Grantee Research Project Results

Characterization of Mobile and Ambient NO2 Emissions in California

EPA Grant Number: FP917818
Title: Characterization of Mobile and Ambient NO2 Emissions in California
Investigators: Patterson, Regan F
Institution: University of California - Berkeley
EPA Project Officer: Lee, Sonja
Project Period: September 1, 2015 through August 31, 2018
Project Amount: $132,000
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (2015) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Academic Fellowships

Objective:

The purpose of this study is to: (1) estimate exposure in California from mobile and ambient data; and, (2) develop a community-engaged air monitoring process that captures local-level exposures in Richmond, a highly impacted community.

Approach:

The study will begin with a characterization of the light-duty vehicle fleet in three California cities using previously collected on-road emission measurements of reactive nitrogen compounds. The age distribution of the vehicle fleet will also be evaluated. In the second phase of the study, total on-road mobile NO2 emissions in the same cities will be characterized and mapped from fuel sales and traffic count data. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will be used to map emissions. The third phase of the study assesses ambient NO2 concentrations. Near-road NO2 monitors are being installed in three phases as mandated by the EPA. The evolution of the monitoring network and measured NO2 concentrations will be analyzed. The final phase of this study will involve a community air monitoring campaign to assess exposure and monitoring in a highly impacted community.

Expected Results:

This study will result in various characterizations of NO2 exposure. The first part of this study will result in a neighborhood-scale LDGV fleet characterization of NO2 emissions. The second part of this study will present a fuel-based inventory and high-resolution maps of on-road NO2 emissions in major urban areas in California. The third phase will capture changes in NO2 emissions over time. The final phase of community air monitoring will result in improved monitoring efforts to address environmental justice issues in Richmond.

Supplemental Keywords:

nitrogen dioxide, exposure, air-monitoring

Progress 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.