|
Title:
|
|
Abstract: Monitoring of UFP concentration and size distribution at four urban background sites in NW-Europe
|
|
|
|
Author(s):
|
Staelens, J.; Hofman, J.; Hama, S.M.L.; Wyche, K.P.; Kos, G.P.A.; Matheeussen, C.; Cordell, R.; Laan, J. van der; Meydam, J.; Smallbone, K.L.; Frumau, K.F.A.; Weijers, E.P.; Monks, P.; Roekens, E.
|
|
|
|
Published by:
|
Publication date:
|
|
ECN
Environment & Energy Engineering
|
18-3-2015
|
|
|
|
ECN report number:
|
Document type:
|
|
ECN-M--15-014
|
Conference Paper
|
|
|
|
Number of pages:
|
Full text:
|
|
3
|
Download PDF
|
Abstract:
Within the Joaquin project, ultrafine particles (UFP) are continuously measured at one urban
background location in four cities in NW-Europe (Amsterdam, Antwerp, Leicester and London).
The main aims are to investigate the temporal variation in UFP number concentration and size
distribution, to assess the added value of UFP data in addition to more common parameters such
as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and black carbon (BC) and to evaluate the feasibility of long-term UFP
measurements within air quality monitoring networks.
At all sites the total particle number concentration (PNC) was measured with a condensation
particle counter (TSI-3783, particles < 1 µm) and BC with a MAAP (Thermo-5012). Information on
the particle size distribution was obtained by a scanning mobility particle sizer (Grimm-5420/LDMA)
in Amsterdam and Antwerp and by a differential mobility analyzer with corona discharger
and electrometer (TSI-3031) in Leicester and London.
To assess instrument comparability, there was an initial measurement campaign in Antwerp and
follow-up comparisons at the four sites using a mobile trailer. The agreement between devices of
the same type was good (<10% difference), but the total PNC was underestimated by the sizeresolved
devices compared with the particle counters.
Results will be presented based on 1-2 years of measurements, depending on the site. UFP, BC
and NO2 showed a clear traffic-related diurnal variation with morning and evening rush hour
peaks on weekdays, but only a clear evening peak in the weekends. The relative distribution of
particles in 5 size classes from 20 to 200 nm was quite similar at all sites, with the highest particle
number in the 30-50 nm class. BC and NO2 were correlated with the total and size-specific PNC,
but the relationships depended on the site, probably reflecting differences in local site and traffic
characteristics.
Acknowledgment: this work is supported by the Interreg IVB North-West Europe programme.
Back to List