Article
The 2003/2004 Libby, Montana PM2.5 source apportionment research study
Aerosol Science and Technology
(2006)
Abstract
Except for areas in California, Libby, Montana is the only designated
EPA nonattainment area for fine particulate matter (PM2.5)
in the mid and western states. During the winter of 2003/2004,
PM2.5 speciated data (mass, elements, ions, organic/elemental carbon)
were collected every six days from November 11, 2003 through
February 27, 2004. Using a Chemical Mass Balance computer
model (Version 8.0), these data were used to apportion the sources
ofPM2.5 in the Libby valley. In support of the source apportionment
program, a comprehensive evaluation of the particulate matter associated
organic compounds (including polar organics, phenolics,
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and 14C) present in the airshed
was also conducted.
CMB modeling results revealed that emissions from residential
wood combustion was the major source of PM2.5 throughout the
winter months in Libby, contributing an average of 82% of the
measured PM2.5. Levoglucosan, a well-known chemical marker for
wood smoke, had the highest measured concentrations of any of
the 95 polar organic compounds quantified from the fine fraction,
accounting for over 15.5% of the measured organic carbon fraction.
Other semi-volatile organic compounds with high measured
concentrations during the program were four phenolic compounds
commonly found inwood smoke, including phenol, 2-methylphenol
(o-cresol), 4-methylphenol (p-cresol), and 2,4-dimethylphenol. Results
from 14C analysis indicate that as much as 82% of the measured
14C results from a wood smoke source. These indicators support
modeling results that residential wood combustion was the
major source of PM2.5 in Libby, Montana throughout the winter
months.
Disciplines
Publication Date
August 20, 2006
DOI
10.1080/02786820500494536
Publisher Statement
American Association for Aerosol Research. Publisher's version of record: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02786820500494536
Citation Information
L. Mazzoleni, Tony J. Ward and Todd Lange. "The 2003/2004 Libby, Montana PM2.5 source apportionment research study" Aerosol Science and Technology Vol. 40 (2006) p. 166 - 177 ISSN: 0278-6826 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/l-mazzoleni/6/