Analysis of Inhalable and Fine Particulate Data and Evaluation of Their Prediction Models

摘要

In anticipation of size-specific ambient particulate air quality standards, the US Environmental Protection Agency has established an inhalable particulate matter monitoring network on a limited scale. Simple arithmetic average ratio models for predicting inhalable particulate levels have been previously derived by others based on the inhalable particulate concentration data and colocated high-volume sampler data obtained from the monitoring network. In order to improve such models for predicting various size-specific particulate concentration levels from an expanded data base, this report: (1) describes procedures for improved data screening and for calculation of concentrations for particles with aerodynamic diameters less than 10 mu m, (2) tests whether the predictive ability of simple arithmetic average ratios can be improved by data stratification by key parameters, and (3) assesses the likelihood of nonattainment at the county level with respect to potential size-specific ambient particulate standards. Seasonal and regional characteristics of various size-specific and total suspended particulate concentration levels are also described. (ERA citation 11:038857)