VOLUME 16, NUMBER 2
MARCH/APRIL 2002
© Copyright 2002 American Chemical Society
Special Section on Ambient Air Fine Particulate Matter The Relationship between Fossil Fuel Utilization and Ambient Air Fine Particulate Matter Fine particulate matter (PM2.5, < 2.5 µm aerodynamic diameter) is currently a topic of interest due to recent changes in the Clean Air Act. In July of 1997, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency revised the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) by setting limits on the concentration of PM2.5 in ambient air. The revised limits on fine particulate matter are an average annual concentration of 15 µg/m3, and a 24 h limit of 65 µg/m3. The EPA’s implementation time line is to identify urban areas that are not in compliance by 2005, to have the affected states submit state implementation plans (SIPs) by 2008, with the goal of achieving compliance by 2012. Therefore, gaining the clearest possible understanding of the relationships between energy production and utilization from fossil fuels and ambient air fine particulate matter concentrations and compositions is of the utmost importance. This stringent regulation on ambient air fine particulate matter may impact fossil fuel fired electric power generating stations and the use of automobiles and trucks. Energy production and use are thought to contribute significantly to the total ambient air fine particulate load. We have attempted to gather manuscripts from leading scientists in the field into a collection of recent scientific findings on the topic. Some, but not all, of the manuscripts in this special issue of the Journal were originally presented at the Chicago ACS meeting, Summer 2001. Curt M. White Richard R. Anderson Donald V. Martello EF0200424
10.1021/ef0200424 CCC: $22.00 © 2002 American Chemical Society Published on Web 03/03/2002
