Final Report Improving Model Estimates of Smoke Contributions to Regional Haze Using Low-cost Sampler Systems

Robust low-cost sampler systems allowing for monitoring of air pollutants important for air quality resulting from forest fires and urban/agricultural activities in remote locations were tested and developed. The main emphasis was placed on passive samplers for ozone and nitrogenous pollutants (nitrogen oxides, ammonia and nitric acid vapor). In addition, a system for evaluation of total inputs of atmospheric nitrogen under vegetation canopies (throughfall collectors) was developed. Passive samplers tested and developed in this study provide information, which is critical for local plume dispersion measures and regional air quality and haze assessments. Passive samplers for ozone, nitric acid and ammonia were used in 2002 summer season in selected areas of the Sierra Nevada (Lake Tahoe Basin, San Joaquin River Drainage, and eastern Sierra Nevada). Effects of local generation of air pollution, long-range transport of pollution plumes, and the McNalley fire (Sierra National Forest, July/August 2002) on distribution of gaseous and particulate air pollutants were evaluated. Geostatistical Analyst software (ESRI) was used for production of maps showing spatial and temporal distribution of measured air pollutants in the studied areas.