 |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
 |
|||
 |
 |
Air QualityProjects are listed alphabetically by principal investigator _____________________ University of Toronto ($260,000 over 3 years, awarded 2001, completed April 2004) Project Title: Organic aerosols as cloud condensation nuclei: laboratory and global climate modelling studies The project involved research on the impact of atmospheric aerosol particles on clouds and global climate, as well as evaluation of the potential for the ”indirect” effect that aerosols may have on cloud formation—one of the greatest scientific uncertainties in making global climate change assessments. The project contributed to a state-of-the-art global climate model that assisted in understanding the role of organics on the formation of clouds, as well as assessments in any modifications of global climate. Global climate models have primarily focused on inorganic sulfate aerosols and have not considered the role played by organic species such as aerosol particles. University of Toronto ($429,500 over 3 years, awarded 2003, completed October 2007) Project Title: Interactions of atmospheric pollutants with ice and snow: partitioning and chemical reactions Ice is a prevalent part of our environment, present at the surface as snow or frozen seawater, and in the atmosphere as either ice cloud particles or precipitation. It is a chemically active medium acting as a repository and reactor for a wide range of both naturally occurring and anthropogenic species. This study aimed to investigate varying chemical interactions of ice (real-world and laboratory) with a wide range of atmospheric pollutants in order to quantify and substantiate the role of ice-atmosphere interactions in climate and atmospheric sciences. Findings improved the understanding of whether these gases can be scavenged from the atmosphere by gas-ice interactions or whether chemical transformations can occur that lead to their loss or modification. _____________________ Simon Fraser University ($417,632 over 3 years, awarded 2002, completed January 2007) Project Title: Production of toxic compounds by heterogeneous reactions High concentrations of atmospheric particles during episodes of poor air quality adversely affect human health. This research project investigated chemical reactions between a variety of airborne particulate species (such as soot) and known atmospheric oxidants (such as ozone). The information increased understanding of the relationship between inhalation of soot particles and health. It led to the development of more effective measures for control of air pollution. _____________________ McGill University ($458,500 over 3 years, awarded 2002, completed May 2006) Project Title: Transformation of mercury in the Arctic: laboratory, field and global modelling This project investigated the fundamental chemical processes and transport mechanisms associated with the atmospheric depletion of mercury seen during polar sunrise at several Arctic and sub-Arctic research sites since 1995. The research led to a better understanding of the environmental persistence of mercury and its tendency to bio-accumulate in the food chain, particularly in northern Canada. _____________________ University of British Columbia ($197,000 over 2 years, awarded 2008) Project Title: Single-particle mass spectrometry measurements at the Whistler elevation site Economic growth in eastern Asia has been accompanied by an exponential increase in the use of fossil fuels, especially coal, and by a dramatic change in land use patterns. Canada may see a decrease in air quality because of this growth, as particles are transported over the Pacific Ocean to North America. This project seeks to understand this particle transportation in order to better manage the threats it may pose. _____________________ University of British Columbia ($392,231 over 3 years, awarded 2003, completed June 2007) Project Title: Toward a complete understanding of the chemistry and chemical composition of atmospheric aerosols Aerosols, suspensions of solid or liquid particles, are ubiquitous in the atmosphere, and are believed to be associated with respiratory disease, visibility reduction, acid deposition, and climate change. This project developed an innovative single-particle aerosol mass spectrometer for measuring size-resolved chemical composition of organic aerosols in real-time and studying reactions of OH and O3 with organic particles. The new spectrometer significantly improved scientific knowledge of the role played by atmospheric organic aerosols in climate and atmospheric chemistry and led to improved models of air quality and climate change. The valuable technology and knowledge is helping in designing the next generation of field instruments for aerosol analysis. _____________________ Dalhousie University ($270,800 over 3 years, awarded 2001, completed October 2005) Project Title: Molecular simulations of black carbon aerosol interfacial processes Black carbon is produced by fossil fuels and biomass burning and is an important factor in climate change, air quality and human health issues. Using molecular computer simulations, the oxidizing and adsorption rates of water and toxic chemicals onto black carbon were numerically predicted. This helped determine the efficiency with which black carbon can transport toxic chemicals over large distances. It also improved air quality and climate models so they can better predict the concentration of black carbon aerosols in the atmosphere. _____________________ University of Toronto ($320,000 over 3 years, awarded 2001, completed November 2005) Project Title: Improvements to air quality models: airborne pollutant-surface film interactions Urban air pollution is a serious and growing health concern in Canada. Airborne particulate matter, small enough to be inhaled, has a significant impact on human health. The research established the important chemical processes to include so that models accurately predict the formation of particles inhaled in the air we breathe. The work improved air quality models and gave policy makers scientific information to help reduce pollution. University of Toronto ($142,000 over 2 years, awarded 2008) Project Title: Heterogeneous photochemistry: effects on atmospheric radical production and air Urban air pollution represents a serious and growing concern in Canada and throughout the world. The aim of this project is to understand better the chemical processes that allow for urban pollutants to be formed, transformed and destroyed. _____________________ University of Toronto ($259,500 over 3 years, awarded 2001, completed August 2006) Project Title: Measurements of atmospheric extinction in the stratosphere and troposphere retrieved by occultation (MAESTRO) A new ozone-measuring instrument was installed on the SCISAT Canadian satellite in late 2002. The MAESTRO instrument provided precise measurements of the ozone profile of the atmosphere and helped measure ozone loss. It was developed by the Meteorological Service of Canada and was adapted for space. Following its launch, MAESTRO provided data measurements for about 18 months. These measurements were very significant as there are few measurements of ozone or other chemicals that extend into the troposphere—the part of the atmosphere most subject to modification by human activities. _____________________ Dalhousie University ($158,500 over 3 years) Project Title: A three-dimensional investigation of transboundary aerosol transport The primary cause of poor air quality in Atlantic Canada is the transport of airborne emissions from neighbouring regions. Using a new lidar (laser radar) system and sun photometer at Dalhousie University, the research team will investigate the vertical structure and optical properties of aerosols, while capturing information about ground-level aerosols at sites around the Atlantic region. In combination with established models, these measurements will identify pollution pathways and conditions, investigate vertical mixing processes, and result in a greater understanding of transboundary transport. _____________________ University of Toronto ($398,384 over 3 years, awarded 2003, completed January 2007) Project Title: Understanding the influences of chemical and meteorological processes on urban particulate matter Poor air quality is believed to contribute to several thousand premature deaths a year in Canada, amounting to close to $1 billion a year in economic costs and reduced quality of life. Much of this impact is related to airborne particulate matter (PM) in Canada’s urban centres. The research used new high time resolution measurement techniques, statistical modelling and source and composition information to improve understanding of the meteorological and chemical processes that influence urban particulate matter. The results assisted in distinguishing between local/Canadian and trans-boundary contributions to poor air quality episodes. Results also supported more effective federal, provincial and international policy development and ongoing policy discussions aimed at adding a PM Annex to the U.S.-Canada Air Quality Agreement. University of Toronto ($197,550 over 2 years, awarded 2008) Project Title: Particle nucleation and growth: eludication of the underlying processes through measurement and modelling of temporal and spatial variability Poor air quality causes increased illness and fatalities from heart attacks, lung disease and cancer. This project will improve understanding of the growth and development of particles in the air in order to improve air quality models. The research will feed into work on developing the next generation of air quality models and related policy implications. _____________________ Harris, Geoffrey Project Title: Airborne measurements of ammonia and
carbon monoxide using TDLAS—a contribution to ICARTT _____________________ York University ($255,400 over 3 years, awarded 2001, completed April 2005) Project Title: Mass spectrometric studies of atmospheric particulate matter Understanding the chemical composition of particles was improved through state-of-the-art analytical methods. The sources and fates of atmospheric particles were also investigated. Data resulting from this work were valuable in the development of control strategies for meeting Canada-wide standards for particulates. Results also helped with research on the impact of air pollution on health. York University ($212,460 over 3 years, awarded 2002, completed July 2006) Project Title: Laboratory and field studies of reactive gas to particle conversion The formation and chemical composition of ambient particulate matter is linked to negative impacts on visibility, climate, and human health in urban and industrial areas. The study examined the production of sulphate and nitrate particulate matter from sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, through simultaneous measurements of gas and particulate phase concentrations. Results are helping in developing health strategies, linking the type of pollutant to its source(s), and developing aerosol modules for air-quality prediction models. _____________________ University of Toronto ($250,010 over 3 years) Project Title: Improved understanding of air quality in the Canadian Arctic using integrated satellite and surface observations The Arctic is a fragile ecosystem and particularly sensitive to changes in climate and to the influence of pollution from mid-latitudes. A major objective is to increase knowledge of how pollutants from around the globe affect air quality in the Arctic. The research will study the seasonal and yearly transport of harmful pollutants and greenhouse gases such as nitrogen oxides, which play a key role in the production of tropospheric ozone. Recent satellite observations of the lower atmosphere, combined with a global chemical transport model, will result in a greater understanding of the sources and effects of pollution in the Arctic. This will assist with development of targeted national policies to mitigate the impact of pollution on air quality in the Arctic. _____________________ McGill University ($123,300 over 3 years, awarded 2003, completed January 2007) Project Title: LIDAR measurements and cascade models of pollutant dispersion Depending on their composition, particles and gases emitted from small, localized sources can contribute variously to smog, greenhouse warming, atmospheric cooling, acid rain, and ozone depletion. The corresponding concentrations appear to vary in space and time over different orders of magnitude due to an anisotropic dynamical cascade process starting at planetary scales. The research produced high time-space resolution aerosol imagery by combining advances in turbulence with state-of-the-art LIDAR technology to test this theory of cascade models of pollution dispersion over a wide range of scales. Immediate applications included new methods for remotely monitoring point source pollutant fluxes (industrial and natural emissions over three years), and hence for monitoring air quality. _____________________ Dalhousie University ($143,500 over 2 years, awarded 2008) Project Title: Interpretation and evaluation of satellite remote sensing for Canadian air quality One of Canadian governments’ priorities is to improve air quality. This project will provide the first estimates of Canadian nitrogen oxide emissions, a greenhouse gas, providing a framework for monitoring national emissions. The research will also provide information on the distribution of pollution and its sources throughout Canada—information that can be used to guide air quality regulation and improve air quality forecasts. _____________________ York University ($548,500 over 3 years, awarded 2003, completed August 2008) Project Title: Application of a 3-D multiscale model to Arctic air quality issues: ozone and mercury depletion, Arctic haze, and intercontinental transport Chemical and physical changes occurring in the Arctic atmosphere are sensitive to inputs from anthropogenic emissions of pollutants and from the stratosphere: yearly recurrent observation of “Arctic haze” has been reported since the 1950s. This project used and adapted a multi-scale (global and regional) three-dimensional air quality model to the Arctic to help investigate the regional nature of ozone and mercury depletion events following the polar sunrise. It was also used to establish a hierarchy of the most relevant processes contributing to removal from the Arctic boundary layer. The research enhanced understanding of the impact of mid-latitude anthropogenic pollution on the Arctic troposphere and the possible impacts of the Arctic on troposphere ozone mid-latitudes. York University ($200,000 over 2 years, awarded 2008) Project Title: Canadian air quality in past and future climates within a global context Poor air quality has an impact on human health and can also be injurious to animals, agriculture and forestry. This project will study past and future changes in air quality and the exposures of humans, crops and forests. There will also be a focus on the impact on Arctic air quality due to increases in shipping as the summer ice in the Arctic disappears. The research will assess likely changes in global and Canadian air quality over the next 50 years. _____________________ University of British Columbia ($228,560 over 3 years, awarded 2001, completed June 2004) Project Title: Modelling and observation of trans-Pacific pollutant transport: Impacts on western Canada This project involved the development and deployment of a light aircraft-based vertical profiling system and modelling of the role of mountains in intercepting layers of pollutants that pass across western North America. Twelve aircraft missions were flown during the spring of 2001, one of which captured the arrival of Gobi Dust over British Columbia, the largest such event in two decades. This project was used to develop better air quality forecasts for the region and, through inclusion of trans-Pacific contributions to local air quality, to improve models so that they can better assess the impacts of local abatement strategies. _____________________ York University ($308,000 over 3 years, awarded 2002, completed July 2006) Project Title: Characterization and formation mechanisms of secondary organic particulate matter This research looked at the chemical reactions and physical processes associated with common gas-phase organic precursors that lead to the formation of smog. Atmospheric particles, often with diameters much smaller than one micrometer, are everywhere in the atmosphere. They comprise organic compounds produced by vegetation and the oxidation of hydrocarbons emitted by human activities. They can affect both climate and atmospheric visibility by scattering and absorbing light. They also directly impact cloud formation, precipitation and the amount of sunlight reaching the Earth’s surface. The project increased the knowledge needed to assess the effects of organic particulate matter on climate and human health. _____________________ University of British Columbia ($222,934 over 3 years, awarded 2001, completed July 2004) Project Title: Measurement and parameterization of heat and mass fluxes relevant to the role of cities in regional air quality and greenhouse gas exchange This project involved the study of exchanges of heat, water and pollutants in cities and the way they modify urban climate, as well as how pollutants are dispersed. The physical processes underlying the modification of the atmosphere by urban development were detailed and contributed to the creation of tools to forecast urban air quality and other applications. As well, models were generated that were tested with field data, and high quality data were made available to others for testing models. The project contributed to understanding key climate system processes, including those connected to greenhouse gas sources and sinks and urban air quality. It also assisted in the construction of weather and air quality models for cities. _____________________ Université de Sherbrooke ($246,000 over 3 years, awarded 2001, completed February 2007) Project Title: Aerosol remote sensing using passive and active radiometry; ground-based investigations into the information content of a multi-year combined data set To understand the air quality impact of aerosols in the short term and their climate-change impact in the long term, we have to improve our knowledge of their optical effects. This project helped achieve that goal by measuring, characterizing and analyzing optical data on aerosol conditions in a transition zone between urban Toronto and rural southern Ontario. The region is influenced by a wide variety of aerosols, ranging from clean-air background aerosols, to pollution and smoke particles to large dust aerosols. Ground-based data were acquired simultaneously by LIDAR (a pulsed laser system) and passive optical measures (sunphotometry and sky radiometry). The combination of the two techniques provided a better understanding of aerosol (as well as cloud) dynamics in the region of an experimental site (Egbert, Ontario). This was important for validating and predicting aerosol behaviour in air-quality and climate-change models. The accumulated data set also facilitated the validation of satellite-based aerosol remote-sensing missions, in particular the tandem of CALIPSO (LIDAR) and MODIS (passive radiometer). _____________________ University of Calgary ($173,495 over 2 years, awarded 2008) Project Title: Photochemical recycling of nitrogen oxides on snow and ice surfaces As the Northwest Passage opens, there will be increased numbers of motor vehicles and marine vessels in the Arctic, as well as power plants, mining operations and factories. These all produce nitrogen oxides, which in turn produce ozone. Those ozone-producing nitrogen oxides become frozen in snow and ice, allowing them to stay in the Arctic environment longer than at lower latitudes; but they become active under sunlight, increasing ozone levels in the region. This study will allow a more accurate assessment of the impact of increased nitrogen oxide emissions in the Arctic environment and will therefore be of importance to policy makers. _____________________ Acadia University ($78,900 over 3 years, awarded 2001, completed March 2005) Project Title: Kinetic studies of reactions of atomic bromine with polar organic halides, alcohols and ketones Ozone depletion episodes in the Arctic have been linked to the photochemical generation of atomic bromine when the sun reappears after the Arctic winter. Atomic bromine is generated when sunlight is absorbed by molecular bromine. The project determined the rates of reactions of bromine and atmospheric organic compounds and their importance as potential atmospheric sinks for bromine. This in turn helped improve models predicting the role of atomic bromine in ozone depletion and enhanced the ability to describe ozone-depletion events. _____________________ York University ($594,800 over 3 years, awarded 2001, completed April 2005) Project Title: Application of stable carbon isotope ratio measurements in volatile organic compounds to study the oxidizing capacity of the troposphere This research was designed to develop more efficient and effective air pollution control strategies by increasing reliability and predictability of numerical model simulations. The reaction with hydroxyl-radicals is the initial step for removal of many important trace gases from the atmosphere and determines the rate of formation of many secondary pollutants (e.g. ozone, secondary particulate matter) that lead to smog. This project provided the research necessary to test, improve and verify hydroxyl-radical concentrations. Rudolph, Jochen J. York University ($94,100 over 2 years, awarded 2008) Project Title: Stable carbon isotope ratio-based studies of particle-phase and gas-phase secondary organic compounds in the atmosphere One of the main challenges in developing effective and cost-efficient air pollution mitigation strategies is the difficulty in establishing quantitative relations between emissions and air pollution levels at specific receptor sites. This project will gain insight into the complex processes resulting in the formation of secondary particulate organic matter in the atmosphere. The research will improve understanding of the consequences of emissions of volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere. _____________________ University of Waterloo ($486,047 over 3 years, awarded 2002, completed July 2006) Project Title: Laboratory investigation of the formation, growth and climate implications of Arctic haze Arctic haze is a seasonal phenomenon in which high concentrations of particulate matter occur in the lower Arctic troposphere. Arctic haze has a strong effect on Arctic climate and meteorology. The research improved understanding of the properties that contribute to Arctic haze, by examining the growth and nucleation rates of haze particles in the Arctic troposphere. The resulting data was to be used to refine regional climate and radiative transfer models. _____________________ University of Western Ontario ($150,000 over 2 years, awarded 2008) Project Title: Impact of large-scale stratospheric ozone intrusions on operational air quality forecast model applications This project will improve national air-quality and weather-forecast models, giving Canadians better tools and measures to control poor air quality and its effects on health. The research will investigate what happens at the highest levels of the atmosphere, where there is a high volume of ozone. This changes the quality of the air at lower levels. In order to get a better, more complete picture and ability to forecast air quality near the ground, these exchanges must be better understood. This research represents the first-ever attempt to observe and integrate activities to achieve this understanding. _____________________ University of Toronto ($107,000 over 2 years, awarded 2008) Project Title: Development of a climatological data set from the Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment (ACE) satellite mission for validating atmospheric model simulations Global atmospheric models are valuable for simulating the behaviour of the Earth's protective ozone layer. These models help us understand past changes that depleted ozone and help predict what will most likely happen as the ozone layer recovers. This project will develop new data that will improve prediction of future ozone recovery in light of projected changes in climate, while providing a better understanding of Arctic ozone. _____________________ University of Toronto ($280,000 over 3 years, awarded 2001, completed January 2005) Project Title: Forests as filters of persistent organic pollutants Measurements suggest that forests are very efficient filters for selected toxic air pollutants. This is particularly the case with deciduous forest canopies that take up the pollutants from the atmosphere and transfer them to the forest floor with the falling leaves. This has the potential to significantly reduce the pollutant load in the atmosphere, decreasing the risk to humans and wildlife. The research, conducted collaboratively with Dr. Tom Harner of the Meteorological Service of Canada, involved using two different techniques to measure the uptake of selected pollutants, including the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), in a deciduous canopy in Borden, Ontario. Wania, Frank University of Toronto ($135,000 over 2 years, awarded 2008) Project Title: Quantitative characterization of the impact of environmental factors on the performance of passive air samplers for semi-volatile organic compounds Semi-volatile organic compounds are transported in the atmosphere and typically enter the human and wildlife food chains after atmospheric dispersal and deposition. Monitoring these can be time consuming and costly. The project will produce reliable, cost-effective tools for monitoring many hazardous pollutants in the atmosphere. _____________________ University of Alberta ($253,000 over 3 years, awarded 2001, completed May 2005) Project Title: Numerical and field experiments in source quantification by inverse Lagrangian dispersion The project made it possible to infer the time and place of long-range contaminant release, up to the global scale. A transport and dispersion model was validated to investigate how many observation points are needed to locate a source and their optimal distribution. Field experiments verified the accuracy of the technique. Laser sensors were used in experiments to estimate the sources of methane and other trace gases. The model has the potential to be a new generation Environment Canada emergency response model and a component of the Canadian strategy for monitoring compliance with the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. Wilson, John
|
|