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Project title

Analysis of the development and occurrence of biological and chemical aerosols. (BioCheA)

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University College Cork (UCC)

Lead Applicant

John Sodeau

Project Abstract

The main aims of this programme are to develop a complementary field monitoring and laboratory programme directed toward the analysis of natural (bioaerosol) components coincident with measurements of anthropogenic materials such as PM10 and NOx for the Cork Harbour region. Novel instrumentation will be used to investigate the Primary Biological Aerosol Particles (PBAP) in real-time and thereby provide key information on levels and identity of important allergens such as fungal spores and pollen. By this means an understanding of the processes by which particulate emissions, from both natural and anthropogenic sources are released to the Urban/Marine atmosphere in the Cork Harbour region will be developed. The EPA will thereby be provided with an assessment of the contribution of PBAP, PM10 and NOx in both an inventory and source apportionment form. The main target areas for study are: ? A thirty month continuous NOx (real-time) and PM10 monitoring programme will be performed as a function of meterological conditions, seasonality and composition within the Cork Harbour region. ?The proposed real-time measurements of PBAP will be the first in the world to use 2-D fluorescence technology developed in the last few years for the identification of airborne biological materials. ? A source apportionment model will be developed to increase our understanding of the way that anthropogenic pollutants interact with natural particulate-forming processes.

Grant Approved

�736,381.00

Research Hub

Climate Change

Research Theme

Trans-Boundary Air Pollution/Short Life Climate Forcers

Start Date

05/01/2008

Initial Projected Completion Date

05/01/2011