1. Using a network of lower-cost monitors to identify the influence of modifiable factors driving spatial patterns in fine particulate matter concentrations in an urban environment
- Author
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Rose Eilenberg, S., Subramanian, R., Malings, Carl, Hauryliuk, Aliaksei, Presto, Albert A., and Robinson, Allen L.
- Abstract
Background: There is substantial interest in using networks of lower-cost air quality sensors to characterize urban population exposure to fine particulate matter mass (PM
2.5 ). However, sensor uncertainty is a concern with these monitors. Objectives: (1) Quantify the uncertainty of lower-cost PM2.5 sensors; (2) Use the high spatiotemporal resolution of a lower-cost sensor network to quantify the contribution of different modifiable and non-modifiable factors to urban PM2.5 . Methods: A network of 64 lower-cost monitors was deployed across Pittsburgh, PA, USA. Measurement and sampling uncertainties were quantified by comparison to local reference monitors. Data were sorted by land-use characteristics, time of day, and wind direction. Results: Careful calibration, temporal averaging, and reference site corrections reduced sensor uncertainty to 1?µg/m3 , ~10% of typical long-term average PM2.5 concentrations in Pittsburgh. Episodic and long-term enhancements to urban PM2.5 due to a nearby large metallurgical coke manufacturing facility were 1.6?±?0.36?µg/m3 and 0.3?±?0.2?µg/m3 , respectively. Daytime land-use regression models identified restaurants as an important local contributor to urban PM2.5 . PM2.5 above EPA and WHO daily health standards was observed at several sites across the city. Significance: With proper management, a large network of lower-cost sensors can identify statistically significant trends and factors in urban exposure.- Published
- 2020
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