Model development for spatial variation of PM2.5 emissions from residential wood burning

Yong Q. Tian, John D. Radke, Peng Gong, Qian Yu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper presents a preliminary research result of spatially quantifying and allocating the potential activity of residential wood burning (RWB) by using demographic, hypsographic, climatic and topographic information as independent variables. We also introduce the method for calculating PM 2.5 emission from residential wood combustion with the potential activity as primary variable. A linear regression model was generated to describe spatial and temporal distribution of the potential activity of wood burning as primary heating source. In order to improve the estimation, the classifications of urban, suburban and rural were redefined to meet the specifications of this application. Also, a unique way of defining forest accessibility is found useful in estimating the activity potential of RWB. The results suggest that the potential activity of wood burning is mostly determined by elevation of a location, forest accessibility, urban/non-urban position, climatic conditions and several demographic variables. The analysis results were validated using survey data collected through face-to-face and telephone interviews over the study area in central California. The linear regression model can explain approximately 86% of the variation of surveyed wood burning activity potential. The total PM2.5 emitted from woodstoves and fireplaces is analyzed for the study region at county level.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)833-843
Number of pages11
JournalAtmospheric Environment
Volume38
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2004

Keywords

  • 1990 census
  • Anthropogenic fine particle pollution
  • Demographic characteristics
  • Emission
  • Fire appliances
  • Residential wood burning

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Model development for spatial variation of PM2.5 emissions from residential wood burning'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this