NARSTO_SOS_SC_UPSTATE: PM2.5 Chemical Composition in South Carolina, 2001-2002

South Carolina rural air samples collected in July 2001 and January 2002 to determine seasonal variability of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The dataset includes 40 samples per month and provides average concentrations and major component percentages, such as organic compounds and sulfates. It was produced by the NARSTO partnership and made available by NASA.

Use Cases

• Model seasonal aerosol composition based on organic and sulfate percentages mentioned in the description
• Analyze rural PM2.5 concentration trends based on the reported average values for July 2001 and January 2002
• Study the relationship between chemical components like anions, cations, and crustal metals based on the described analysis methods

Strengths

• Provides specific average PM2.5 concentrations (20.85 mg/m3 in July 2001, 9.4 mg/m3 in January 2002)
• Includes detailed chemical composition percentages for major components like organic compounds and sulfates
• Describes a clear sampling methodology with 40 samples per month collected on specific filter types

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment
• Data may reflect temporal bias inherent to the two specific sampling months

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Samples collected on Teflon and quartz filters using a cyclone-based system, with analysis via ion chromatography and x-ray fluorescence.

Time Range

July 2001 and January 2002

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-12 23:57:01.748878; freshness should be verified

Geography

A rural location in South Carolina, United States