Methods for the determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
associated with suspended participate matter were developed with the aim of
determining airborne concentrations and to investigate seasonal trends. Other
associate pollutants such as Total Suspended Particulate matter (TSP), Particulate
Matter with an equivalent aerodynamic diameter less than 10 micrometres (PM10)
and lead concentration were also reviewed to determine trends. Motor vehicle
emissions appear to be the source of the PAHs and differences between the types
and concentrations of PAHs detected at central business district sites verses
suburban sites were noted. Wind erosion, biomass burning, motor vehicle emissions
and industrial processes are sources of particulate matter in the atmosphere. Lead
comes mainly from motor vehicles emissions in the ACT with some lead possibly
from the burning of lead contaminated fuel. TSP and lead concentrations have
decreased since air quality monitoring began in the early 1980s. PM10 concentration
may also have fallen but the data set for PM10s is to small to draw any firm
conclusions. Only TSP lead concentrations displayed a seasonal pattern. The ACT
air pollution Act 1984 has placed restriction on the burning of fuels to improve air
quality in the ACT. The air quality in regards to TSP and lead is improving.
However, the only strong links between the Act and decreased pollutant
concentrations is the introduction of unleaded petrol and the decrease of airborne
lead concentrations.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/218938 |
| Date | January 1998 |
| Creators | Fox, Ian, n/a |
| Publisher | University of Canberra. Resource, Environmental & Heritage Sciences |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | ), Copyright Ian Fox |
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