Citation:

Duvall, R., S. Kimbrough, S. Krabbe, P. Deshmukh, R. Baldauf, L. Brouwer, T. MacArthur, C. Croghan, J. Varga, M. Brown, AND M. Davis. Analysis of PM2.5, black carbon, and trace metals measurements from the Kansas City Transportation and Local-Scale Air Quality Study. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION. Air & Waste Management Association, Pittsburgh, PA, , na, (2024). https://doi.org/10.1080/10962247.2024.2365708

Impact/Purpose:

Adverse human health effects including cardiovascular, respiratory, and premature mortality occurrences are linked to human exposures to ambient concentrations of particulate matter (PM), including PM with aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 μm or less (PM2.5). Anthropogenic sources of PM2.5 include stationary source fuel combustion, industrial processes, and transportation sources. As urbanization continues throughout the world more of the population will be engaging in normal day-to-day activities while living near major transportation sources that may be significant sources of PM2.5 and black carbon (BC). Rail yards are a major transportation sector with complex emissions sources that usually have other supporting activities and industries with emissions adjacent. This paper reports on PM2.5 data collected during the Kansas City Transportation and Local-Scale Air Quality Study (KC-TRAQS) using traditional sampling methods/instrumentation and lower-cost sensor packages. The analysis focuses on PM2.5, black carbon, and trace metals collected over a year-long period (October 2017-2018). This research contributes to improved understanding of air quality in communities impacted by transportation sources. Groups that would be interested or could apply the results from this research include state/local/tribal agencies, EPA Regional Offices, communities, and other Federal agencies.

Description:

Near-transportation source environments can be impacted by higher concentrations of particulate matter (PM) and other pollutants. Populations living in these environments may experience adverse health effects including cardiovascular and respiratory incidences. While there are many studies reporting on air quality in near-road environments, fewer studies have reported on air quality in other non-road transportation environments. To better understand air quality in a near-source environment, the Kansas City Transportation and Local-Scale Air Quality Study (KC-TRAQS) was conducted in the Argentine, Turner, and Armourdale neighborhoods in Southeast Kansas City, Kansas. This area has a number of complex emissions sources including transportation sources (railyards, vehicles, diesel trucks), light industry, commercial facilities, and residential areas. Stationary samples were collected over 1-year (October 2017-2018) at six sites using traditional sampling methods and lower-cost air sensor packages. Pollutants of interest included particulate matter less than 2.5 mm in diameter (PM2.5), black carbon (BC), and trace metals. Analysis of filter samples showed that the highest 24-h mean PM2.5 concentrations (9.34 mg/m3) were observed at the KC-TRAQS sites located within 20-50 m of the railyard facility. Mean 24-h PM2.5 concentrations, ranging from 7.96 to 9.34 mg/m3, at all the sites were lower than that of the nearby NCore regulatory monitoring site (9.83 mg/m3). Daily maximum PM2.5 concentrations were higher at the KC-TRAQS sites (ranging from 25.31 to 43.76 mg/m3) compared to the NCore site (20.50 mg/m3), suggesting impacts of localized emissions sources. 24-h averaged PM2.5 concentrations from the sensor package (P-POD) ranged from 3.26 to 5.70 µg/m3 across all KC-TRAQS sites. The PM sensor underestimated the reference PM2.5 concentrations which has been observed in other studies. BC and organic carbon (OC) analysis of filter samples suggested higher presence of secondary organic aerosol formation, with highest mean concentrations of BC and OC observed at the site within 20 m of the railyard. Trace metal analysis of the filter samples showed significant daily, monthly, and seasonal variations in concentrations for metals of interest (Fe, Cu, Zn, Cr, and Zn). Peak values were observed during the summer months at sites located south and within 50 m of the railyard.

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