United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Environmental Sciences Research
Laboratory
Research Triangle Park NC 27711
Research and Development
EPA-600/S3-80-098 Apr. 1981
Project Summary
Houston Aerosol
Characterization Study
Catherine H. Skintik
An intensive field study of ambient
aerosols was conducted in Houston
between September 14 and October
14, 1978. Measurements at 12 sites
were made using (1) two relocatable
monitoring systems instrumented for
aerosol and gaseous pollutants, (2) a
network of high-volume (hi-vol) samplers
and automated virtual dichotomous
samplers, and (3) an upper air system
incorporating pilot balloon launches at
two locations. Monitoring was con-
ducted to characterize four diverse
sources of air impacting Houston air
quality: the ship channel area, the
urban area, incoming maritime air,
and incoming continental air.
Over 2,000 parameter-hours of
gaseous pollutant data, 1,600 param-
eter-hours of aerosol data, and over
3,100 parameter-hours of meteoro-
logical data were obtained. All of
these have been assembled into a
uniform data archive on magnetic tape
for computer use.
Aerosol samples were obtained for
gravimetric and chemical analyses
using hi-vol samplers. Organic analyses
were performed by EPA-designated
contractors on these samples as well
as on organic vapor samples. Over
100 pairs of size-fractionated aerosol
samples were collected using virtual
dichotomous samplers. These samples
were analyzed by EPA using x-ray
fluorescent (XRF) techniques and ion
chromatography.
The major findings of this study
were as follows: (1) Air entering the
Houston area from the southeast
showed the influence of both back-
ground maritime air and anthropogenic
sources. During this study, the aerosols
in this incoming air consisted mostly
of coarse particles (> 3/um in diameter).
(2) Aerosols in incoming continental
air were predominantly fine (0.1 to 3
fjm) during both hazy and clear condi-
tions. Particles of this size are of
concern because they are easily inhaled
into human lungs and because they
increase atmospheric light scattering.
which reduces visibility. (3) Aerosols
from the urban area were predominantly
fine (0.1 to 3 /urn) and seemed to be of
local origin. (4) Aerosols from the
industrialized Houston ship channel
area consisted of both coarse and fine
particles, the latter being of local
origin. (5) Whether good or poor,
visibility (as indicated by the light-
scattering coefficient) seemed to be
uniform over the entire area. (6) Visi-
bility consistently improved during the
•daytime hours at all monitoring sites.
(7) The difference in the light-scattering
coefficients (bsp) measured at ambient
temperature and at 25°F above am-
bient was highly correlated with the
ambient relative humidity. This indi-
cates that Houston's aerosols are
hygroscopic and that humidity is a
major factor influencing local visibility.
(8) There was no significant statistical
correlation between the light-scattering
coefficient and ozone concentrations.
This Project Summary was devel-
oped by EPA's Environmental Sciences
Research Laboratory, Research Tri-
angle Park. NC. to announce key findings
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of the research project that is fully
documented in a separate report of the
same title (see Project Report ordering
information at back).
Introduction
This aerosol characterization study
was one of several sponsored by the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) in the fall of 1978 in response to a
mandate from Congress to conduct air
pollution research along the Gulf Coast.
Houston, Texas, was chosen as the test
site.
The most common perception of poor
air quality in the Houston area is the
presence of haze. Aerosols, i.e., liquid
and/or solid particles suspended in air,
cause haze and, in some cases, discol-
oration of the atmosphere. This study
proposed to characterize the aerosols in
Houston air and to investigate the origin
of and factors influencing these aerosols
and their effects on local visibility. The
concentration of the aerosol particles,
considered as a function of particle size,
was measured several times an hour
throughout the day downwind and
upwind of various potential source
areas. Visibility and gaseous contami-
nant concentrations were measured
concurrently to determine the relation-
ship (if any) on aerosol concentrations
and visibility. Finally, many samples of
aerosols and gases were obtained for
chemical analyses by other groups.
Four general source areas contribute
aerosols to Houston's air. Air entering
the area from the continental land mass
to the north may contain aerosols
significantly different from aerosols in
maritime air coming from the Gulf of
Mexico. Similarly, aerosols from indus-
trialized areas, the urban core, and
suburban areas may differ significantly.
Some particles may be emitted directly
to the air, while others may be formed as
a result of chemical and/or physical
processes occurring in the air. Isolation
of a single source area is difficult
because of the complex surface and
upper lever meteorology caused by the
interaction of the Gulf of Mexico and the
continental land mass.
Experimental Procedures
The Houston Aerosol Characteriza-
tion Study used four major monitoring
systems to collect a variety of experi-
mental data: (1) an instrumented relo-
catable trailer and (2) an instrumented
mobile laboratory were used to collect
meteorological data and to monitor real-
time aerosol size distributions and real-
time concentrations of gaseous pollu-
tants; (3) hi-vol and automated dichot-
omous sampler (ADS) networks were
used to collect particulate and organic
vapor samples; and (4) a pilot balloon
(pibal) sounding network was used to
collect upper level wind and tempera-
ture data. The instrumentation and
operation of each of these systems is
discussed in the following sections.
Relocatable Trailer
The relocatable trailer (R-28) used in
this study was a 26-ft long, all steel,
drop-frame van with a fifth-wheel type
hitch and air-ride suspension. It was
equipped with meteorological instru-
mentation for measuring wind direction,
wind speed, ambient temperature, dew
point temperature, total solar radiation,
ultraviolet solar radiation, barometric
pressure, and rainfall. Wind, tempera-
ture, and dew point sensors were mounted
on a 33-ft crank-up tower attached to
the rear of the trailer.
In addition, the trailer carried equip-
ment to monitor ozone concentrations
(Meloy Laboratories Model OA 350-2R
Ozone Analyzer), measure ambient
concentrations of sulfur dioxide (Meloy
Model SA185-2A Sulfur Dioxide Ana-
lyzer), and measure nitrogen oxides (CSI
Model 1600 Nitrogen Oxides Analyzer).
Aerosol particle size classification
over a range of 0.01 to 1 .Oum diameter
was obtained using a TSI, Inc., 3030
Electrical Aerosol Size Analyzer (EAA).
The EAA measured particle mobility
within an electric field to provide a size
classification of ambient aerosols. The
aerosol particles were classified over
eight logarithmically equal intervals. A
complete size spectrum was obtained
over a 2-min interval.
Real-time size distributions over the
range of 0.3 to 10 fim were measured
using an optical particle counting system
consisting of a Climet 208 Optical
Particle Counter (OPC), a KIM-1 micro-
computer manufactured by Mos Tech-
nology, Inc., and an analog/digital
converter. This system classified particle
size over 10 logarithmically equal
intervals during each 10-min acquisition
period.
For continuous measurement of con-
densation nuclei (particles greater than
0.003 /um in diameter), an Environment
One Condensation Nuclei Counter (CNC)
was used.
Two nephelometers were employed
to measure the particle-scattering coef-
ficient on a continuous basis. One
nephelometer sampled the air directly
and was referenced as ambient temper-
ature, while the second nephelometer
sampled the air through a heated inlet
prior to measuring the particle-scattering
coefficient.
A NOVA data acquisition and reduc-
tion system provided real-time display
of meteorological and gaseous pollutant
data. Each instrument was scanned
once per second and the values averaged
over a 5-min period. Values were stored
on cassette tape, with hourly sum-
maries printed on hardcopy. All values
were reported in engineering units and
reflected the current day's zero-span
corrections. Aerosol data were recorded
separately. The recorded data were
collected daily for keypunching and
input into the Radian Corporation's
Aerosol Data Reduction System. The
output provided hourly averages of the
recorded data.
A 25-mm diameter Ace Glass System
was used in this study as a gaseous
sampling manifold. The system air
intake was through a glass cone with an
inverted funnel, located about 3 ft above (
the shelter roof. The manifold inside the
shelter was contained in a heated
chamber to prevent condensation of
water. Individual 0.25-in Teflon® lines
connected the manifold with each in-
strument. Ambient air was drawn through
the manifold by a 60 cfm blower.
Sample air was brought to the aerosol
sampling system through two separate
manifold systems. One system provided
sample to the Climet OPC, the TSI EAA,
and the Environment One CNC. The
second system delivered sampler air to
two MRI Integrating Nephelometers.
Each system consisted of a 4-ft section
of 3-in diameter PVC tubing, with an
inlet cap providing protection against
rain, insects, and other foreign matter.
The inlet cap was designed to provide
effective sample collection for particles
less than 15//m diameter at wind veloci-
ties from 0 to 10 mph. However, the
actual sampling efficiency as a function
of both particle size and wind speed has
not been measured.
Standard high volume blowers were
regulated to provide flow rates of 60 cfm
through the systems. An orifice meter
with magnehelic was used to monitor
the flow rate. Isokinetic sampling nozzles
were used to provide representative
samples to the OPC, EAA, and CNC. A
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thermocouple was installed at the site
where the isokinetic nozzles were located
to monitor the temperature of the sampled
air. The high relative humidity in Houston
necessitated that all sampling streams
be maintained at ambient temperatures
to prevent condensation of moisture.
Sampling manifolds were heated to
match ambient temperatures.
The trailer was also equipped with a
Meloy Model CNS-1 (RAD-1) Calibrator,
which was computer controlled to
produce daily, single-point span inputs
to the sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide
analyzers. Multipoint calibrations were
performed with a Bendix 8852 Calibrator,
in which an ultraviolet lamp was used to
generate known quantities of ozone.
Ozone calibration sources were refer-
enced by the Neutral Buffered Potassium
Iodine (NBKI) method.
Air Quality Mobile Laboratory
The Air Quality Mobile Laboratory
(AQML) was a General Motors Trans-
mode van converted for monitoring
gaseous and particulate pollutants. The
AQML was equipped with dual 6-KW
electrical generators to supply power to
instrumentation during mobile sampl-
ing. Continuous data were logged using
an onboard minicomputer system (MAP
III) and later converted to engineering
units. A Hewlett-Packard System 45
Desk Top Computer was used to acquire
aerosolsize spectra and display the
results. The MAP III system provided
location data to which the pollutant
measurements were referenced.
Because the onboard instruments
received severe jolts during mobile
sampling in Houston, the AQML was
operated primarily in the stationary
mode. During stationary operation,
sample air was delivered to the instru-
ments through three sampling manifolds.
The manifolds drew air samples from
approximately 3 ft above the roof of the
AQML and delivered the sample to (1)
aerosol instrumentation consisting of
an EAA, OPC, and integrating nephe-
lometer; (2) gaseous pollutant instru-
mentation including a sulfur dioxide
analyzer, a nitrogen oxides analyzer,
and two ozone analyzers; and (3) an
ADS.
Hi-Vol and ADS Networks
A total of 10 hi-vol samplers was used
during the study. The samplers were
deployed in pairs on a daily basis. Each
pairing consisted of a sampler with the
Gelman A (glass) filter for mass concen-
tration measurements and a sampler
with a Gelman Microquartz filter for
organic chemical analysis. This arrange-
ment minimized handling and possible
contamination of the microquartz filters.
Samplers were operated at a nominal
60 cfm over 12-hr periods from 6:00 AM
to 6:00 PM and/or 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
The ADS network consisted of four
Beckman Laboratory samplers and one
Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory (LBL)
ADS, which were loaded on the AQML.
Both samplers used a virtual impaction
technique to classify particulates into
two size ranges. The Beckman samplers
classified samples into a fraction less
than 2.5 /urn in diameter (respirable
particles) and a fraction between 2.5
and 15 /jm in diameter (inhalable particles).
The LBL sampler measured particles
between 2.4 and 15 Aim in diameter.
Both models achieved the 15 fjm dia-
meter classification by means of inertia!
separation of the sampling inlet.
The Beckman samplers were operated
at a flow rate of 0.6 cfm over periods of
3, 6, and 12 hours. The LBL ADS was
operated at 1.8 cfm for similar durations.
Hi-vol and ADS sampling periods were
coordinated to simplify data interpreta-
tion. All samples were delivered to EPA
laboratories for x-ray fluorescent and
soluble species analysis.
When the AQML was in a stationary
sampling mode, particulate samples
were obtained for future chemical
analysis using the LBL ADS. Samples
were acquired semimonthly over 3-, 6-,
or 12-hr periods.
At various times during the study,
samples were collected onTenax® resin
for organic vapor analyses. The Tenax®
vapor traps were run together with a hi-
vol sampler with microquartz filter.
Tenax® samples were collected at a
point following the hi-vol filter. Flow
through the vapor trap was maintained
by a critical orifice during 12-hr sampling
periods. Following sample collection,
the vapor traps were placed in cold
storage and shipped to EPA for organic
analysis by gas chromatography/ mass
spectroscopy.
In an effort to ensure sample integrity
and prevent contamination, filter handling
protocols were established for both the
quartz fiber filters, Tenax® GC traps,
and ADS filters. Research Triangle
Institute (RTI), the contractor responsible
for the study's organic analysis work,
provided Radian with an itemized proto-
col for handling organic sample collection
media. This protocol included instructions
detailing the collection period, filter
storage, filter labeling and coding, and
shipment of the samples.
The ADS handling protocol was pro-
vided by the EPA laboratory responsible
for x-ray fluorescent analysis. The
protocol included a description of the
ADS operation, along with the proce-
dures required to ensure that the samples
could be automatically processed through
the XRF analysis system. The protocol
also included details of the sample
packaging, storage, and shipment.
Upper Air Monitoring
Upper level and temperature sound-
ings were obtained with pilot balloons
(pibals) at two Houston area sites. The
pibal sounding program was designed
to provide real-time surface and upper
level wind speed, wind direction, and
temperature data. These data could be
used to determine atmospheric condi-
tions and to support detailed air pollutant
transport studies.
A maximum of 10 pibal runs were
conducted daily at each site. Wind
speed and wind direction soundings
were obtained from each of the runs,
while temperature soundings were
obtained from a maximum of 2 of the 10
daily runs at each site. The pibal runs
were scheduled hourly, starting at 7:00
AM and ending at 5:00 PM (excluding
the noon hour). Temperature soundings
were obtained only from the 7:00 AM or
8:00 AM runs and 1:00 PM run. Tem-
perature soundings were scheduled
during the early morning to reveal low
inversion conditions, which are a major
cause of the often poor early morning
dispersion conditions. Afternoon tempera-
ture soundings were scheduled because
they are important in the characterization
of peak dispersion conditions.
Quality Assurance Audits
Quality assurance audits were per-
formed on the criteria pollutant monitors,
the aerosol instrumentation, and the
meteorological sensors at both R-28
and the AQML. The criteria pollutant
monitors, nephelometers, and the mete-
orological sensors were audited by RTI
on October 1, 1978, at both R-28 and
the AQML. Generally excellent results
were obtained at both stations although
only a few audit samples were provided
and analyzed.
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Daily Operations Procedures
Thirteen sites in and around Houston
were available for the daily placement of
the relocatable monitoring stations. All
13 of these sites plus 10 others were
also available for the placement of hi-vol
air samplers or ADSs. Eight hi-volsand
five ADSs were used.
Deployment of the various monitoring
platforms was organized daily during
afternoon planning sessions. The sessions
provided feedback to the EPA field
project officer as to daily activities,
acquired data, specific problem areas,
and overall project coordination. The
planning sessions were attended by the
EPA project officer, the Radian Corpora-
tion project director, and the Environ-
mental Measurements, Inc. (EMI), pro-
ject director or task leader. Staff mete-
orologists from Radian's Austin office
provided daily forecasts of wind direction
and speed, cloud cover, and probability
of precipitation. This forecast, along
with the prior day's sampling results,
were used to select one of a set of
previously planned experiments for the
upcoming day. These experiments were
designed prior to the start of the field
study to measure continental and mari-
time background aerosols, suburban
and urban aerosols, aerosol transport,
aerosols upwind and downwind of the
ship channel, mixed urban and ship
Relocatable trailer/AQML instru-
mentation was zero-spanned on a daily
basis between the hours of 5:00 and
6:00 AM. Following the relocation of a
system, care was taken to ensure that
all instrumentation was functioning
properly. The wind direction transmitter
was realigned with the aid of a transit.
When data systems were activated,
collection of data began.
The hi-vol samplers and ADS units
were serviced at approximately 6:00
AM and 6:00 PM daily. Sampler flow
rates were recorded and the operation
of the timer was checked. Daily data
summaries were completed for the hi-
vol samplers.
Special care was taken in transporting
the microquartz filters to and from the
field. The filters were wrapped in alumi-
num foil that had been, washed in
methylene chloride. Handling of the
filters was kept to a minimum to prevent
contamination. Once the filters were
returned to the field laboratory, they
were transferred to glass bottles and
refrigerated. All samples were sealed in
glass tubes prior to shipment to an EPA
laboratory for chemical analysis.
channel plumes, and to compare urban
and ship channel plumes. Placement
sites were selected for the monitors that
would yield the necessary information
for each wind direction.
On some days the planning group
chose not to run experiments the following
day. Reasons for this decision included:
• Sufficient data had already been
collected under the conditions
forecast for the following day.
• The winds were expected to be so
variable that interpretation of results
would be impossible.
• Multipoint calibrations were sched-
uled for the next day.
• Several analyzers were inoperative
and time was needed for repairs.
Field personnel were informed of any
relocation of the monitoring systems.
Relocation took place after 6:00 PM, and
the systems were operated by Radian
personnel, except for the AQML, which
was operated by Environmental Mea-
surements, Inc., under subcontract to
Radian. An experienced Radian instru-
ment engineer assisted in AQML opera-
tions during the last half of the field
sampling.
Results
Continuous air quality (gases and
aerosols) data, meteorological data,
aerosol samples, and organic vapor
samples were obtained at 12 sites in the
Houston area between September 14
and October 14, 1978. Over 2,000
parameter-hours of gaseous pollutant
data, 1,600 parameter-hours of aerosol
data, and over 3,100 parameter-hours
of meteorological data were obtained.
These data are summarized in Table 1.
In addition, over 480 valid upper air
soundings were performed to obtain
wind speed and direction up to 5,000 ft
above ground level. About 100 of these
soundings also measured air tempera-
tures. Table 2 provides an inventory of
these soundings by site and date.
All these data have been assembled
into a uniform data archive on magnetic
tape for computer usage. For conve-
nience, the data archive tape also
contains upper air data from a teth-
ersonde operated and reported by another
EPA contractor.
Aerosol and gas samples were obtained
for gravimetric and chemical analyses.
Total suspended paniculate concentra-
tions were determined using hi-vol
samplers. A total of 89 12-hr samples
were obtained during the study period.
These data are given in Table 3. The
average particulate loading was 95 I
fjg/m3 with a range from 21 /ug/m3 to
250 fjg/m3. Simultaneously, a similar
number of hi-vol samples for organic
analysis by EPA-designated contractors
was obtained on quartz filters.
Over 100 pairs of size-fractionated
aerosol samples were collected using
virtual dichotomous samplers. X-ray
fluorescent analysis of these filters was
performed by EPA. Finally, nine organic
vapor samples were obtained for organic
analysis by an EPA-designated contractor.
On 12 days, coincident upwind-
downwind sampling was performed
using two relocatable trailers and up to
five virtual dichotomous samplers, eight
hi-vols, and two pibal sites. The major
findings and conclusions from a prelim-
inary analysis of the data follow:
• Incoming maritime air is character-
ized by a dominant coarse particle
(volume) mode. The particulate
burden is significantly greater (four
times) than that measured for
pristine maritime air and suggests
anthropogenic influence, probably
from Texas City and/or Bayport.
• Condensation nuclei and nitric
oxide exhibited maxima coinciding
with peak traffic periods. This (
effect was observed to varying
degrees at all of the monitoring
locations.
• Total aerosol volume and the particle
light-scattering coefficient (bsp)
generally exhibited morning maxima
and tended to decrease during the
day at all sampling sites used in
this study.
• Incoming continental air is charac-
terized by a dominant, aged accu-
mulation (volume) mode, during
periods of both good and poor
visibility. The air downwind of
Houston's urban core is charac-
terized by a dominant accumulation
(volume) mode. This aerosol appears
to be dynamic (vs. aged) and, as
such, probably originated indirectly
from emissions in the urban area.
• Houston's ship channel appears to
contribute approximately equal
amounts of coarse and accumula-
tion mode particle volume. The
accumulation mode is dynamic and
probably originates indirectly from
emissions in the ship channel area.
The air downwind of the ship channel
may exhibit dominant coarse or ac- j
cumulation (volume) modes, de- 4
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Table 1. Data Summary for the Houston Aerosol Characterization Study (1978).
Relocatable Trailer, R-28
Parameter
(Units)
03 (fjg/m3)'
NO (fjg/m3)
NOz (fjg/m3)
SO2 (fjg/m3)
CNC (n/cm3)
BSP
(10~*m~^
•HBS
(IQ-'m^)
Wind Speed
(mph)
Temperature
m
Dew Point
<°F)
SRAD
(Langleys)2
UV Solar Rad
(Langleys)2
Number of
Hours
464
461
461
454
307
233
157
478
478
444
483
227
Range of
Hourly A verages
0-254
0-768
0-182
0-191
0.7-23.8
0.1-4.2
0.2-3.3
0-15
59-93
41-76
152-504
8.8-20.6
A verage
48
51
38
7
6.5
1.5
1.6
5
75
66
347
17.1
Mobile Laboratory. AQML
Number of
Hours
189(138)
187
187
182
N/A
191
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Range of
Hourly Averages
0-221 (0-197)
0-646
0-140
0-63
N/A
0.2-5.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
A verage
80 (64)
32
34
4
N/A
2.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
'oa measured with chemiluminescent method except for values in parentheses, which uses photometric method.
2Total radiation per day.
pending upon the source of the
incoming air (maritime or conti-
nental, respectively).
Periods of both poor and good
visibility are areawide, with little
difference in the particle light-
scattering coefficient upwind or
downwind of major emission areas.
• Increased visibility during the day
coincides with a decrease in accu-
mulation mode volume. This obser-
vation is consistent for all sources
of air.
• No apparent correlation exists
between bsp and ozone concentra-
tions.
• A good correlation exists between
relative humidity and bsp (ambient)/
bsp (heated), suggesting that the
visibility in Houston can be signifi-
cantly affected by volatile water.
This fact indicates that Houston
aerosols are hygroscopic in nature.
Sometimes the bsp (heated) was
quite high, indicating poor visibility
even under dry conditions.
• Sulfur dioxide was only observed
downwind of, or adjacent to, the
ship channel. The observed daily
concentration profiles for SOz were
intermittent in nature.
A comparison of the trends and pollu-
tant profiles obtained in Houston with
hose of other major urban centers
ows similarities as well as differences.
The diurnal variations of gaseous pollu-
tants show no significant difference
with the typical patterns observed in
other areas. Houston does not, however,
show the build-up of aerosol volume
and associated visibility reduction at
midday that is attributed to photochemisty
and was exhibited during Los Angeles'
smog episodes.
Recommendations
As a result of this study, numerous
areas where additional research is
needed have been identified. These
generally fall into two categories: addi-
tional analysis of existing data collected
in Houston in September and October,
1978, and additional field studies to
provide more information about the
formation, composition, and behavior of
aerosols.
Specific suggestions include the
following:
• Additional analyses should be
performed on the data collected in
Houston by Radian and other in-
vestigators. These should include
more thorough investigations of
bsp data, comparison of the Houston
data with data from other cities,
and chemical analyses of the fine
paniculate fraction from the dichot-
omous samplers at both upwind
and downwind sites.
i The contribution of photochemical
activity to the Houston aerosols
needs better definition.
• More detailed meteorological data
should be collected during future
aerosol studies to quantify better
the effect of mixing height, land/
sea breezes, long-range transport,
and local air movements.
Additional studies should be per-
formed on the relationship between
visibility and relative humidity in
Houston.
Experiments should be designed to
quantify the occurrence of acid
mist in Houston aerosols.
Data are needed on the presence of
aerosols in maritime air before
they encounter urban areas.
The temporal behavior of Houston
aerosols needs to be better under-
stood.
Experiments should be devised and
conducted to determine the pres-
ence of all volatile compounds
(e.g., water and organics) that
might be normally found on Houston
aerosol particles.
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Table 2. Pibal Data Inventory (Number of Valid Observations)
Site 17 Site 24
Date
9-15
9-16
9-17
9-18
9-19
9-20
9-21
9-22
9-23
9-24
9-25
9-26
9-27
9-28
9-29
9-30
10-01
10-02
10-03
10-04
10-05
10-06
10-07
10-08
10-09
10-10
10-11
10-12
1O-13
Upper Air
9
10
10
10
9
8
7
5
10
9
10
8
10
10
10
10
5
10
10
8
10
8
10
8
9
10
9
Temperature
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
0
2
2
1
2
2
1
1
2
2
2
Upper Air
9
10
9
10
10
8
6
0
8
10
9
10
9
10
10
10
10
10
9
7
10
10
9
10
10
9
7
Temperature
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
2
1
1
2
2
Total
242
49
239
48
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Table 3. Total Suspended Paniculate Summary f/jg/m3)
Site Number
Date
9/15
9/16
9/17
9/18
9/20
9/21
9/23
9/25
9/26
9/27
9/28
9/29
9/30
10/2
10/3
10/4
10/5
10/6
10/7
10/8
10/9
to/ to
10/11
Time Period
6AM-6PM
6AM-6PM
6PM-6AM
6AM-6PM
6AM-6PM
6AM-6PM
6AM-6PM
6AM-6PM
6AM-6PM
6AM-6PM
6PM-6AM
6AM-6PM
6PM-6AM
6AM-6PM
6AM-6PM
6AM-6PM
6AM-6PM
6AM-6PM
6AM-6PM
6AM-6PM
6AM-6PM
6AM-6PM
6AM-6PM
6AM-6PM
6AM-6PM
6PM-6AM
6AM-6PM
Number of Samples
Mean
1
75
43
46
52
82
114
127
88
144
57
78
94
70
141
133
113
108
53
157
19
93
2 12
74
64
42 21
48 27
117
152
224
136
244
250
238
88
183
222
13 3
153 45
13
69
38
78
60
58
64
41
68
8
59
14 17 19 20
65 68
62 52
125
183
70
103
105 43
75
105
95 88
97 92
109 91
132 65
52
3495
78 104 98 68
21 22
54
123
85
125
51
87
71
67
86 54
63
31
66
8 5
8S 56
23
98
94
98
112
71
70
132
99
120
118
149
91
12
104
Total
89
95
This Project Summary was authored by Catherine H. Skintik of WAPORA, Inc.,
Cincinati, OH 45233.
The complete report, entitled "Houston Aerosol Characterization Study," was
authored by Gary K. Tannahill, David C. Jones, andW. DavidBall'our of Radian
Corporation, Austin, TX 78758—(Order No. PB 81-120 818; Cost: $14.00.
subject to change) will be available only from:
National Technical Information Service
5285 Port Royal Road Springfield, VA 22161
Telephone: 703-487-4650
The EPA Project Officer can be contacted at:
Environmental Sciences Research Laboratory
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park. NC 27711
« US.OOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1M1 797-012/7067
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United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Center for Environmental Research
Information
Cincinnati OH 45268
Postage and
Fees Paid
Environmental
Protection
Agency
EPA 335
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use $300
AGENC*
CHICAGO
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United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
O VI /,
V , -
Environmental Monitoring Systems '*
Laboratory -"^. ' .s
Las Vegas NV 89114 //i^
Research and Development
EPA-600/S3-80-100 Feb. 1981
Project Summary
Phytoplankton Water Quality
Relationships in U.S. Lakes,
Part VIII: Algae Associated
With or Responsible for Water
Quality Problems
W. D. Taylor, L R. Williams, S. C. Hern, V. W. Lambou, C. L. Howard, F. A.
Morris, and M. K. Morris
Environmental data are presented
for 117 species and 24 genera of
freshwater algae that have been asso-
ciated with or responsible for water
quality problems. The environmental
data are based on algal occurrence
records from 250 lakes sampled in
Eastern and Southeastern States.
These data provide a basis for analyses
to further delineate the environmental
requirements of problem algae. The
water quality problems addressed in-
clude eutrophication, organic pollu-
tion, taste and odor, filter clogging,
toxicity, and aesthetic nuisance. Data
presented illustrate that most genera
and species associated with eutrophic
conditions also occur in nutrient-poor
waters, thus limiting their indicator
value with respect to nutrient enrich-
ment.
This Project Summary was devel-
oped by EPA's Environmental Moni-
toring Systems Laboratory, Las
Vegas, Nevada, to announce key find-
ings of the research project that is fully
documented in a separate report of the
same title (see Project Report ordering
information at back).
Introduction
This report identifies those species of
algae reported to be responsible for, or
associated with, specific water quality
problems in lakes, and presents envi-
ronmental data associated with their
occurrence. These data provide a basis
for analyses that will further delineate
the environmental requirements of
problem algae. Environmental data
associated with the occurrence of
known problem algae can be used to
help states meet lake classification re-
quirements under Section 305b and
monitor the success of Clean Lakes
restoration efforts under Section 314 of
the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
(PL 92-500), as amended. The studyfol-
lows the basic premise that identifica-
tion of environmental conditions sur-
rounding the occurrence of problem
algae is implicit in any rational approach
to their control or manipulation.
Procedure and Discussion
In this study, six categories of algae-
related water quality problems were
addressed: eutrophication, organic pol-
lution, tast and odor, filter clogging,
toxicity, and aesthetic nuisance growth.
Extensive species lists of algae associ-
ated with each problem category were
compiled from the literature. To deter-
mine the environmental conditions sur-
rounding the absence, presence, and
dominant occurrence of problem algae,
-------
approximately 25,000 phytoplankton
records and 750,000 physical and
chemical data points were analyzed and
compared. These records and data
points were compiled from study of 250
lakes in Eastern and Southeastern
States sampled during 1973. The study
summarizes the environmental condi-
tions for more than half of those 220
species and 34 genera of freshwater
algae associated with one or more of the
problem categories listed in the accom-
panying table.
Most of the taxa for which data are not
available are normally found attached to
substrates (e.g., rocks, sticks, and other
algae) or free-living in shallow water,
intermingled with other vegetation. As
such, their occurrence in the plankton
can be expected to be relatively rare.
Although representatives of all major
groups of freshwater algae are associ-
ated with one or more problems, certain
members of the blue-green algae are
repeatedly associated with a variety of
problem events. M. aeruginosa and G.
echinulata were associated with five of
the six problem categories and each of
Aphanizomenon flos-aquae. Coelosphaer-
ium keutzingianum, Microcytis aerugi-
nosa, Gloeotrichia echinulata. Anabaena
circinalis. and Oscilatoria rubescens was
associated with at least three of the
problem categories.
Conclusions
Environmental data presented are
especially pertinent to the problem of
eutrophication because of the lake se-
lection criteria used in the study. With
few exceptions, algae commonly asso-
ciated with eutrophic conditions also
occur in nutrient-poor waters, thus
limiting the value of these algae as indi-
cators of nutrient enrichment. The mere
presence of a "eutrophic" form does not
necessarily mean that the water body
will have associated problems.
The continued review and modification
of specific physical and chemical data
for each species of problem algae, such
as listed in Table 1, will result in modifi-
cations of old approaches and the devel-
opment of new approaches to the bio-
logical classification and monitoring of
water quality. Conversely, knowledge of
algal water quality relationships will in-
crease the ability of workers to predict
and prevent or control algal problems.
The information on problem algae
environmental relationships, derived by
this study, constitutes valuable input for
the development and update of water
quality criteria required by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency under
Section 304 of PL92-500 and for predic-
tion of biological responses to nutrient
and other environmental parameters by
area-wide planners responding to
Section 208 of the Act.
Table 1. Problem Algae Identified in
25O Lakes in 17 Eastern
and Southeastern States
Sampled in 1973, with
Problems Indicated
Actinastrum - E, T & O
hantzschii - OP
Anabanea - E
planctonica - T & 0, AN
Anabaenopsis - T & O
Ankistrodesmus - E
falcatus - OP
Aphanizomenon
flos-aquae - E, T & 0, T, AN
Arthrospira
jenneri - OP, E
Asterionella - E
formosa - FC, AN
formosa v. gracillima - T & O
Ceratium
hirundinella - E, T & O, FC
Chlamydomonas
globosa - T & 0
Chlorella - T & 0, E
vulgar is - OP
Chlorogonium
elongatum - OP
Closterium - T & 0, E
moniliferum - FC
Cocconeis
diminuta - E
placentula - OP
Coelastrum
microporum - OP, E
Coelosphaerium
kuetzingianum - T & 0, T, E, AN
Coscinodiscus
rothii v. subsalsa - OP
Cosmarium
bioculatum - E
Crucigenia - E
Cryptomonas
erosa - OP, T & 0
ovata - OP
Cyclotella - E
comta - T & 0
meneghiniana - OP, E, FC
stelligera - E
Cymatopleura
solea - OP, E
Cymbella
prostrata - E
ventricosa - FC
Diatoma
vulgare - OP, E, T & 0, FC
Dictyosphaerium - E
ehrenbergianum - T & O
pulchellum - OP, FC
Dinobryon
divergens - T & O
sertularia - FC
Eudorina - T & O
elegans - OP
Euglena
acus - OP
gracilis - OP
oxyuris - OP
pisciformis - OP
Eunotia
pectinalis - OP, E
Fragilaria - E
brevistriata - E
capucina - OP, E
construens - OP, E, T & O
crotonensis - OP, E, FC
pinnata - E
Gloeocystis - E
planctonica - T & 0
Gomphonema
angustatum - E
olivaceum - OP, E
parvulum - OP, E
Gomphosphaeria - E
Gonium - T & O
pectorale - OP
Gyrosigma - E
Lepocinclis 4
fusiformis - E "
ovum - OP
Lyngbya - E
contorta - T
limnetica - AN
Mallomonas
caudata - T & 0
Melosira - T & 0, E
ambigua - E
granulata - OP, E, FC
granulata v. angustissima - OP, E
italica - E
varians - OP, E, FC
Meridion - T & O
circulare - E
Merismopedia
tenuissima - OP, E
Micractinium
pusillum - OP, E
Microcystis - E
aeruginosa - OP, E, T & O, T, AN
Navicula - E
cusp/data - OP, E
lanceolata - E, FC
minima - E
rhynchocephala - OP, E
tripunctata - E
viridula - OP, E
Nitzschia - E
acicularis - OP, E _
amphibia - E m
-------
Table 1 . (Continued)
palea - OP, E, FC
sigmoidea - OP, E
Oocystis - E
Oscillatoria - E
amphibia - FC
chlorina - OP
limosa - OP
princeps - OP, FC
fenu/s - OP, T & O
Pandorina
- OP. T & O. E
Synura
uvella - OP, T & 0
Tabellaria - E
fenestrata - T & 0, FC
flocculosa - OP, FC
Tetraedron - E
muticum - OP
Trachelomonas
crebea - FC
volvocina - OP
Ulothrix - T & 0, E
. eutrophication
T&O
Peridinium
cinctum - E, T & O
wisconsinense - FC
/*/jacus
pleuronectes - OP
pyrum - OP
Phormidum - FC
Pleurosigma -T&O
T & O - taste and odor
AN ' aesthetic nuisance
eriensis - E
longiseta - E
Rhoicosphenia
curvata - OP, E
Rhopalodia
gibba - OP, E
Scenedesmus - E
abundans -T&O
acuminatus - OP
dimorphus - OP
obliquus - OP
quadricauda - OP
Skeletonema
potamos - E
Sphaerocystis
schroeteri - E
Spirulina - E
Staurastrum
chaetoceras - E
paradoxum -T&O
pinque - E
Stephanodiscus
astraea - E
dubius - E
hantzschii - OP, E, FC
invisitatus - E
ovafa - OP
Synedra - E
acus - OP, E, FC
acus v. radians - FC
delicatissima - E
pulchella - E, FC
radians - OP, E
- OP, E, T & O
W. £>. Taylor, L. R. Williams. S. C. Hern, V. W. Lambou, andC. L. Howard are with
are with the Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory, USEPA. Las
Vegas, NV; F. A. Morris andM. K. Morris are with the University of Nevada, Las
Vegas. NV89J54.
V. W. Lambou is the EPA Project Officer (see below).
The complete report, entitled "Phytoplankton Water Quality Relationships in
U.S. Lakes, Part VIII: Algae Associated With or Responsible for Water Quality
Problems." (Order No. PB 81 -156831; Cost: $23.00. subject to change) will be
available only from:
National Technical Information Service
5285 Port Royal Road
Springfield. VA 22161
Telephone: 703-487-4650
The EPA Project Officer can be contacted at:
Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
P.O. Box 15027
Las Vegas, NV89114
-------
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Center for Environmental Research
Information
Official Business
Penalty for Priva
UNITED STATES
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
Postage and
Fees Paid
Environmental
Protection
Agency
EPA 335
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE, $300
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
r
L
Ms. Lou Tilley
U. S. EPA
Region V Library
230 S Dearborn Str.
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CP&.1R1 rrinl /Ran 11 -Pill
VERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1981—757-064/02
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