Tag: Japan

EANET Experts discuss monitoring and management issues for VOC: Insights from the Manila Advisory Group Meeting

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

13 July 2023 – Bangkok, Thailand

The EANET Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Project Advisory Group Meeting was held in Manila from 24-26 May 2023 including laboratory and VOC monitoring site surveys, resulting in finalizing activities in the Philippines and Mongolia and other recommendations for the VOC project’s progress.

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The VOC Project Advisory Group Meeting

The Network Center for the EANET, organized the EANET VOC Advisory Group Meeting in Manila, Philippines, as part of the EANET « Project for the feasibility for promotion of VOCs related capacity building in EANET » Project Activity in 2023.

The first meeting for the project took place in February 2023. As part of this project, it was decided to create an Advisory Group, composed of experts from Japan, the Republic of Korea, China, Thailand, and from the Network Center, to give guidance on feasible measurement methods, data analysis, identification of the target species to measure VOCs, and feasible reduction measures. During the meeting, the Advisory Group members considered methods like DOAS (Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy), canister sampling, sorbent tubes, and passive samplers. They emphasized the importance of source identification and reducing toxic VOCs, and discussed the use of low-cost sensors.

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Participants to the EANET VOC Advisory Group Meeting with the representatives of the Government of the Philippines (EMB-DENR)

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Lab Survey, VOC Monitoring Site Visit, and Stakeholder Workshop

A laboratory survey was conducted at the Environmental Research and Laboratory Services Division (ERLSD), Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), and the Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology (IESM), College of Science, University of the Philippines. On the following day, the mission continued with a VOC monitoring site survey at the Region III Air Quality Management Section (AQMS) in Pampanga. This survey aimed to assess the monitoring of volatile organic compounds in that specific area. The next morning, a summary discussion and bilateral meeting took place between the Philippine representatives, the Network Center, and Secretariat for the EANET. This meeting provided an opportunity to share their findings, insights, and recommendations. Finally, on the afternoon of 26 May, the National Stakeholder Awareness Workshop: Promoting acid deposition and air quality management in East Asia was held to address air quality management challenges and explore potential solutions tailored to the specific context of the Philippines.

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Site visit in Pampanga, Region III

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VOC Advisory Group Recommendations and Highlights

The VOC project Advisory group meeting involved thirty-six participants and facilitated in-depth information exchanges and discussions among project stakeholders and advisory group members. Recommendations for the project plan were compiled based on the insights gained from the laboratory and monitoring assessments during the mission.

The Advisory Group emphasized that the final goal of the project is to reduce Ozone and PM2.5 pollution. For this purpose, understanding the status of VOCs and exploring the best solutions for their reduction is key. The Advisory Group discussed VOCs measurement methodologies and a methodology for estimating Secondary Organic Aerosol (SOA) contribution and source apportionment of VOCs.

Among their recommendations, the Advisory group considered prioritizing monitoring of BTX (Benzene, Toluene, Xylene) in the Philippines and Mongolia. Methods such as Canister/Gas Chromatography/Flame Ionization Detection/Mass Spectrometry (GC/FID/MS) and Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) were recommended to be compared. Sampling should be conducted for 24 hours over two weeks at various locations. Capacity building for Volatile Organic Compounds monitoring was considered crucial. Re-establishing Canister/Sorbent Tube-GC/FID/MS methods (TO14/14a/15/15a) in the lab is recommended. Training, consumables, and support for monitoring and analysis were considered important. Developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for VOCs monitoring and formulating air quality guidelines are the key objectives.

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The mission in the Philippines received financial contributions from the Ministry of the Environment, Japan (MOEJ) and significant in-kind contributions from the Philippines, for which the organizers expressed their appreciation.

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The VOC project has been funded by The Ministry of Environment, Japan (MOEJ), through the EANET Project Fund.

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Useful Resources:

-Read the meeting highlights on the Environmental Management Bureau’s (EMB) website.

-View the EANET VOC Project Advisory Group Meeting photos on Flickr

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Photo credits: Cover photo by Louis (2015), all other photos, all rights reserved to the EANET.

Experts from the Network Center for the EANET receive the Academic Award of the Japan Society for Atmospheric Environment for two Years in a row

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

29 September 2022 – Niigata, Japan

Dr. Tsuyoshi Ohizumi and Dr. Hiroyuki Sase received the Academic Award of the Japan Society for Atmospheric Environment (JSAE) at the 62nd and 63rd Annual Meetings of the JSAE in 2021 and 2022 respectively. Dr. Ohizumi serves as the Head of Data Management Department of the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP), Network Center (NC) for the EANET, and Dr. Sase as the Head of Ecological Impact Research Department of the ACAP, NC for the EANET. Prior to these two awards, Dr. Junichi Kurokawa, Principal Researcher of the Data Management Department of ACAP, received the Creative Work Award for Young Scientists of JSAE under the award-winning title of “A study on emission inventory in Asia” in 2013.

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Award-Winning Studies on Effects of Acid Deposition in Japan and in the East Asian Region
Dr. Tsuyoshi Ohizumi

Dr. Ohizumi received the Academic Award of the Japan Society for Atmospheric Environment at the 62nd Annual Meeting of the JSAE in 2021 for his studies of the transboundary transportation of air pollutants by observation of sulfur isotopic composition.

Through his work, seasonal differences and major routes of inter-regional transport of pollutants were clarified by streamline analysis of air mass that causes acid precipitation and observation of fluoride and other substances in atmospheric deposition. In addition, the long-term interregional transport of sulfur oxides, the cause of acid rain, was also quantitatively evaluated by observing stable isotope ratios of sulfur in atmospheric deposition at sites along the Sea of Japan.

Dr. Hiroyuki Sase

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In 2022, Dr. Sase received the Academic Award of the Japan Society for Atmospheric Environment at the 63rd Annual Meeting of the JSAE for his various studies on the atmospheric environment and its effects on forest ecosystems in Japan and other East Asian countries.

Through EANET activities and joint research with the Participating Countries of the EANET, his work has significantly contributed to understanding the effects of acid deposition and air pollution on forest ecosystems in the East Asian region through field observation and data assessments over many years.

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The Japan Society for Atmospheric Environment

The Japan Society for Atmospheric Environment (JSAE) is an interdisciplinary organization that brings together experts in a wide range of fields with the aim of contributing to atmospheric environment conservation.

JSAE has four awards for achievements in the field of the atmospheric environment: the Academic Award, the Meritorious Contribution Award, the Technical Development Award, and the Best Paper Award.

Dr. Ohizumi and Dr. Sase received the Academic Award, the highest honor for researchers. The purpose of the Academic Award of JSAE is to honor members for their academic achievements in the field of atmospheric environment research, their social contributions to the promotion of atmospheric quality administration, and for their contribution to the development of JSAE.

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Find out more about EANET’s research activities on the EANET Research Portal.

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Photo credits: featured photo by  Chery Lee on Unsplash, other photos: all rights reserved to the EANET.

The State of Acid Deposition in East Asia – from data to policy

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

29 June 2022 – Bangkok, Thailand

The EANET Awareness Workshop in 2022 “The State of Acid Deposition in East Asia – from data to policy” was organized virtually on Monday, 20 June 2022. It gathered participants from 17 different countries, scientists, and policymakers who discussed the biggest challenges and successes in acid deposition management in East Asia in the last 20 years.

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Opening Session

Dr. Isabelle Louis, Deputy Regional Director of UNEP Asia Pacific office, opened the EANET Awareness Workshop in 2022 by delivering the opening remarks, followed by welcome remarks from Mr. Kenichiro Fukunaga, Deputy Director General in charge of Administrative Management at the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP).

Key messages conveyed in the remarks celebrated the imminent release of the Fourth Periodic Report on the State of Acid Deposition in East Asia (PRSAD4) and the opportunities ahead for the EANET, in line with the expansion of its scope to air pollution, including the launch of the EANET Project Fund.

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General Lecture – Key Findings from the Fourth Periodic Report on the State of Acid Deposition in East Asia (PRSAD4)

Since 2006, the EANET has been developing Periodic Reports on the State of Acid Deposition in East Asia (PRSADs), published every five years, and aiming at providing high-quality data to be used for research, formulation of policies, and measures to reduce the impacts of acid deposition and related air pollutants on the environment. In 2022, the Fourth Periodic Report on the State of Acid Deposition in East Asia (PRSAD4), will be released.

Prof. Meng Fan, Former Chairperson of the PRSAD4 Drafting Committee and Deputy Director General in charge of the Network Center for EANET, Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP), presented the General Lecture: Key Findings from the Fourth Periodic Report on the State of Acid Deposition in East Asia (PRSAD4). Findings and recommendations from the PRSAD4 highlighted the improvement of sulfur dioxide-related air pollution mostly in North-East Asia, while nitrogen deposition, particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and ozone-related pollution were detected at a high level in the EANET region. The importance to continue deploying more monitoring sites was expressed.

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Panel Discussion – From data to policy, good practices for evidence-based and data-driven policies in East Asia

The Panel Discussion gathered renowned scientists and key policymakers from the EANET Participating Countries. Discussions focused on the importance of regional cooperation and multilateralism to address global environmental problems including acid deposition and air pollution. Findings from the PRSAD4 were also discussed, in the specific context of Malaysia, Mongolia, Thailand, and the Philippines. Most panelists highlighted the incredible capacity-building efforts led by the EANET in the past twenty years, on emission inventories, acid deposition regulations, and monitoring support which have indirectly contributed to the development of regional policies. Finally, the panel also shared thoughts on the role EANET may play by helping fill the gap of the right to information on air pollution, as the right to a clean environment and clean air was recently included as a human right by the United Nations.

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Useful Resources

Read a more detailed summary of the Workshop’s content in the EANET Awareness Workshop in 2022 Event Report.

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View all Workshop’s recordings on the Secretariat for the EANET’s YouTube channel and the Workshop’s photos on Flickr.

 

 

 

 

 

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Photo credits: All rights reserved to EANET.

Workshop on National Air Quality Monitoring Systems and Methodologies with Related Partners

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

27 July 2022 – Bangkok, Thailand

The Network Center for the EANET organized the Workshop on National Air Quality Monitoring Systems and Methodologies with Related Partners online on 6 July 2022. It gathered scientists and researchers, government officers, technicians including Quality Assurance/Quality Control managers, and representatives of international organizations who discussed how to improve the EANET monitoring system. 180 participants from 17 different countries and regions joined the Workshop.

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Opening Session

Moderated by Ms. Yao Dong, Assistant Deputy Director General of the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP) in charge of the Network Center (NC) for the EANET, the Workshop started with Opening and Welcome Remarks by Dr. Shiro Hatakeyama, Director General of ACAP in charge of the NC for the EANET and followed by Mr. Toshiyuki Yamasaki, Director of the International Cooperation Office, Environmental Management Bureau, the Ministry of the Environment, Japan.

Dr. Shiro Hatakeyama and Mr. Toshiyuki Yamasaki delivered the opening remarks.

Remarks emphasized the introduction of new monitoring substances such as (but not only) ammonia, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds, following the expansion of the scope of the EANET as decided by the IG23, and the need to adapt EANET’s monitoring system accordingly. The new EANET Project Fund mechanism, allowing the EANET and other organizations to collaborate on acid deposition and air-quality related projects, was also introduced.

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Lectures and panel discussion

Among its key activities, the EANET is currently monitoring atmospheric substances at 64 monitoring sites in the EANET Participating Countries. The monitoring focuses on five items – wet deposition, dry deposition (air concentration), soil and vegetation, inland aquatic environment, and catchment-scale monitoring.

The Workshop on National Air Quality Monitoring Systems and Methodologies with Related Partners was funded by the Ministry of the Environment, Japan, and implemented by the Network Center for the EANET. Its goal was to share a wide range of national and international experiences in the field of atmospheric monitoring while discussing the current development and future challenge of monitoring systems and related methodologies in the EANET region.

Panelists during the discussion sessions.

The first session introduced the EANET monitoring activities and was followed by case studies from Japan, the Republic of Korea, and China. In addition, specific monitoring methodologies including QA/QC activities were also introduced.

Dr. Meng Fan delivered the closing remarks.

In the second session, a panel discussion, followed by an open discussion, took place to exchange ideas on specific country challenges and discuss how to link EANET’s work with urban monitoring. Members of the EANET Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) and from other organizations, such as Clean Air Asia, joined the discussion.

Closing remarks were provided by Dr. Fan Meng, Deputy Director General of ACAP in charge of the NC for the EANET, who summarized the highlights of the Workshop and thanked all speakers and participants for their active contribution. Among the key outcomes of the Workshop, Dr. Meng emphasized the question of linking EANET’s work with city-level monitoring and the challenge to measure volatile organic compounds and secondary pollutants.

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Useful Resources
  • View the full recording of the Workshop on the EANET Secretariat’s Youtube channel
  • Download the Workshop’s Program
  • View the Workshop’s photos on Flickr
  • Download the Workshop’s presentations:

–Development and role of monitoring system in EANET and the case study of Japan

–Latest National and Local/City Monitoring System in the Republic of Korea

–Study on the Co-control of PM2.5 and Ozone Pollution in Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, and Surrounding Region of China

–Monitoring methodologies and QA/QC activities in the EANET

-Introduction to EANET Project Fund and Project Activities 2022-2023

  • Find out more on the topic of the nitrogen cycle, touched upon during the panel discussion, by reading Prof. Akimoto’s et al. related research papers:

–Review of Comprehensive Measurements of Speciated NOy and its Chemistry: Need for Quantifying the Role of Heterogeneous Processes of HNO3 and HONO (2020)

–Rethinking of the adverse effects of NOx-control on the reduction of methane and tropospheric ozone – Challenges toward a denitrified society (2022)

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Photo credits: All rights reserved to EANET.

Workshop on the Relationship between the Atmospheric Environment, Human Health and Ecosystems

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

10 November 2022 – Niigata, Japan

The Network Center for the EANET organized the Workshop « Relationships between the Atmospheric Environment, Human Health, and Ecosystems » virtually, on 31 October 2022. It gathered renowned East Asian and European researchers and experts from academia (Hokkaido University, Japan, and Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, China), international organizations (CLRTAP-UNECE, WHO, IIASA), and the Network Center for the EANET, who shared scientific findings on the effects of atmospheric deposition on human health and ecosystems as well as best science-based practices for policymakers. About 50 participants joined the Workshop.

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Scientific knowledge of the atmospheric environment and related effects in East Asia

Prof. Kayo Ueda, from the Graduate School of Medicine of Hokkaido University, analyzed the effects of air pollution on human health in Japan, Thailand and beyond, and showed how exposure to specific air pollutants could cause various health outcomes aside from respiratory diseases. She also explained how to estimate the mortality using epidemiological evidence and emphasized improving air quality could prevent millions of pollution-related deaths per year.

Prof. Zhaozhong Feng, from the Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, explained the results of his research on the effects of ozone on crop production in Asia. After presenting the trends of surface ozone concentrations at the global scale, he highlighted the impacts of ozone on crops and yield loss in China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. Results from his work demonstrated that China showed the highest relative yield loss compared to Japan and the Republic of Korea. It also estimated the total ozone-induced annual loss of crop production at US$63 billion, revealing the need to take necessary mitigation actions for ozone emission control and adaptive agronomic measures against the rising surface ozone levels across East Asia.

Dr. Hiroyuki Sase is the Head of the Ecological Impact Research Department of the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP), Network Center (NC) for the EANET. His presentation focused on the effects of atmospheric deposition on forest ecosystems. Dr. Sase presented the changes in atmospheric deposition in the EANET joint research sites including Thailand, Japan, and Russia, and explained the different responses of forest ecosystems in various climatic zones. Key findings from the EANET sites showed that although atmospheric deposition had decreased, recovery from acidification and/or from nitrate saturation had not been necessarily observed in forest ecosystems.

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Science-based policy experiences from Europe and beyond

Ms. Anna Kaplina, Secretariat, Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP), United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), presented the history and successes of the UNECE Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution over the last 40 years. Among these achievements, she highlighted the decrease in emissions from 40% to 80% since 1990 in the UNECE region, resulting from the expertise, policy guidance, and capacity building among the 51 Parties.

Dr. Dorota Jarosinska, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe, European Centre for Environment and Health, presented the Work of the Task Force on Health under the CLRTAP and the relevant work of WHO beyond this cooperation. She highlighted, among other points, the key role of the WHO Global Air Quality Guidelines, which form robust public health recommendations, support informed decision-making worldwide, and include a comprehensive assessment of the evidence on air pollution.

Dr. Zbigniew Klimont, a scientist from the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), shared his presentation on the Integrated assessment modeling contribution to Air Convention protocols by taking the example of the Gothenburg Protocol (1999), introducing also scientific tools such as the Greenhouse gas Air pollution Interactions and Synergies (GAINS) model aiming at seeking win-win solutions in policy-oriented cooperation.

Find out more about this Workshop in the Useful Resources section.

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Useful Resources

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Photo credits: featured photo of Schronisko PTTK Hala Kondratowa, Zakopane, Poland (2018) by Marcin Szmigiel on Unsplash.

The EANET Emission Inventory Webinar Workshop on Open Biomass Burning

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

8 December 2022 – Niigata, Japan

The Network Center (NC) for the EANET organized the EANET Emission Inventory Webinar Workshop on Open Biomass Burning on 5 December 2022 gathering expert panelists from Japan, Thailand, the USA, and about 50 participants from the EANET countries. Starting with lecture presentations on methodologies to estimate emissions from open biomass burning sources, evaluate uncertainties in estimated emissions, and analyze influences of emissions using air quality models, the Workshop also included, in the second session, presentations from participants on open biomass burning emissions in their respective countries, concluded by discussions on the EANET’s potential role and activities related to open biomass burning.

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Expert Lectures and Use Cases on Open Biomass-Burning Emission Inventories from Asia and Beyond
Screenshot from some panelists and participants during the virtual Workshop

Dr. Savitri Garivait from the Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment, Centre of Excellence on Energy Technology and Environment, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Thailand, presented a comprehensive lecture introducing basic knowledge and information related to open biomass burning emissions. First, Dr. Savitri introduced various types of open biomass burning, namely, forest fires, agricultural waste burning, and solid waste burning. Then, she presented methodologies to estimate emissions from open biomass burning such as basic equations, how to collect activity data as well as information necessary for spatial distribution and temporal variation, and selection of emission factors. To produce activity data, Dr. Savitri emphasized the importance of questionnaire surveys on local and specific data, in order to reduce uncertainties. She finally presented detailed case studies on the evaluation of the contribution of emissions from open biomass burning to the overall emissions and air pollution in Thailand and the Bangkok Metropolitan Region.

 

Dr. Kristofer Lasko, from the Geospatial Research Laboratory, at the Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), United States, provided a lecture focusing on uncertainties of open biomass burning emission inventories, especially on the amount of burned dry matter based on satellite observation data, emission factors for different biomass burning types, and land cover type maps to determine which emission factors to be applied. In his presentation, he explained the major causes of uncertainties based on satellite data including influences of cloud coverage at or near the time of burning, the insufficient spatial resolution to detect agricultural fires, and the limitation in determining actual burned amounts in the field via remote sensing data. For emission factors, Dr. Lasko emphasized the difficulty is not only the uncertainty of each factor but also the variations due to aspects such as variation in burning practices (e.g., piled residue burn vs. open field burn) and moisture. In his presentation, case studies for PM2.5 emission inventories of Viet Nam and the Southeast Asian region were also showcased.

Dr. Katsuhige Uranishi, Department of Life and Environment Engineering, Faculty of Environmental Engineering, the University of Kitakyushu, Japan, provided a lecture about how to evaluate the influences of emissions from open biomass burning on the air quality of neighboring areas using air quality models. First, Dr. Uranishi introduced the basic knowledge and settings of an air quality modeling system by using the Weather Research and Forecasting model and Community Multiscale Air Quality model (WRF/CMAQ) system as an example. He then also presented the Brute-force method, a typical methodology to estimate the contribution of PM2.5 sources using an air quality modeling system. Finally, Dr. Uranishi explained simulation examples for the evaluation of PM2.5 transboundary transport, through case studies in Japan. Because uncertainties are not only in open biomass burning emissions but also in the modeling systems, Dr. Uranishi emphasized that the model performance must be evaluated with observation data prior to estimating air pollution levels or impact. He also recommended reviewing past studies to find appropriate settings of air quality modeling systems to target specific problems.

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Open Biomass-Burning Emissions Status and Control Measures in East Asia

Participants, in the second session, shared various information about open biomass burning emissions in their respective countries. The presentations covered major sources of open biomass burning emissions and how the emissions are estimated or evaluated in each participant’s country. They also considered how open burning influences air quality and what current control measures are in place in each represented country. These presentations and practical activities were followed by discussions on the EANET’s Project Activities related to open biomass burning emissions including national emission inventories to be organized in 2023.

Participants expressed interest to attend future capacity-building activities related to emission inventories not only from open biomass burning but also from other sources. The monitoring of emission sources to determine local emission factors was also suggested. The NC for the EANET, the organizer of the Workshop will consider the possible future activities to the EANET Project Fund.

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Useful Resources

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Photo credits: featured photo of Pom Coong Village, Viet Nam (2020) by Patrick McGregor on Unsplash ; other photos: all rights reserved to EANET.

Capacity Building in the EANET – The Individual Training 2022

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

12 January 2023 – Niigata, Japan

The EANET Individual Training in 2022 was successfully organized by the Network Center for the EANET (NC) in November and December 2022. It consisted of virtual lectures and in-person laboratory training and aimed at providing technical support and capacity building to participants from the EANET Participating Countries on acid deposition monitoring.

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Strengthening the EANET’s Monitoring Capacities

The Individual Training has been a regular activity conducted yearly by the NC in Niigata, Japan,  to improve the various monitoring skills of the representatives from the EANET Participating Countries. In 2022, due to COVID-19-related travel restrictions, the EANET Individual Training took place online. 28 government officers and researchers from 7 EANET Participating Countries (Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Russia, and Viet Nam) completed the online course, from November 1st to 18th 2022.

This year’s session started with Opening Remarks from Dr. Shiro Hatakeyama, Director General of ACAP, followed by an introduction of the participants and of the EANET. Lectures on atmospheric deposition (including wet and dry deposition), the effects on ecosystems, and related monitoring methods, were presented. The second week of the training focused on data monitoring including automatic monitor maintenance of particulate matter and ozone monitors, data analysis, sampling methods, pretreatment, and electric conductivity and pH measurement for dry/wet samples and inorganic carbon measurement. Finally, during the last week of the training, participants learned about the EANET quality assurance and quality control activities, data reporting, and data evaluation procedures. An introduction to the Inter-Laboratory Comparison Project 2021 was also provided. The virtual lectures were followed by onsite laboratory training in Niigata, Japan, in December 2022.

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Participants during the EANET Individual Training 2022

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The Individual Training allowed participants to deepen their knowledge of acid deposition monitoring, data evaluation, and reporting, in close relation to their on-the-ground laboratory work. In addition to matters specific to the East Asian region, broader topics, including lectures on atmospheric deposition, data management, maintenance of equipment, and coordination for monitoring activities, were delivered by scientists and researchers from the NC.

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Ways Forward

The expected outcome of the EANET Individual Training was for participants from both the virtual lectures and in-person laboratory training to disseminate experience and knowledge to colleagues in their country, allowing them to actively carry on monitoring acid deposition and air pollution activities. The NC continuously provides support in this dissemination effort.

The Individual Training program is a 2022 EANET Project activity, which received support from the governments of Japan and the Philippines.

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Find out more about the EANET Individual Training through the Program of EANET Individual Training 2022 or contact the NC.

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Photo credits: featured image of Niigata, Japan (2023) by snowdrop on Unsplash, other images: all rights reserved to EANET.

Capacity Building in the EANET – The Individual Training 2022 Laboratory Session

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

19 January 2023 – Niigata, Japan

As part of the EANET Individual Training in 2022, a session in the laboratory was held by the Network Center for the EANET (NC) in December 2022. It aimed at providing practical capacity building to representatives from the EANET Participating Countries on wet and dry deposition monitoring.

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Practical Field Training

The Individual Training has been conducted as a regular activity yearly by the NC in Niigata, Japan,  to improve the various monitoring skills of the representatives from the EANET Participating Countries.

In 2022, the laboratory session of the training was held in person in Niigata, Japan, at the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP). A representative from the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) from the Philippines completed the training.

Held from 11 to 17 December 2022, the training aimed at developing professional expertise and knowledge of wet deposition (precipitation sample) and dry deposition (4 Stage Filter Pack).

The laboratory session consisted of various technical exercises focusing on specific topics and practical outputs including pH and electric conductivity, filter pack sampling, and standard operating procedures of inorganic ions analysis. Through these exercises, laboratory work techniques were demonstrated and explained. These included maintaining a steady temperature during the measurements of pH and electric conductivity, how to clean laboratory wares, and understanding differences in the sampling when using a gas volume meter or a gas flow meter, for filter pack sampling.

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The training also included a site visit at the Niigata – Maki Station, where the trainee observed automatic rainwater samplers, sampling setups for water-insoluble and water-soluble organic carbon, and filter pack samplers for particulate matter, gases, and carbons. This activity helped familiarize him with the field equipment used for air quality monitoring. In addition to the original training program, instructors shared knowledge on black carbon analysis (sampling, analysis, and instrument operation), atmospheric microplastics analysis, and PM2.5 data processing. (Figure 4 – Checking a rainwater sampler at the Niigata – Maki Station).

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Ways Forward

The expected outcome of the laboratory session of the Individual Training is for the participant to disseminate experience and knowledge to colleagues in his country. The NC continuously provides support in this dissemination effort.

The  Individual Training program is a 2022 EANET Project activity, which received support from the governments of Japan and the Philippines.

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Find out more about the EANET Individual Training through the Program of EANET Individual Training 2022 or contact the NC.

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View the photos on Flickr.

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Photo credits: all rights reserved to the EANET.

The 13th International Workshop on Atmospheric Modeling Research in East Asia

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

1 February 2023 – Niigata, Japan

The Network Center for the EANET co-organized the 13th International Workshop on Atmospheric Modeling Research in East Asia with the community of MICS-Asia, on 22-23 December 2022. About 60 participants joined the virtual workshop.

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Improving Air Quality Models: from Data to Policy

According to the United States Environment Protection Agency (EPA), air quality modeling is “a mathematical simulation of how air pollutants disperse and react in the atmosphere to affect ambient air quality.” Through these calculations, researchers and policymakers develop predicted scenarios and design strategies to reduce the adverse effects of air pollution.

Over the years, the EANET has maintained a close relationship with the community of Model Inter-Comparison Studies for Asia (MICS-Asia). The International Workshop on Atmospheric Modeling Research in East Asia is a regular workshop of MICS-Asia which has received support from the EANET throughout the previous Medium Term Plans and was part of the EANET Project Activities in 2022. Summaries of previous MICS-Asia workshops are available in the Reports of the Session of the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) on the EANET.

Four working groups were established as part of the MICS-Asia Phase IV: the Air Quality Model working group, the Air Quality and Climate Model working group, the Emission Inventory working group, and the Observation working group. MICS-Asia Phase IV working groups focus on specific issues including the intercomparison of air quality models, the study of the influence of climate change on the status of air quality, the development of reliable emission inventories for model working groups, and the survey and collection of data to establish trends of concentrations of air pollutants in East Asia.

Among other sources, MICS-Asia experts referred to the results of the EANET’s 4th Periodic Report on the State of Acid Deposition in East Asia (PRSAD4) and to the EANET monitoring data to conduct their research.

Screenshot from some participants during the virtual 13th International Workshop on Atmospheric Modeling Research in East Asia

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Modeling and Impact Assessment Studies

During the workshop, international experts in modeling and impact assessment studies shared various presentations based on research activities in Asia and beyond.

Dr. Christian Hogrefe, from the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, introduced the Air Quality Modelling Evaluation International Initiative Phase 4 (AQMEII4) which applies detailed dry deposition diagnostics to a range of air quality models and their deposition schemes. Dr. Baozhu Ge, from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, shared a presentation on the enhanced wet deposition of nitrogen induced by a landfalling typhoon over East Asia. Dr. Natsumi Kawano, from the Center for Environmental Science, in Saitama, Japan, gave a presentation on the impact of future climate change on tropospheric ozone in Japan using the WRF-CMAQ modeling system and the RCP8.5 scenario. Dr. Syuichi Itahashi, from the Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry, Japan, shared a presentation on the changes in transboundary aerosol components due to the emission variations in East Asia. Dr. Xiao Tang, from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, gave a presentation on high-resolution aerosol data over China simulated by the NAQPMS modeling system and an inversed emission inventory. Dr. Naoyuki Yamashita, from the Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Japan, shared a presentation on the critical load of soil acidification and surface water eutrophication in the EANET Participating Countries, and Dr. Baiyao Xu, from Nanjing University, China, gave a presentation on the impacts of meteorological factors and ozone variation on crop yields in China related to the carbon neutrality objectives in 2060 and based on RegCM-Chem-YIBs.

Results from the MICS-Asia Phase IV working groups’ research activities and collaboration with international experts will allow to improve the scientific understanding of air quality issues in the region, but also provide informed knowledge for policy-making in Asia.

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Useful Resources

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Photo credits: featured photo of Dong Van, Viet Nam (2021) by Giles Freeman on Unsplash ; other photos: all rights reserved to EANET.

EANET kicks-off its first Project Fund Activity on Volatile Organic Compounds

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

16 February 2023 – Niigata, Japan

Under the leadership of the Ministry of Environment of Japan and with the technical support of the Network Center for the EANET, the first EANET Project Activity launched its online kick-off meeting on 15 February. It gathered over 40 participants mainly from Japan, Mongolia, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, and Thailand, involved in sharing or receiving technical assistance related to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) monitoring.

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Why Volatile Organic Compounds?

Since the recent expansion of the scope of the EANET from acid deposition monitoring to wider air pollution action, the Network has started to carry out activities related to additional chemical species, including Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

VOCs are “compounds that have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility. Many VOCs are human-made chemicals that are used and produced in the manufacture of paints, pharmaceuticals, and refrigerants” according to the US-EPA. In addition, several emission sources such as biogenic emissions, forest fires, waste burning including plastic, automobile exhaust, fossil fuel burning, and stock farming can produce VOCs. Exposure to VOCs may have various dangerous health effects from eyes, throat, and nose irritation to more serious conditions such as liver, kidney, or central nervous system damage, sometimes leading to cancer.

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Representation of PM2.5 and Ozone Co-contrail, by Prof. Hajime Akimoto (all rights reserved).

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VOCs are also precursors of particulate matter and ozone. It is important to measure VOCs to better understand how to mitigate air pollutants emissions.

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Learning more about VOCs emissions in East Asia

VOCs monitoring is complex due to its complicated source characteristics and costly measuring technology. For this reason, its monitoring is still at an early stage in Asia.

The “Feasibility for Promoting VOCs related Capacity Building in the EANET” project is part of the first batch of EANET Projects funded by the EANET Project Fund. Supported by the Ministry of the Environment, Japan, the project is coordinated by the Network Center for the EANET.

Through this project, experts in VOCs from the Center for Environmental Science in Saitama (CESS), in Japan will share their knowledge and assist the government officials from Mongolia and from the Philippines to develop their 3-year national implementation plan. During the kick-off meeting, Government representatives from the Philippines and Mongolia shared their plans and priorities for tackling VOCs.

Screenshot from participants during the kick-off meeting

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In addition, a VOC Advisory Group composed of experts from the NC and EANET countries has been brought together and will also give guidance on feasible measurement methods, data analysis, identification of the target species to measure VOCs, and feasible reduction measures.

At this stage, the implementation partners are environmentalists from Mongolia and from the Philippines. However, the project’s goal is to serve all the EANET countries and be further replicated.

The next meeting will take place in person in Manila in May 2023 to continue discussions on the feasibility and methodology of VOCs management.

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Interested in finding out more about the EANET Project Fund? Read more on how to fund or submit an EANET Project.

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Photo credits: featured photo by Anton Eprev on Unsplash (2019); other photos: all rights reserved to EANET.