U.S. EPA, Office of Air Quality Planning and March 2020
Standards (OAQPS], Ambient Air Monitoring Volume % Issue 1
Group (AAMG]
A %
PM2.5 Chemical
Speciation Network
[CSN)
Bringing Back the CSN Newsletter
Believe it or not, the last CSN Newsletter was published in 2009! Over 10 years later and we think it
is time to bring back the newsletter so that we can convey Information on CSN that is useful to the
State, Local, and Tribal (SLT) monitoring agencies and data validators, as well as users of CSN data.
We plan to use the newsletter to let you know about all things CSN. We look forward to communi-
cating with you.
If you have any questions regarding CSN, contact us using the CSNsupportiSisonorriatech.com email
address. This email address puts you in touch with EPA, the sample handling/shipping and gravimet-
ric laboratory (Wood PLC), the sample analysis laboratory (University of California at Davis), and the
CSN Data Analysis and Reporting Tool (DART) support team (Sonoma Technology).
CSN Site Map
There are currently 140 CSN Trends and Supplemental sites supported by the centralized contract
laboratories Wood PLC and UC Davis.
Met One Super SASS URG 30Q0N
Inside this issue
25-mm Teflon® Filter Study 2
DART Validation and Review 3
Cr/Ni Data Advisory 3
Annual Site Summaries 3
Field Blank Collection 4
Requesting Changes in AQS 4
CSN Contacts 5
Special points of interest
® We are extending the 25-mm
Teflon® filter study to evaluate
an identified bias.
• We are issuing a data advisory
to alert data users about inter-
mittent contamination of Chro-
mium and Nickel.
• Save the date for the National
Ambient Air Monitoring Confer-
ence (NAAMC) in Pittsburgh, PA
the week of August 10th, 2020.
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Super SASS 25-mm Teflon® Filter Study
Li
Insert Top
Filter Screen
Insert Bottom
Cassette Bottom
The CSN has been operating since 2000 with
elements being analyzed by X-Ray Fluores-
cence (XRF). With decreasing PM2.5 concentra-
tions overtime, the percentage of non-
detects for measured elements continues to
increase. Some of the PM2.5 elements of most
interest are not always being detected above
the method detection limit (MDL).
A Teflon® filter sample module insert has
been designed for the Met One SASS and
Super SASS samplers to reduce the sampled
filter size from 47-mmto 25-mm and increase
the concentration of PM2.5 per cm2 of filter
area by a factor of about 3.
The EPA has been evaluating the 25-mm
insert at six collocated CSN sampling sites on
the l-in-6 day schedule: Bakersfield, CA; Riv-
erside (Rubidoux), CA, G.T. Craig, OFI; Rutgers,
NJ; Roxbury, MA; and Deer Park, TX.
The study started in January 2019 and was
planned for one year. Analysis of the data
shows that results from the inserts are ap-
proximately 20% lower than expected. We
continue to troubleshoot the situation and
are continuing the evaluation into 2020.
Thanks to the state and local monitoring
agency operators at the six collocated CSN
sites for continuing to collect the extra mod-
ules for this special study.
We continue to look for ways to improve the
detection limits for all of the constituents
measured in the CSN.
Since the development of DART, doto validation and review has increased and
been maintained by SLT monitoring agency validators at around 80% for the last
few years.
DART Data Review
CSN data review is an important part
of helping to ensure that the data are
of the best quality to support data
uses. The State, Local, and Tribal
(SLT) monitoring agencies play a
significant role in reviewing and
validating their data in DART
EPA has invested in the development
of DART for CSN to provide a con-
sistent platform for SLT data review
and validation. DART is hosted in
AirNowTech. SLTs can request access
to DART bv setting up an account at
and requesting DART access .
The last DART webinar for CSN
The validation guide
Data Analysis Reporting Tool (DART)
Validation and Review
State, Local, andTribal (SLT) monitoring agency validators review their site specific data in DART
using their knowledge of sampling conditions, significant sources, special events, and historical infor-
mation. SLT validators have 30 days to review their data in DART before it gets loaded into EPA's Air
Quality System (AQS) data base.
Since the development of DART, data validation and review has increased and been maintained by
SLT monitoring agency validators at around 80% for the last few years. Thanks to the all of the data
validators and keep up the good work!
Percent Data Reviewed in DART
100%
90%
70% # # ,
• • ••
60% •
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50%
40%
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2018 Annual Site Summary Composition Information for Pittsburgh, AQS: ID 42-003-0008
The following plots summarize the chemical composition of particles collected at this site. The monthly averaged compositions
calculated from 2014-2018 data are shown on the left while compositions for the day with the highest measured concentrations during
2018 are shown on the right.
Average Monthly Particle Composition
Highest Day
E
ro
O) 2.5'
CMC
o
fc 10
Components
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Components Calculation
Natural Sources
Anthropogenic Sources
Salt
Soil Dust
Soot
Organic Matter
Nitrate
Sulfate
1.8 ¦ Chloride
2.2 ¦ Al + 2.49 • Si + 1.63 • Ca
+2.42 • Fe + 1.94 • Ti
Elemental Carbon
1.4 • Organic Carbon
1.29 • Nitrate
4.125 • Sulfur
Ocean spray, dry lakebeds
Soil resuspension, dust storms
long-range transport
Wildfires
Plants, animals, wildfires
Plants, animals
Volcanism
Chemical manufacturing, lake consumption
Construction, agriculture, deforestation,
unpaved roads
Motor vehicles, wood burning, smoking
Motor vehicles, cooking oils, household cleaners
Fertilizer, stock yards, chemical manufacturing
Coal-fired power plants, chemical manufacturing
Chromium (Cr)/Nickel (Ni) Data Advisory
Intermittent contamination of chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) has been observed in some
samples. The contamination is difficult to identify but became apparent in comparisons with
collocated IMPROVE sites. High concentrations of Cr are often accompanied by high concen-
trations of both Ni and iron (Fe).
Consistent Cr/Ni and Fe/Cr ratios have been identified for high values. This suggests a single
contaminant material from a common source, and the ratios are consistent with stainless
steel; however, the specific source has not yet been identified. Cobalt (Co) and copper (Cu)
may also be involved in the contamination.
Since 2001, the percentage of samples above detection for Cr and Ni that are identified as
likely contaminated has hovered between 1 and 3%, with an unexplained spike from late
2016 through late 2017 (see figure below). Preliminary experiments to understand the specif-
ic source of contamination were not conclusive.
Three test can be used to identify contamination: Cr>0.01 ng/m3; ratios 1.5
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Mega Performance Evalua-
tion Program (Mega PE)
The CSN Mega PE program is admin-
istered by EPA. EPA sends PE samples
to laboratories that analyze samples
for the CSN. The program was transi-
tioned from the Office of Radiation
and Indoor Air (ORIA) to OAQPS.
OAQPS resumed the program in late
2017 and completed the first study in
early 2018. Each participating labora-
tory analyzes a set of blind PE filter
samples for the analyses they provide
to support CSN (e.g., gravimetric
mass, elements, ions, and carbon).
Another Mega PE is planned for early
2020.
If you have questions about the
Mega PE program, contact Nealson
Watkins
Field blank Collection Procedure and
Importance
Reminder: In 2018, EPA developed a new field
blank procedureforthe Met One samplerto
allow both Teflon® and Nylon field blank
filters to be handled like routine samples and
remain in the sampler for the duration of
sampling. The procedure was distributed to
CSN site operators for implementation in
2018. This new procedure requires the dis-
connection and capping of sampling lines
corresponding to the field blanks from the
pump box. Disconnecting the sample lines
ensures that no sample airflows through the
field blank filters.
If a field blank is collected with sample air
flow, the field blank data assigned the null
code "AQ" for operator error.
Background: In the past, field blanks were not
handled identically as routine sample filter's
and did not stay in the sampler for the dura-
tion of sampling. Field blanks were only mo-
mentarily exposed to the atmosphere and
repackaged for shipment back to the sample
handling and shipping lab. When URG3000N
samplers were implemented in the network
(2007-2009), quartz field blank filters were
installed in the sampling cartridge and kept in
the sampler for the duration of routine sam-
pling. However, for the Met One samplers,
field blanks continued to only be momentarily
exposed.
Disconnected and capped lines at the pump box
Requesting Changes to CSN Data in AQS
Changes to data already posted to AQS should be requested within 6 months of posting, otherwise
it is the SLT agency responsibility to make the changes directly in AQS. Request changes within 6
months, please email.
If a SLT monitoring agency needs to make changes to data in AQS, the SLT monitoring agency can
make the changes directly in AQS. Here are the rules for updating raw data:
* The user must have the security privilege "RAW_DATA_UPDATE" granted to the screening
group that they are logged into;
* If the user's screening group owns the monitor;
* If the user belongs to the agency listed as the "Monitoring Agency" for the monitor;
* If the user belongs to the REPORTING agency for the monitor; or
* If the user belongs to the Primary Quality Assurance Organization or "PQAO" for the monitor
FTIR on CSN Teflon® Filters
EPA and the National Park Service (NPS) have been working with researchers at UC Davis to ex-
plore the feasibility and capability of using FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) to
predict the amount of OC and EC on Teflon® filters. This analytical method is non-destructive,
quick, relatively inexpensive, and has the potential to provide additional information about the
composition of the particulate matter on the filter. The technique can also be applied to any
Teflon® filter, including filters from the Federal Reference Method (FRM) network. The evalua-
tion is ongoing and remains a possible future option for providing OC and EC, as well as composi-
tion information forthe CSN and IMPROVE networks. Forthe latest presentations on FTIR and
other topics from the 2019 IMPROVE Steering Committee Meeting.
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National Air Monitoring Conference (NAAMC)
Ambient Air Monitoring Group
(AAMG)
The Ambient Air Monitoring Group (AAMG), in
cooperation with the National Association for
Clean Air Agencies (NACAA) and the Associa-
tion of Air Pollution Control Agencies (AAPCA)
will host The National Ambient Air Monitoring
Conference, August 10-13, 2020 in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania.
The conference is intended to provide a nation-
al and international forum for EPA, State, local,
tribal, international, and other agencies who
are involved in implementing air monitoring
programs. This conference will provide a forum
for:
* discussing the implementation of changes
to the ambient air monitoring networks
as a result of revisions to the National
Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
and ambient air monitoring regulations;
* how data is managed in our Air Quality
System (AQS) data base.
More details to follow. If you have agenda
ideas or suggestions, please email Laurie Trinca
a forum for data users to discuss and
share information learned as a result of
the data analysis; and
EPA and Regional Contacts
Wondering who the right people are to contact regarding CSN? The current contacts are:
EPA Contacts
Program Lead: Joann Rice: 919-541-3372
Technical Point of Contact: Melinda Beaver: 919-541-1062
Quality Assurance: Greg Noah: 919-541-2771
Mega Performance Evaluation Program: Nealson Watkins: 919-541-5522
Regional Contacts
Region 1: Catie Taylor: 617-918-8607
Region 2: Gavin Lau: 212-637-3708
Region 3: Lori Hvden: 215-814-2113
Region 4: Keith Harris: 706-355-8624
Region 5: Chad McEvov: 312-886-6084
Region 6: Josh Madden: 214-665-7251 and Fran Verhalen: 214-665-2172
Region 7: Leland Grooms: 913-551-5010
Region 8: Josh Rickard: 303-312-6460
Region 9: Dena Vallano: 415-972-3134
Region 10: Chris Hall: 206-553-0521
We plan, implement, and assess the
nation's ambient air quality net-
works.
We collaborate with states, locals,
tribes, instrument compa-
nies, researchers and colleagues at
EPA and other Federal agencies
to optimize the ambient
air monitoring networks.
We provide oversight, guidance, and
tools to ensure quality data for clean
air decisions across the country.
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