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Expanding stationary and mobile PM2.5 measurement capabilities near fires
Citation:
Bittner, A., M. Arashiro, A. Holder, A. Grieshop, Bill Mitchell, AND B. Gullett. Expanding stationary and mobile PM2.5 measurement capabilities near fires. Air Sensors International Conference, Pasadena, CA, May 11 - 13, 2022.
Impact/Purpose:
This presentation provide a description of how mobile monitor and temporary network of lower-cost sensors can be used to provide high time and spatial resolution measurements of smoke concentrations downwind of wildland fires.
Description:
This study used two easily deployable lower-cost air sensor systems to collect high-frequency measurements of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) near fires. The data collection systems include (1) portable, solar-powered backpack monitors equipped with PurpleAir (PA-II-SD) sensors and (2) a mobile monitoring system equipped with a pDR-1500 (Thermo Scientific). During a fire event, the backpack monitors are deployed as temporary fixed-site monitors to capture longer-term temporal variation, while the mobile monitoring system is driven along routes to characterize spatial variation upwind and downwind, including higher-concentration smoke pulses near the burn. This monitoring approach was tested during prescribed burns in Tall Timbers, FL and Konza Prairie, KS and during the Monument wildfire in Humboldt County, CA. We present these examples to demonstrate the ability of this monitoring approach to improve the spatiotemporal resolution of PM2.5 measurements compared to the nearest regulatory air quality monitoring network site. The results show that both prescribed fire and wildfire plumes can have localized impacts while also contributing to widespread elevated PM2.5 concentrations. Additionally, we explore alternative applications of this technology, including evaluating predictions from commonly used smoke dispersion models, assessing real-time local air quality impacts from the burning of spilled oil, and mobile deployments on all-terrain vehicles and helicopters. The views expressed in this abstract are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The mention of trade names does not constitute endorsement.