Objectives

The objective of this work package is to collect large masses of ambient particulate matter (PM2.5-10, PM2.5) from appropriate sampling sites, together with PM from diesel and gasoline powered engines, and perform physico-chemical characterisation on the samples.

Methodology and study materials (A) Based on the ISAAC-2 epidemiological studies recently conducted in the Netherlands close to busy freeways, and in German cities sites will be selected with large traffic contrasts, which will ensure maximum contrasts in exposure to traffic related air pollution as can be found in two countries with great traffic densities. Additional criteria will be the nearby presence of large representative schools that were participating in the ISAAC-2 so that epidemiological power is optimal (Four in the Netherlands; high truck traffic/high car traffic – high truck traffic/low car traffic – low truck traffic/high car traffic – low truck traffic/low car traffic and 4 in Munich at four degrees of traffic density ranging from high-traffic city centre to low-traffic suburb). Data generated from the sampled PM that are toxicologically evaluated in WP2-5, are fed back to the epidemiological WP6. (B) Additional ambient PM samples are collected in Europe to obtain contrasts in sources and composition, specifically from Southern Europe represented by Rome, a tunnel, and rural Scandinavia. Addition of a range of Southern European sites would be of interest, but either demand an extended budget, or reduce the power to perform the planned project. Additionally logistics aspects would delay the launch of the WP´s. Reference samples are obtained in terms of fresh diesel and gasoline engine PM which are sampled from exposure chamber set up. These samples are evaluated in WP2-5 exclusively and composition/source/bioreactivity evaluated in WP 4. PM2.5-10 and PM2.5 sampling is performed using a high volume (1,100 l/min) low cut-off inertial impactor. The instrument collects large quantities of particles. The instruments efficiently collect well over 100% of the PM mass. 48 ten days samples will be conducted from ISAAC sites, and two each from other sites. PM2.5-10um samples will be collected and analysed separately from PM2.5. We will conduct co-located PM size measurements with Harvard Impactors at all sites to characterise samples. SEM-XRF characterisation is performed on representative samples, whereas a wide chemical characterisation including transition metals, ammonium, chloride, nitrate and sulphate as well as hydrocarbon composition and speciation (giving information on source contribution), are done on all samples.

Deliverables This work package will deliver a report that describes and motivates (A) the 8 sampling sites to be chosen from the ISAAC-2 locations in Germany and the Netherlands, a second report describing the year-round PM concentrations at these sites. The third report describes the (A) and( B) samples EM and chemical characteristics, which are used for subsequent evaluation in WP4 and 7

Milestones and expected results The completion of the first report (deliverable) 3 months into the study is the first milestone of this work package. The second milestone is the start of the sampling campaign, 4 months into the study. The 3rd milestone is the completion of the PM report/HV performance report, 20 months into the study. The 4th milestone concerns the additional European and motor engine PM and characteristics, which come gradually through the project. The expected results are well motivated, sampled and characterised ambient, gasoline and diesel engine PM which are used in subsequent WP.