. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from industrial developments in the AOSR were unchanged during the period (101,000±7000tons/year; mean±standard deviation) and no meaningful trends were judged to be occurring at all community stations. No meaningful trends occurred for ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) at all community stations and carbon monoxide at one station in Fort McMurray. Air quality in Fort Chipewyan was much better and quite separate in terms of absence of factors influencing criteria air pollutant concentrations at the other community stations.
Bari; Warren B. Kindzierski. Fifteen-year trends in criteria air pollutants in oil sands communities of Alberta, Canada. Environment International 2015, 74, 200 -208.
AMA StyleBari, Warren B. Kindzierski. Fifteen-year trends in criteria air pollutants in oil sands communities of Alberta, Canada. Environment International. 2015; 74 ():200-208.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBari; Warren B. Kindzierski. 2015. "Fifteen-year trends in criteria air pollutants in oil sands communities of Alberta, Canada." Environment International 74, no. : 200-208.
Exposure to coarse particulate matter (PM), i.e., particles with an aerodynamic diameter between 2.5 and 10μm (PM10-2.5), is of increasing interest due to the potential for health effects including asthma, allergy and respiratory symptoms. Limited information is available on indoor and outdoor coarse PM and associated endotoxin exposures. Seven consecutive 24-h samples of indoor and outdoor coarse PM were collected during winter and summer 2010 using Harvard Coarse Impactors in a total of 74 Edmonton homes where no reported smoking took place. Coarse PM filters were subsequently analyzed for endotoxin content. Data were also collected on indoor and outdoor temperature, relative humidity, air exchange rate, housing characteristics and occupants\u27 activities. During winter, outdoor concentrations of coarse PM (median=6.7μg/m3, interquartile range, IQR=3.4-12μg/m3) were found to be higher than indoor concentrations (median 3.4μg/m3, IQR=1.6-5.7μg/m3); while summer levels of indoor and outdoor concentrations were similar (median 4.5μg/m3, IQR=2.3-6.8μg/m3, and median 4.7μg/m3, IQR=2.1-7.9μg/m3, respectively). Similar predictors were identified for indoor coarse PM in both seasons and included corresponding outdoor coarse PM concentrations, whether vacuuming, sweeping or dusting was performed during the sampling period, and number of occupants in the home. Winter indoor coarse PM predictors also included the number of dogs and indoor endotoxin concentrations. Summer median endotoxin concentrations (indoor: 0.41EU/m3, outdoor: 0.64EU/m3) were 4-fold higher than winter concentrations (indoor: 0.12EU/m3, outdoor: 0.16EU/m3). Other than outdoor endotoxin concentrations, indoor endotoxin concentration predictors for both seasons were different. Winter endotoxin predictors also included presence of furry pets and whether the vacuum had a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Summer endotoxin predictors were problems with mice in the previous 12 months and mean indoor relative humidity levels
Aynul Bari; Morgan MacNeill; Warren B. Kindzierski; Lance Wallace; Marie-Ève Héroux; Amanda J. Wheeler. Predictors of coarse particulate matter and associated endotoxin concentrations in residential environments. Atmospheric Environment 2014, 92, 221 -230.
AMA StyleAynul Bari, Morgan MacNeill, Warren B. Kindzierski, Lance Wallace, Marie-Ève Héroux, Amanda J. Wheeler. Predictors of coarse particulate matter and associated endotoxin concentrations in residential environments. Atmospheric Environment. 2014; 92 ():221-230.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAynul Bari; Morgan MacNeill; Warren B. Kindzierski; Lance Wallace; Marie-Ève Héroux; Amanda J. Wheeler. 2014. "Predictors of coarse particulate matter and associated endotoxin concentrations in residential environments." Atmospheric Environment 92, no. : 221-230.
With planned expansion of oil sands facilities, there is interest in being able to characterize the magnitude and extent of deposition of metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region (AOSR) of Alberta. A study was undertaken using a bulk collection system to characterize wintertime atmospheric deposition of selected inorganic and organic contaminants in the AOSR. The study was carried out from January to March 2012 at two sampling sites near (within a 20 km circle of oil sands development) and two sampling sites distant (>45 km) to oil sands development. Triplicate bulk samplers were used to estimate precision of the method at one distant site. Monthly deposition samples were analyzed for 36 metals, ultra-low mercury, and 25 PAHs (including alkylated, and parent PAH). At the two sites located within 20 km of oil sands development, 3-month wintertime integrated deposition for some priority metals, alkylated and parent PAH were higher compared to distant sites. Deposition fluxes of metals and PAH were compared to other available bulk deposition studies worldwide. Median bulk measurement uncertainties of metals and both PAH classes were 26% and within ±15%, respectively suggesting that the bulk sampling method is a potential alternative for obtaining future direct measures of wintertime metals and PAH deposition at locations without access to power in the AOSR.
M.A. Bari; W.B. Kindzierski; S. Cho. A wintertime investigation of atmospheric deposition of metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region, Canada. Science of The Total Environment 2014, 485-486, 180 -192.
AMA StyleM.A. Bari, W.B. Kindzierski, S. Cho. A wintertime investigation of atmospheric deposition of metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region, Canada. Science of The Total Environment. 2014; 485-486 ():180-192.
Chicago/Turabian StyleM.A. Bari; W.B. Kindzierski; S. Cho. 2014. "A wintertime investigation of atmospheric deposition of metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region, Canada." Science of The Total Environment 485-486, no. : 180-192.
The offline Eulerian AURAMS (A Unified Regional Air quality Modelling System) chemical transport model was adapted to simulate airborne concentrations of seven PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons): phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benz[a]anthracene, chrysene + triphenylene, and benzo[a]pyrene. The model was then run for the year 2002 with hourly output on a grid covering southern Canada and the continental USA with 42 km horizontal grid spacing. Model predictions were compared to ~5000 24 h-average PAH measurements from 45 sites, most of which were located in urban or industrial areas. Eight of the measurement sites also provided data on particle/gas partitioning which had been modelled using two alternative schemes. This is the first known regional modelling study for PAHs over a North American domain and the first modelling study at any scale to compare alternative particle/gas partitioning schemes against paired field measurements. The goal of the study was to provide output concentration maps of use to assessing human inhalation exposure to PAHs in ambient air. Annual average modelled total (gas + particle) concentrations were statistically indistinguishable from measured values for fluoranthene, pyrene and benz[a]anthracene whereas the model underestimated concentrations of phenanthrene, anthracene and chrysene + triphenylene. Significance for benzo[a]pyrene performance was close to the statistical threshold and depended on the particle/gas partitioning scheme employed. On a day-to-day basis, the model simulated total PAH concentrations to the correct order of magnitude the majority of the time. The model showed seasonal differences in prediction quality for volatile species which suggests that a missing emission source such as air–surface exchange should be included in future versions. Model performance differed substantially between measurement locations and the limited available evidence suggests that the model's spatial resolution was too coarse to capture the distribution of concentrations in densely populated areas. A more detailed analysis of the factors influencing modelled particle/gas partitioning is warranted based on the findings in this study.
E. Galarneau; P. A. Makar; Q. Zheng; J. Narayan; J. Zhang; M. D. Moran; M. A. Bari; S. Pathela; A. Chen; R. Chlumsky. PAH concentrations simulated with the AURAMS-PAH chemical transport model over Canada and the USA. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics 2014, 14, 4065 -4077.
AMA StyleE. Galarneau, P. A. Makar, Q. Zheng, J. Narayan, J. Zhang, M. D. Moran, M. A. Bari, S. Pathela, A. Chen, R. Chlumsky. PAH concentrations simulated with the AURAMS-PAH chemical transport model over Canada and the USA. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. 2014; 14 (8):4065-4077.
Chicago/Turabian StyleE. Galarneau; P. A. Makar; Q. Zheng; J. Narayan; J. Zhang; M. D. Moran; M. A. Bari; S. Pathela; A. Chen; R. Chlumsky. 2014. "PAH concentrations simulated with the AURAMS-PAH chemical transport model over Canada and the USA." Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics 14, no. 8: 4065-4077.