About Environmental Measurements and Strategic Integration

Measurements, and their uncertainties, are the first link in the long chain of environmental action: Accurate measurements are needed to identify and quantify pollutants, the data from which enable development of a variety of heuristic and predictive models. In turn, modeling tools are used to reveal exposure-effect-risk relationships for particular species, and these are then used to formulate control strategies based on the risk. The effectiveness of any environmental control strategy therefore has its basis in the soundness of the technical measurements and the propagation of their uncertainties. The National Research Council (NRC) has designed an integrative framework for evaluating risks extending from the measurement of toxicants to the responses of society, and within this framework the Air Quality Research Subcommittee (AQRS) of the White House Committee on the Environment and Natural Resources (CENR) has created a comprehensive research strategy for particulate matter (PM) research, involving health and environmental effects, exposures, atmospheric processes and source characterization. NIST, as a member of the AQRS, is involved with the development of fundamental measurements and standards that will support the integrated effort. This effort is fully compatible with the NIST mission to enhance the competitiveness of U.S. industry -- the quality of PM measurements is a high-priority concern of the private sector, as articulated in the 2001 NIST-NOAA-Industry Workshop for Atmospheric Measures and Standards.

Mission and Goal Statements

The Atmospheric Chemistry Group at NIST develops chemical and isotopic methods and standard materials for the analysis of particulate matter (PM) and PM-precursors in order to reduce uncertainties in emissions estimates used to support implementation planning in response to National Ambient Air Quality Standards

Focus on the Nation's fundamental needs in atmospheric chemistry, coordinating with U.S. industry, agencies, and other stakeholders to anticipate, develop, and disseminate the chemical and isotopic metrology, standards, and data critical for addressing major industrial and environmental issues

• Seize opportunities to address problems of great industrial or societal impact. Continually identify possible strategic areas, and assess resources needed to make a difference in those areas
• Nurture interactive research across interdisciplinary boundaries, and organize workshops in these areas
• Identify and establish contacts with stakeholders that include U.S. industries, other agencies, and international organizations. Inform them of current ACG programs (and related NIST programs) and solicit feedback regarding future directions
• Measure ACG progress and achievements; continually explore new ways to quantify outcomes of our work

Functional Statement:

ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY GROUP (837.01): Performs research with three primary objectives: (1) to develop and apply advanced methods for the concentration, separation, and isotopic measurement of trace atmospheric gases and particles relevant to environmental and geophysical problems; (2) to develop and use standards in these measurements; and (3) to investigate chemometric methods applied to contemporary analytical problems involving multivariable and multicomponent systems for the assessment and control of accuracy; directs efforts in atmospheric chemistry towards the theoretical, experimental, and mathematical methods for apportioning natural and anthropogenic sources of carbonaceous gases and particles; and obtains isotope measurements by low-level decay counting of gases for ¹⁴C, accelerator mass spectrometry for ¹⁴C, and high precision mass spectrometry for ¹³C.