Work

Wood-Burning Device Changeout: Modeling the Impact on PM2.5Concentrations in a Remote Subarctic Urban Nonattainment Area

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: The effects of exchanging noncertified with certified wood-burning devices on the 24h-average PM2.5concentrations in the nonattainment area of Fairbanks, Alaska, in a cold season (October to March) were investigated using the Weather Research and Forecasting model inline coupled with a chemistry package. Even changing out only 2930 uncertified woodstoves and 90 outdoor wood boilers reduced the 24 h-average PM2.5concentrations on average by 0.6 μg.m−3(6%) and avoided seven out of 55 simulated exceedance days during this half-a-year. The highest reductions on any exceedance day ranged between 1.7 and 2.8 μg.m−3. The relative response factors obtained were consistently relatively low (~0.95) for all PM2.5species and all months. Sensitivity studies suggest that the assessment of the benefits of a wood-burning device changeout program in avoiding exceedances heavily relies on the accuracy of the estimates on how many wood-burning devices exist that can be exchanged.

Source: Advances in Meteorology

DOI: 10.1155/2012/853405

Authors: Huy N. Q. Tran, Nicole Mölders

Institution: University of Alaska Fairbanks

Language: English

Topic: Atmospheric chemistry and aerosols

Subfield: Atmospheric Science

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,630