NARSTO EPA Supersite: Los Angeles Basin Particulate Matter Composition, 2000-2003

Los Angeles Basin particulate matter data collected episodically from late 2000 to late 2003 at five sites: Downey, Claremont, Riverside, Rubidoux, and the University of Southern California. The dataset, produced by the NARSTO EPA Supersite program, includes element/metals, nitrate/sulfate ion, and mass concentration data for fine (0.0-2.5um) and coarse (2.5-10.0um) particles. The research aimed to understand the measurement, sources, size distribution, chemical composition, and health effects of PM in the region.

Use Cases

• Modeling spatial and temporal variability of particulate matter based on data from multiple urban and downwind sites.
• Analyzing chemical composition as a function of particle size based on the dichotomous sampler's fine and coarse fraction data.
• Investigating near-roadway exposure environments based on intensive measurements conducted up and downwind of freeways.
• Correlating particulate matter characteristics with health effects based on the study's linkage to toxicology research.

Strengths

• Data collected from five distinct sites (Downey, Claremont, Riverside, Rubidoux, USC) providing geographical coverage.
• Covers a multi-year time range from late 2000 to late 2003.
• Includes detailed chemical composition data (elements/metals, ions) and mass concentration for two particle size fractions.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Sampling was episodic, not continuous, which may affect temporal analysis.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Collected using Partisol Model 2025-D dichotomous sequential air samplers, with analysis via X-ray fluorescence, ion chromatography, and mass concentration.

Time Range

late 2000 to late 2003

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-12 23:30:59.582976; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Los Angeles Basin, California, USA (specific sites: Downey, Claremont, Riverside, Rubidoux, University of Southern California)