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Deliberating Performance Targets: Follow-on Workshop Discussing PM10, NO2, CO, and SO2 Air Sensor Targets
Citation:
Duvall, R., G. Hagler, A. Clements, K. Benedict, K. Johnson, Vasu Kilaru, T. Hanley, N. Watkins, A. Kaufman, A. Kamal, S. Reece, P. Fransioli, M. Gerboles, G. Gillerman, R. Habre, M. Hannigan, Z. Ning, V. Papapostolou, R. Pope, P. Quintana, AND J. Lam Snyder. Deliberating Performance Targets: Follow-on Workshop Discussing PM10, NO2, CO, and SO2 Air Sensor Targets. Atmospheric Environment: X. Elsevier B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands, 246:NA, (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2020.118099
Impact/Purpose:
The use of air sensor technologies has grown significantly for a variety of applications. There is still significant variability in data quality from air sensors and the lack of targets and testing protocols makes it challenging to determine appropriate sensors for different uses. In July 2019, EPA held a workshop to discuss performance targets for air sensors measuring particulate matter (PM) with aerodynamic diameters of 10 micrometers or less (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). This workshop was a follow-on to one held in June 2018 focusing on performance targets for fine PM (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) air sensors. This work is important as it highlights many key topics including the state-of-the-science of sensors, current measurement issues/concerns, performance targets that are currently being developed or considered, factors to consider for establishing performance targets, perspectives from sensors users and sensor manufacturers, and other important topics in this field. Groups that would be interested or could apply the results from this research include state/local/tribal air agencies, EPA Regional Offices, other federal agencies and departments, international organizations, academia, sensor manufacturers, and the general public.
Description:
The use of air sensor technology is increasing worldwide for a variety of applications, however, with significant variability in data quality. The United States Environmental Protection Agency held a workshop in July 2019 to deliberate possible performance targets for air sensors measuring particles with aerodynamic diameters of 10 micrometers or less (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). These performance targets were discussed from the perspective of non-regulatory applications and with the sensors operating primarily in a stationary mode in outdoor environments. Attendees included representatives from multiple levels of government organizations, sensor developers, environmental nonprofits, international organizations, and academia. The workshop addressed the current lack of sensor technology requirements, discussed fit-for-purpose data quality needs, and debated transparency issues. This paper highlights the purpose and key outcomes of the workshop. While more information on performance and applications of sensors is available than in past years, the performance metrics, or parameters used to describe data quality, vary among the studies reports and there is a need for more clear and consistent approaches for evaluating sensor performance. Organizations worldwide are increasingly considering, or are in the process of developing, sensor performance targets and testing protocols. Workshop participants suggested that these new guidelines are highly desirable, would help improve data quality, and would give users more confidence in their data. Given the wide variety of uses for sensors and user backgrounds, as well as varied sensor design features (e.g., communication approaches, data tools, processing/adjustment algorithms and calibration procedures), the need for transparency was a key workshop theme. Suggestions for increasing transparency included documenting and sharing testing and performance data, detailing best practices, and sharing data processing and correction approaches.
URLs/Downloads:
DOI: Deliberating Performance Targets: Follow-on Workshop Discussing PM10, NO2, CO, and SO2 Air Sensor Targets