Grantee Research Project Results

Project 2: Assessment of Energy-Related Sources, Factors and Transitions Using Novel High-Resolution Ambient Air Monitoring Networks and Personal Monitors

EPA Grant Number: R835871C002
Subproject: this is subproject number 002 , established and managed by the Center Director under grant R835871
(EPA does not fund or establish subprojects; EPA awards and manages the overall grant for this center).
Center: Center for Research on Early Childhood Exposure and Development in Puerto Rico
Center Director: Alshawabkeh, Akram
Title: Project 2: Assessment of Energy-Related Sources, Factors and Transitions Using Novel High-Resolution Ambient Air Monitoring Networks and Personal Monitors
Investigators: Gentner, Drew R. , Breysse, Patrick N. , Zaitchik, Ben , Kerkez, Branko , Williams, D’Ann , Katz, Howard , Peccia, Jordan , Koehler, Kirsten
Current Investigators: Gentner, Drew R. , Breysse, Patrick N. , Zaitchik, Ben , Kerkez, Branko , Katz, Howard , Peccia, Jordan , Koehler, Kirsten
Institution: Yale University , The Johns Hopkins University , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , University of Michigan
Current Institution: Yale University , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , The Johns Hopkins University , University of Michigan
EPA Project Officer: Callan, Richard
Project Period: October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2020 (Extended to September 30, 2022)
RFA: Air, Climate And Energy (ACE) Centers: Science Supporting Solutions (2014) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Air , Climate Change , Air Quality and Air Toxics , Airborne Particulate Matter Health Effects , Environmental Engineering , Safer Chemicals

Objective:

We aim to determine the fraction of observed heterogeneity in regional air pollution and personal exposure that is due to energy-related factors (e.g., transportation, power generation). The objectives are to: 1) develop novel online multipollutant monitors to simultaneously measure air pollutants and greenhouse gases; 2) deploy a high-resolution, multipollutant stationary monitoring network to quantify variability in pollutant concentrations at high spatiotemporal resolution; and use source apportionment methods to assess contributions from energy-related sources; and 3) deploy novel multipollutant sensors as personal monitors to evaluate temporally-resolved personal exposures with detailed time-activity information; and use source apportionment methods to assess contributions from energy-related sources.

Approach:

We will use novel multipollutant wireless monitors in a high-resolution fixed network (100+ sites) and as personal samplers in a case study area (Baltimore). We propose the first large distributed network of robust low-cost monitors to characterize modifiable energyrelated factors affecting air pollution, and to observe changes in air quality and personal exposure from energy-related sources. Sampling will include diverse communities by housing stock, socioeconomic status, and sustainable aspects to understand spatiotemporal variability in pollutant concentrations, source contributions, and exposures across in an urban setting.

Expected Results:

We will produce a novel stationary and personal assessment framework with cutting-edge technologies (chemical sensors, distributed sensing, wireless networking) to simultaneously estimate concentrations for 9+ pollutants at high temporal resolution. There is growing interest in using new sensor technologies to create high-granularity monitoring networks to supplement existing larger fixed site monitoring programs. Increased granularity will allow air quality managers more flexibility in monitoring locations. Small-scale source apportionment and other statistical methods will be used to elucidate influences of energy-related sources and examine emissions before and after energy transition events (e.g., power plant decommissioning). We will quantify energy-related sources that impact personal exposures considering regional, local, and residential sources; transportation modes (car, rail, bus, bicycle); and aspects of the built environment.

Publications and Presentations:

Publications have been submitted on this subproject: View all 3 publications for this subproject | View all 118 publications for this center

Journal Articles:

Journal Articles have been submitted on this subproject: View all 2 journal articles for this subproject | View all 73 journal articles for this center

Supplemental Keywords:

criteria pollutants, exposure assessment, particulate matter

Progress and Final Reports:

Main Center Abstract and Reports:

R835871 Center for Research on Early Childhood Exposure and Development in Puerto Rico

Subprojects under this Center: (EPA does not fund or establish subprojects; EPA awards and manages the overall grant for this center).
R835871C001 Project 1: Modeling Emissions from Energy Transitions
R835871C002 Project 2: Assessment of Energy-Related Sources, Factors and Transitions Using Novel High-Resolution Ambient Air Monitoring Networks and Personal Monitors
R835871C003 Project 3: Air Quality and Climate Change Modeling: Improving Projections of the Spatial and Temporal Changes of Multipollutants to Enhance Assessment of Public Health in a Changing World
R835871C004 Project 4: Human Health Impacts of Energy Transitions: Today and Under a Changing World