Identification of potential source areas for elevated PM2.5, nitrate and sulfate concentrations

Extreme events or episodes of ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5), in which daily mass concentrations are substantially higher than annual averages, have been frequently observed in southern Wisconsin, US. Determining the cause of events has been a great challenge to local governments responsible for protecting public health and complying with the 24-h PM2.5 standard. This study analyzed air parcel movements originating from emission source areas, and trends in PM2.5 concentrations in order to determine the important factors involved in elevated PM2.5 episodes in the region. A single backward trajectory analysis coupled with PM2.5 concentrations observed at Federal Reference Method Network (FRM) sites in Madison, Milwaukee and Waukesha; and nitrate and sulfate concentrations monitored at a Chemical Speciation Network (CSN) site in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from 2002 to 2010 were examined. The PM2.5 concentrations from the FRM showed the total PM2.5 mass during the episodes were higher in Madison than in Milwaukee and Waukesha, while annual average concentrations were lower in Madison. However, the temporal trend in frequency of elevated PM2.5 episodes was remarkably similar across sites during the entire study period and high frequency episodes occurring from 2005 to 2007. Residence time analysis of backward trajectories calculated for all recorded data indicated episode changes were mainly driven by year-to-year variations of air mass movements originating in high emissions areas. Potential Source Contribution Function (PSCF) results showed the extreme events of PM2.5 occurred during times when trajectories passed over ammonia emissions hotspots as well as large stationary emissions. Enhanced nitrate and sulfate concentrations which were the major episode components were strongly influenced by air masses trajectories originating from the Ohio River Valley and adjacent states.

► Effect of air parcel movements on variability in high PM2.5 episodes is evaluated.
► Variations of air masses originating in high emission areas influence the episodes.
► Trajectories from the Ohio River Valley enhance major episode components.