A NSW Government website

Sydney Particle Study

The Sydney Particle Study (2010–13) aimed to provide an improved understanding of Sydney region particle sources and exposure.

 

Major study findings

  • Fine particles (PM2.5) in the atmosphere contain a significant amount of organic matter in both autumn and summer, and high levels of sea salt in summer.
  • Major sources of secondary organic particles in the air include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from vegetation in summer and wood heaters in autumn.

What is the Sydney Particle Study?

Commissioned by the former Office of Environment and Heritage, the Sydney Particle Study (2010–13) aimed to provide:

  • an improved understanding of the particle sources the population in the Sydney region is exposed to
  • a qualitative model of such sources.

One of the most comprehensive observation and modelling studies of fine particles undertaken in Australia to date, this study involved:

  • CSIRO
  • the former Office of Environment and Heritage within the former Department of Planning and Environment
  • NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA)
  • Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO)
  • Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
  • Bureau of Meteorology (BOM)
  • Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics
  • Chinese Academy of Sciences (SINAP).