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Project title

Sources of PM2.5 in the Air of Irish Towns

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)

Lead Applicant

Jurgita Ovadnevaite

Project Abstract

Atmospheric aerosol particles, also known as particulate matter (PM), together with other air pollutants, are identified as the single biggest environmental health risk by the World Health Organisation and cause over 7 million premature deaths per year worldwide. Similarly, in Ireland, air pollution is responsible for around 1,300 premature deaths yearly with PM being the main pollutant of concern. PM can originate from man-made sources such as domestic heating, traffic, agriculture, industry and natural sources, like pollen, sea salt or dust. In addition to primary sources, so-called secondary PM can also be formed via gas-to-particle conversion in the atmosphere. Attribution or apportionment of ambient PM to the various sources can be effectively carried out using measurements of the mass and chemical composition of the aerosol particles. The overall approach relies on the use of chemical markers or emission profiles attributed to specific sources. This project will utilise a comprehensive range of air quality measurements and source apportionment techniques to identify and quantify the sources of PM2.5 in two Irish towns with well-known air quality issues. Central to the measurement approach is the use of online aerosol mass spectrometry (AMS) to provide quantitative chemical composition measurements of organic matter, sulfate, nitrate and ammonium in near real-time, coupled with source apportionment analysis. Moreover, in order to capture all sources of PM2.5 in the towns, the monitoring will also incorporate filter-based methods for collecting ambient PM2.5 followed by laboratory-based characterisation of the elemental composition using X-Ray Fluorescence. The filter-based method will complement the AMS measurements by providing information on refractory materials, like metals that are often used as specific markers for non-tailpipe vehicle emissions (tyre wear and break abrasion), road dust and industrial emissions that are not measured by the AMS technique. In addition to the two monitoring campaigns, a network of low-cost PM2.5 sensors will be set up to provide an insight into how the pollution varies across the towns. The project team will use the networks to engage with the local authorities, schools and wider community to raise awareness of the project and generate interest in air quality issues in general. Results from the field measurement campaigns and source apportionment activities will be reviewed and compared with previous and concurrent measurements in Irish cities and towns, e.g. AEROSOURCE and SAPPHIRE projects. The impact of different emission sources on air quality will be evaluated, as well as any changes observed over the last 10-15 years, especially in relation to the fuels used for home heating. Based on this analysis, a range of options for mitigation of PM emissions will be proposed and provide a scientific basis for underpinning the successful implementation of the National Clean Air Strategy. Recommendations on actions to reduce PM2.5 to achieve forthcoming levels included in the recast of the CAFE Directive and recommendations on further actions that would correspond to the WHO air quality guideline values will be provided.

Grant Approved

�449,999.07

Research Hub

Healthy Environment

Research Theme

n/a

Start Date

25/03/2024

Initial Projected Completion Date

24/03/2027