Development and Early Results from UK Air Quality Supersite Network

Abstract:

A new network of advanced air quality monitoring instruments, to detect harmful air pollutants and their sources in greater detail than ever, was established in three UK cities in 2018/19. These three urban air pollution research laboratories, or supersites, in London, Birmingham and Manchester measure the chemical and physical composition of aerosols as well as gaseous pollutants important for climate and health effect research. Here we report the approach taken to establish and standardise field measurement methodologies and key findings from the first year.

Consistent and comparable methods were used at all three locations. Measurements of aerosol mass and chemical composition (non-refractory organic and inorganic, black carbon, elements) in PM_2.5 as well as total number and size distribution. Gas composition comprising NO_Y, NO₂, O₃, CO, CO₂, CH₄, NH₄, and detailed VOC and IVOC speciation. Supported by meteorological measurements using sonic anemometer, distrometer, ceilometer and UV/VIS spectrometer. The data is combined into a single data platform for dissemination to the wider public and academic community.

The first 12 months have established a greater understanding of the sources and atmospheric processes affecting the aerosol and gaseous concentrations in the different cities. More recently, they have provided a greater understanding of the impacts of reduced emissions during COVID-19 lockdown in the UK.

We have found that robust conclusions relating to sources and processes impacting on the different cities can only be drawn after ensuring standardised approaches to instrument setup and operation, calibration and quality assurance procedures.