Overview

Basics

Basics
This study characterized spatial and temporal distribution of ozone (O3), O3 precursors, O3 formation, and gaseous pollutants that are important contributors to atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Passive samplers were used to monitor O3, nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ammonia (NH3), nitric acid (HNO3) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on a network of 34 sites inside and outside of the basin. Using statistical and geostatistical models, distribution maps of the measured compounds were created for the entire basin.

Completed
2009
2009
2013
$298,681

Pat Manley (pmanley@fs.fed.us)
10/27/2017
10/27/2017
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Location Information Location Notes

Organizations

Organizations

EIP Details

EIP Basics

04.01.01.0085 - P063: Distribution of Ozone, Ozone Precursors and Gaseous Components of Atmospheric Nitrogen Deposition in the Lake Tahoe Basin

Performance Measures

Expected Performance Measures

Expected Performance Measures

No expected performance measures set for this project.

Reported Performance Measures

Reported Performance Measures

No annual performance measure accomplishments entered for this project.

Funding

Expected Funding

Expected Funding
$298,681
$298,381
$300

Total
Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act (Pacific Southwest Research Station) (USFS - PSW) $298,381 $298,381 $0
Grand Total $298,381 $298,381 $0

Reported Expenditures

Reported Expenditures
Total 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009
Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act (Pacifi... $298,681 $59,737 $59,736 $59,736 $59,736 $59,736
Grand Total $298,681 $59,737 $59,736 $59,736 $59,736 $59,736

Photos

Photos

No photos available.

Other Details

Watersheds

No watersheds set for this project.

Threshold Categories

  • The results from this study will also help to develop science-based management strategies aimed at improving air quality and ecological sustainability of the Basin.

Local and Regional Plans

No Local and Regional Plans set for this project.

Related Projects

Related Projects

No Related Projects set for this project.

External Links

Notes

Notes
07/10/2017 6:54 PM Kiara Cuerpo-Hadsall Objectives:

This study characterized spatial and temporal distribution of ozone (O3), O3 precursors, O3 formation, and gaseous pollutants that are important contributors to atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Passive samplers were used to monitor O3, nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ammonia (NH3), nitric acid (HNO3) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on a network of 34 sites inside and outside of the basin. Using statistical and geostatistical models, distribution maps of the measured compounds were created for the entire basin.
07/10/2017 6:54 PM Kiara Cuerpo-Hadsall Findings:

Based on four hypotheses tested in this study, the authors have drawn the following conclusions and made some recommendations:

Hypothesis 1: While long-range transport from the Central Valley of California has little effect on the air pollution status in the Lake Tahoe Basin, locally emitted VOCs and NOx significantly contribute to increasing O3 concentrations and deterioration of air quality.

High concentrations of O3 were observed on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and were likely caused by emissions from the Central Valley of California. For this region, the Toluene/Benzene (Tol/Bz) ratios were generally low, which indicates aged air masses and likely regional transport.

High O3 concentrations were found in the middle of Lake Tahoe, accompanied by high Tol/Bz and NO/NO2 ratios, as well as high anthropogenic VOC concentrations (especially the higher molecular weight hydrocarbons n-decane and n-undecane). These results may indicate the influence of local spark ignition and diesel engine emissions (for example from large boats).

High solar radiation (direct and reflected from the lake surface) over the Lake may promote photochemical reactions and increased production of secondary pollutants such as O3 and HNO3 vapor.

*** See www.fs.fed.us/PSW/partnerships/tahoescience for additional findings.