Geothermal, Oceanic, Wildfire, Meteorological and Anthropogenic Impacts on PM2.5 Concentrations in the Fairbanks Metropolitan Area

Abstract

The impacts of low and high-frequency variability from teleconnections between large scale atmospheric processes and local weather as well as emissions changes on concentrations of particulate matter of 2.5 μm or less in diameter ([PM2.5]) were examined for the Fairbanks Metropolitan Area (FMA). October to March and May to August mean [PM2.5] were 1.8 and 3.1 μg·m-3 higher for positive than negative annual mean Pacific Decadal Oscillation. Annual mean [PM2.5] were 3.8 μg·m-3 lower for positive than negative Southern Oscillation Index. On 1999-2018 average, [PM2.5] decreased 2.9 μg·m-3·decade-1. On average over October to March, decadal and inter-annual variability caused higher or similar differences in mean observed [PM2.5] and its species than emission-control measures. The 2006 implementation of Tier 2 for new vehicles decreased observed sulfate concentrations the strongest (~4.95 μg·m-3·decade-1) of all occurred emissions changes. On average, observed [PM2.5] showed elevated values at all sites when wind blew from directions of hot springs. The same was found for the sulfate, ammonium and non-metal components of PM2.5. Observations showed that these geothermal waters contain sulfate, ammonia, boric acid and non-metals. Hot springs of such composition are known to emit hydrogen sulfide and ammonia that can serve as precursors for ammonium and sulfate aerosols.