Grantee Research Project Results
Validation and Applications Protocol for Source Apportionment of Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Stations (PAMS) Ambient Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Data
EPA Grant Number: R826237Title: Validation and Applications Protocol for Source Apportionment of Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Stations (PAMS) Ambient Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Data
Investigators: Fujita, Eric M.
Current Investigators: Fujita, Eric M. , Campbell, David E.
Institution: University and Community College System of Nevada
Current Institution: Desert Research Institute
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: October 1, 1997 through September 30, 1999
Project Amount: $134,200
RFA: Ambient Air Quality (1997) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Air Quality and Air Toxics , Air
Description:
This study provides a critical review of the validity of model output from the application of Chemical Mass Balance (CMB) to volatile organic compound (VOC) data from Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Stations (PAMS). Available source composition profiles will be compiled for major categories of VOC emissions, and evaluated for representativeness in various regions of the country. The profile library and a CMB applications and validation protocol for VOC source apportionment will be made available to state and local agencies, and other interested parties through the Internet. This study examines the applicability of the Chemical Mass Balance (CMB) receptor model to source apportionment of ambient VOC data from Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Stations (PAMS), and develops a protocol for validation of ambient and source composition input data and for evaluation and interpretation of model outputs.Approach:
Issues that will be addressed include the effect of photochemical reactivity on the validity and uncertainty of source apportionment results. We also plan to compare and evaluate differences among alternative apportionment approaches, including advance factor analysis methods such as Source Apportionment by Factors with Explicit Restrictions (SAFER). We will also examine the effects and limitations of excluding oxygenated and semi-volatile hydrocarbons in the current PAMS monitoring program on VOC source apportionment.Expected Results:
The critical review of alternative receptor modeling approaches will lay the foundation for future development of the CMB software. Results will be summarized in a guidance document that provides a protocol for application of CMB to PAMS VOC data and for evaluation and interpretation of model outputs. The protocol will include sample CMB Version 8 source and ambient input data files, default source and fitting species selection files, and a current library of available source composition profiles in CMB-ready format. The results of the study are expected to facilitate and encourage the application of the CMB receptor model to PAMS VOC data by State and local air pollution agencies as a check on VOC inventories.Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 28 publications for this projectJournal Articles:
Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 6 journal articles for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
ambient air, volatile organic compounds, Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Stations, source apportionment, chemical mass balance, receptor modeling., Scientific Discipline, Air, Toxics, Environmental Chemistry, air toxics, VOCs, Atmospheric Sciences, ambient air quality, atmospheric, monitoring, receptor modeling, source apportionment, air quality models, ambient air, hazardous air pollutants, ambient monitoring, modeling, photochemical assessment monitoring stations, chemical mass balance, pollutants, PAMS, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), PAMS sitesProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.