Air Quality Measurements from the Southern Particulate Matter Supersite in Taiwan

Received: April 28, 2008
Revised: April 28, 2008
Accepted: July 10, 2008
Download Citation: RIS|BibTeX|https://doi.org/10.4209/aaqr.2008.04.0012  

Cite this article:
Lin, C.H., Wu, Y.L., Lai, C.H., Watson, J.G. and Chow, J.C. (2008). Air Quality Measurements from the Southern Particulate Matter Supersite in Taiwan. Aerosol Air Qual. Res. 8: 233-264. https://doi.org/10.4209/aaqr.2008.04.0012

ABSTRACT

This study introduces the Southern Particulate Matter Supersite in Taiwan, which began operating on April 1, 2005. The supersite has one core station and three satellite stations for monitoring the properties of particulate matter (PM) and emission sources in southern Taiwan. High-time resolution (1–30 minutes) data for physical and chemical properties of ambient PM are acquired continuously. Measurement data are as follows: (1) PM_2.5 (PM with aerodynamic diameters < 2.5 μm) and PM₁₀ (PM with aerodynamic diameters < 10 μm) mass concentrations; (2) PM_2.5 compositions of sulfate, nitrate and carbon; (3) particle light scattering and absorption; (4) particle number concentrations in various size fractions between 10 nm and 20 μm; (5) related precursor gases such as NO_y, H₂O₂, and NH₃; and, (6) meteorological variables. Most measurements are unique to the study area and can be used to elucidate the causes of PM pollution and evaluate PM exposure and adverse health effects. In addition to describing the sampling location, measurements and data archiving, future challenges for the supersite are discussed as well.

Keywords: Supersite; Taiwan; PM2.5; PM10; Nitrate; Sulfate; Carbon