Investigation of the composition of woodsmoke and methods for apportioning woodsmoke to air pollution in Launceston

摘要: Launceston, a city with population of approximately 80,000 located in the north Tasmania, Australia, regularly experiences high levels air pollution during winter. Ambient `PM_(10)` (particulate matter an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 10 micrometres) exceed Australian 24-hour guideline `50` `μg``/``m^3` around 20-40 times May to September period each year. This is generally attributed residential woodburning, one third households using woodheaters or open fireplaces. thesis reports on investigations into characterising and quantifying contribution woodsmoke wintertime Launceston. An historical record quality Launceston was reconstructed polycyclicaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as surrogates for dated sediment core taken from upper Tamar Estuary. The overall depth profile showed that PAHs began increasing at end 19th century have been relatively steady since 1930s. Pyrogenic source ratios similar woodburning were found both atmospheric sedimentary samples, although quantification not possible alone. Factors affecting sampling investigated, including impact rate, vapour-particle phase distribution various components system degradation caused by different filter media. Because inability differentiate between fossil fuel wood combustion there need identify alternative tracers combustion. A dilution tunnel used collect emissions operated airflow settings, 100 organic compounds quantified. Although majority detected ambient levoglucosan be degraded samples identified consistent tracer woodsmoke. Levoglucosan concentrations indicated contributed about 80% Launceston. To validate use woodsmoke, biomass sources carbon aerosols determined measuring carbon-14 content accelerator mass spectrometry. Fossil had low constant input irrespective particulate loading, transport-related emissions. Conversely, input, most likely increase linearly 97-99% total fraction PM10. modified method developed collected borosilicate media.