Rob Gillett - Profile on Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Rob Gillett

Journal of Glaciology, 2000

Peroxide speciation and formaldehyde measurements have been made on ice cores retrieved from Law ... more Peroxide speciation and formaldehyde measurements have been made on ice cores retrieved from Law Dome, Antarctica. Measurements were made for ice deposited during four different periods: modern, pre-industrial Holocene, early Holocene and Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). The data show modern peroxide levels 450% above pre-industrial levels (at 1.6molL1)andanabsenceofmethylhydroperoxide(downtoadetectionthresholdof0.003molL1).Formaldehydelevelsshowa401.6 mol L ^1) and an absence of methyl hydroperoxide (down to a detection threshold of 0.003 mol L ^1). Formaldehyde levels show a 40% in- crease from pre-industrial to modern times (rising from 1.6molL1)andanabsenceofmethylhydroperoxide(downtoadetectionthresholdof0.003molL1).Formaldehydelevelsshowa40 0.07 mol L ^1 to $ 0.10 mol L ^1), with a further increase and possible seasonality near the surface which we associate with post-depositional processes. Peroxide levels in LGM ice are low, but formaldehyde concentrations are high (at $ 0.13 mol L ^1) relative to modern levels. Similar high levels of formaldehyde are seen in early Holocene ice ($6900 years BP).

Indoor vs Outdoor SO2 Levels near an Isolated Industrial Source in Tropical Australia

Clean air and environmental quality, Nov 1, 2000

Concurrent weekly-average measurements of sulfur dioxide (SO2) have been performed over a fifteen... more Concurrent weekly-average measurements of sulfur dioxide (SO2) have been performed over a fifteen week period in five homes in the city of Mt Isa, adjacent to large copper and lead smelting operations that release substantial quantities of sulfur dioxide to the atmosphere. The measurements revealed a relatively low and constant indoor/outdoor SO2 ratio, or ERF (exposure reduction factor), having a median value across all homes of 0.08 (mean value of 0.09). Analysis of this result in terms of two limiting cases, one with air-conditioners in use and a high ventilation rate, the other with air-conditioners off and a restricted ventilation rate, suggested that a low ERF invariant with outdoor SO2 is consistent with either case. The low ERF in the first case can be attributed to the efficient scrubbing of SO2 in the evaporative air-conditioning system. The low ERF in the second case can be attributed to the fact that outdoor elevation in SO2 levels in Mt Isa takes the form of high concentration, but very short-duration peaks in SO2 caused by convective knock-down of smelter plumes. The short duration of these events makes infiltration indoors inefficient in the case where ventilation rate is low. We conclude that personal exposure to SO2 in Mt Isa can be significantly reduced in homes in comparison with ambient air.

Formaldehyde and peroxide cycles in marine air at Cape Grim, Tasmania

Sydney Particle Study 2 - Aerosol and gas data collection

The observations of the Sydney Particle Study (SPS) were carried out in two stages at the Westmea... more The observations of the Sydney Particle Study (SPS) were carried out in two stages at the Westmead Air Quality Station by teams of scientists from CSIRO, OEH, and ANSTO. Stage 2 (SPS2) was in autumn 2012 (from 16 April to 14 May 2012). SPS2 involved a comprehensive suite of measurements of atmospheric gases and aerosols in order to better understand the source, the chemical composition and the size distribution of the aerosol and gas-phase secondary aerosol precursors in Sydney.

Aerosol samplers and chemical composition

Sydney Particle Study- Stage-I: Executive Summary

Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC) and BTEX in Australian Dwellings

Indoor Air Quality: A Pilot Study Employing Low-technology Methods

Clean air and environmental quality, 1999

A pilot study to evaluate low-technology methods for measurement of a range of air quality indica... more A pilot study to evaluate low-technology methods for measurement of a range of air quality indicators was carried out in nine homes in Sydney between mid October and early November, 1997. The variables, all measured as 7-day averages, were: gaseous nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde and nicotine, measured with simple passive sampling devices; gaseous nicotine determined with a low-flow active (pumped) sampling device; and the PM10 aerosol mass concentration and PM10 elemental carbon mass concentration determined from aerosol samples also collected with the low-flow active sampler. Levels of all variables measured fell within the range expected based on previous studies in Australian homes, and varied with location as expected based on known site-specific environmental factors. We conclude that the methods trialed were successful in providing relatively low-cost, time-integrated data on indoor air quality.

Atmospheric Environment, 2017

An open-cut coal mine fire burning for 45 days impacted nearby populations of 45,000. CO, PM 2.5 ... more An open-cut coal mine fire burning for 45 days impacted nearby populations of 45,000. CO, PM 2.5 and benzene exceeded air quality standards by up to 30 times. PM to CO emission ratios suggest char combustion as dominant combustion process. Study provides unique data set on emissions from open-cut coal mine fire.

for the Identification of Secondary Organic Aerosol in Australian Cities Progress Report 2: Organic Carbon to Elemental Carbon Ratio

Indoor air, Jan 18, 2015

This study characterised indoor volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and investigated the effects of... more This study characterised indoor volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and investigated the effects of the dwelling characteristics, building materials, occupant activities and environmental conditions on indoor VOC concentrations in 40 dwellings located in Melbourne, Australia in 2008 and 2009. A total of 97 VOCs were identified. Nine VOCs, n-butane, 2-methyl-butane, toluene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, d-limonene, ethanol, 2-propanol and acetic acid, accounted for 68% of the sum of all VOCs. The median indoor concentrations of all VOCs were greater than those measured outdoors. The occupant density was positively associated with indoor VOC concentrations via occupant activities, including respiration and combustion. Terpenes were associated with the use of household cleaning and laundry products. A petroleum-like indoor VOC signature of alkanes and aromatics was associated with the proximity of major roads. The indoor VOC concentrations were negatively correlated (p <0.05) with vent...

Atmospheric concentrations of ammonia and nitrogen dioxide at a tropical coral cay with high seabird density

J. Environ. Monit., 2010

Comparison of Methods for Estimation of Exposure to Traffic Related NO2

Epidemiology, 2009

Environmental Science & Technology, 2000

An existing Ferm type passive sampler technique has been further developed to measure concentrati... more An existing Ferm type passive sampler technique has been further developed to measure concentrations of formaldehyde gas in indoor air. Formaldehyde forms a derivative after reaction with a filter coated with 2,4dinitrophenylhydrazine (2,4-DNPH). The formaldehyde 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine derivative (formaldehyde-2,4-DNPH) is extracted from the filter, and the concentration is determined by high performance liquid chromatography. The technique has been validated against an active sampling method, and the agreement is close when the appropriate laminar boundary layer depth is applied to the passive measurement. For this technique an exposure period of 3 days is equivalent to a limit of detection of formaldehyde of 3.4 ppbv and a limit of quantification of 7.6 ppbv. To test the performance of the passive samplers ambient formaldehyde measurements were carried out inside homes and in a range of workplace environments.

Environmental Science & Technology, 2012

Environmental Chemistry, 2007

Environmental context. Gaseous organic compounds fuel the production of ozone in the background l... more Environmental context. Gaseous organic compounds fuel the production of ozone in the background lower atmosphere. There have been no measurements of many of these compounds in the temperate and polar latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere. Here some first results are presented that show in general much lower concentrations than the Northern Hemisphere, due in part to the lower land surfaces and biomass burning in the Southern Hemisphere. . Measurements were made of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at Cape Grim using proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) during the Precursors to Particles (P2P) Campaign from 10 February to 1 March 2006. Approximately 14 days of clean air data were obtained along with 4 days of data from when polluted air, first from a smoke plume from a fire on Robbins Island adjacent to the station and then air from Victoria, was present. This paper deals with the results obtained in clean air, the focus of the P2P campaign. The protonated masses and pr...

Precursors to Particles (P2P) at Cape Grim 2006: campaign overview

Environmental Chemistry, 2007

Environmental context. Understanding the role of clouds in assessing the impact of climate change... more Environmental context. Understanding the role of clouds in assessing the impact of climate change is a challenging issue. It is thought that plankton and seaweed contribute to the formation of clouds by emitting gases that lead to the particle production necessary for cloud formation. Macroalgae (kelp) at Mace Head, Ireland, produce large quantities of iodine when exposed to sunlight at low tide and this iodine results in the rapid production of particles. Cape Grim, Tasmania, also has large colonies of kelp and the role of Bull Kelp (Durvillaea potatorum) in particle production was assessed. . Iodine emissions from coastal macroalgae have been found to be important initiators for nucleation events at Mace Head, Ireland. The source of this iodine is the large beds of the brown kelp Laminaria digitata, which are significantly exposed at low tide. On the coast around Cape Grim, Tasmania, there are beds of the brown kelp Durvillaea potatrum. The Precursors to Particles 2006 (P2P 2006) ...

Risk factors for increased BTEX exposure in four Australian cities

Chemosphere, 2007

Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX) are common volatile organic compounds (VOCs) fo... more Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX) are common volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in urban airsheds. Elevated levels of VOCs have been reported in many airsheds at many locations, particularly those associated with industrial activity, wood heater use and heavy traffic. Exposure to some VOCs has been associated with health risks. There have been limited investigations into community exposures to BTEX using personal monitoring to elucidate the concentrations to which members of the community may be exposed and the main contributors to that exposure. In this cross sectional study we investigated BTEX exposure of 204 non-smoking, non-occupationally exposed people from four Australian cities. Each participant wore a passive BTEX sampler over 24h on five consecutive days in both winter and summer and completed an exposure source questionnaire for each season and a diary for each day of monitoring. The geometric mean (GM) and range of daily BTEX concentrations recorded for the study population were benzene 0.80 (0.04-23.8 ppb); toluene 2.83 (0.03-2120 ppb); ethylbenzene 0.49 (0.03-119 ppb); and xylenes 2.36 (0.04-697 ppb). A generalised linear model was used to investigate significant risk factors for increased BTEX exposure. Activities and locations found to increase personal exposure included vehicle repair and machinery use, refuelling of motor vehicles, being in an enclosed car park and time spent undertaking arts and crafts. A highly significant difference was found between the mean exposures in each of the four cities, which may be explained by differences in fuel composition, differences in the mix and density of industry, density of motor vehicles and air pollution meteorology.

Journal of Glaciology, 2000

Peroxide speciation and formaldehyde measurements have been made on ice cores retrieved from Law ... more Peroxide speciation and formaldehyde measurements have been made on ice cores retrieved from Law Dome, Antarctica. Measurements were made for ice deposited during four different periods: modern, pre-industrial Holocene, early Holocene and Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). The data show modern peroxide levels 450% above pre-industrial levels (at 1.6molL1)andanabsenceofmethylhydroperoxide(downtoadetectionthresholdof0.003molL1).Formaldehydelevelsshowa401.6 mol L ^1) and an absence of methyl hydroperoxide (down to a detection threshold of 0.003 mol L ^1). Formaldehyde levels show a 40% in- crease from pre-industrial to modern times (rising from 1.6molL1)andanabsenceofmethylhydroperoxide(downtoadetectionthresholdof0.003molL1).Formaldehydelevelsshowa40 0.07 mol L ^1 to $ 0.10 mol L ^1), with a further increase and possible seasonality near the surface which we associate with post-depositional processes. Peroxide levels in LGM ice are low, but formaldehyde concentrations are high (at $ 0.13 mol L ^1) relative to modern levels. Similar high levels of formaldehyde are seen in early Holocene ice ($6900 years BP).

Indoor vs Outdoor SO2 Levels near an Isolated Industrial Source in Tropical Australia

Clean air and environmental quality, Nov 1, 2000

Concurrent weekly-average measurements of sulfur dioxide (SO2) have been performed over a fifteen... more Concurrent weekly-average measurements of sulfur dioxide (SO2) have been performed over a fifteen week period in five homes in the city of Mt Isa, adjacent to large copper and lead smelting operations that release substantial quantities of sulfur dioxide to the atmosphere. The measurements revealed a relatively low and constant indoor/outdoor SO2 ratio, or ERF (exposure reduction factor), having a median value across all homes of 0.08 (mean value of 0.09). Analysis of this result in terms of two limiting cases, one with air-conditioners in use and a high ventilation rate, the other with air-conditioners off and a restricted ventilation rate, suggested that a low ERF invariant with outdoor SO2 is consistent with either case. The low ERF in the first case can be attributed to the efficient scrubbing of SO2 in the evaporative air-conditioning system. The low ERF in the second case can be attributed to the fact that outdoor elevation in SO2 levels in Mt Isa takes the form of high concentration, but very short-duration peaks in SO2 caused by convective knock-down of smelter plumes. The short duration of these events makes infiltration indoors inefficient in the case where ventilation rate is low. We conclude that personal exposure to SO2 in Mt Isa can be significantly reduced in homes in comparison with ambient air.

Formaldehyde and peroxide cycles in marine air at Cape Grim, Tasmania

Sydney Particle Study 2 - Aerosol and gas data collection

The observations of the Sydney Particle Study (SPS) were carried out in two stages at the Westmea... more The observations of the Sydney Particle Study (SPS) were carried out in two stages at the Westmead Air Quality Station by teams of scientists from CSIRO, OEH, and ANSTO. Stage 2 (SPS2) was in autumn 2012 (from 16 April to 14 May 2012). SPS2 involved a comprehensive suite of measurements of atmospheric gases and aerosols in order to better understand the source, the chemical composition and the size distribution of the aerosol and gas-phase secondary aerosol precursors in Sydney.

Aerosol samplers and chemical composition

Sydney Particle Study- Stage-I: Executive Summary

Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC) and BTEX in Australian Dwellings

Indoor Air Quality: A Pilot Study Employing Low-technology Methods

Clean air and environmental quality, 1999

A pilot study to evaluate low-technology methods for measurement of a range of air quality indica... more A pilot study to evaluate low-technology methods for measurement of a range of air quality indicators was carried out in nine homes in Sydney between mid October and early November, 1997. The variables, all measured as 7-day averages, were: gaseous nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde and nicotine, measured with simple passive sampling devices; gaseous nicotine determined with a low-flow active (pumped) sampling device; and the PM10 aerosol mass concentration and PM10 elemental carbon mass concentration determined from aerosol samples also collected with the low-flow active sampler. Levels of all variables measured fell within the range expected based on previous studies in Australian homes, and varied with location as expected based on known site-specific environmental factors. We conclude that the methods trialed were successful in providing relatively low-cost, time-integrated data on indoor air quality.

Atmospheric Environment, 2017

An open-cut coal mine fire burning for 45 days impacted nearby populations of 45,000. CO, PM 2.5 ... more An open-cut coal mine fire burning for 45 days impacted nearby populations of 45,000. CO, PM 2.5 and benzene exceeded air quality standards by up to 30 times. PM to CO emission ratios suggest char combustion as dominant combustion process. Study provides unique data set on emissions from open-cut coal mine fire.

for the Identification of Secondary Organic Aerosol in Australian Cities Progress Report 2: Organic Carbon to Elemental Carbon Ratio

Indoor air, Jan 18, 2015

This study characterised indoor volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and investigated the effects of... more This study characterised indoor volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and investigated the effects of the dwelling characteristics, building materials, occupant activities and environmental conditions on indoor VOC concentrations in 40 dwellings located in Melbourne, Australia in 2008 and 2009. A total of 97 VOCs were identified. Nine VOCs, n-butane, 2-methyl-butane, toluene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, d-limonene, ethanol, 2-propanol and acetic acid, accounted for 68% of the sum of all VOCs. The median indoor concentrations of all VOCs were greater than those measured outdoors. The occupant density was positively associated with indoor VOC concentrations via occupant activities, including respiration and combustion. Terpenes were associated with the use of household cleaning and laundry products. A petroleum-like indoor VOC signature of alkanes and aromatics was associated with the proximity of major roads. The indoor VOC concentrations were negatively correlated (p <0.05) with vent...

Atmospheric concentrations of ammonia and nitrogen dioxide at a tropical coral cay with high seabird density

J. Environ. Monit., 2010

Comparison of Methods for Estimation of Exposure to Traffic Related NO2

Epidemiology, 2009

Environmental Science & Technology, 2000

An existing Ferm type passive sampler technique has been further developed to measure concentrati... more An existing Ferm type passive sampler technique has been further developed to measure concentrations of formaldehyde gas in indoor air. Formaldehyde forms a derivative after reaction with a filter coated with 2,4dinitrophenylhydrazine (2,4-DNPH). The formaldehyde 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine derivative (formaldehyde-2,4-DNPH) is extracted from the filter, and the concentration is determined by high performance liquid chromatography. The technique has been validated against an active sampling method, and the agreement is close when the appropriate laminar boundary layer depth is applied to the passive measurement. For this technique an exposure period of 3 days is equivalent to a limit of detection of formaldehyde of 3.4 ppbv and a limit of quantification of 7.6 ppbv. To test the performance of the passive samplers ambient formaldehyde measurements were carried out inside homes and in a range of workplace environments.

Environmental Science & Technology, 2012

Environmental Chemistry, 2007

Environmental context. Gaseous organic compounds fuel the production of ozone in the background l... more Environmental context. Gaseous organic compounds fuel the production of ozone in the background lower atmosphere. There have been no measurements of many of these compounds in the temperate and polar latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere. Here some first results are presented that show in general much lower concentrations than the Northern Hemisphere, due in part to the lower land surfaces and biomass burning in the Southern Hemisphere. . Measurements were made of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at Cape Grim using proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) during the Precursors to Particles (P2P) Campaign from 10 February to 1 March 2006. Approximately 14 days of clean air data were obtained along with 4 days of data from when polluted air, first from a smoke plume from a fire on Robbins Island adjacent to the station and then air from Victoria, was present. This paper deals with the results obtained in clean air, the focus of the P2P campaign. The protonated masses and pr...

Precursors to Particles (P2P) at Cape Grim 2006: campaign overview

Environmental Chemistry, 2007

Environmental context. Understanding the role of clouds in assessing the impact of climate change... more Environmental context. Understanding the role of clouds in assessing the impact of climate change is a challenging issue. It is thought that plankton and seaweed contribute to the formation of clouds by emitting gases that lead to the particle production necessary for cloud formation. Macroalgae (kelp) at Mace Head, Ireland, produce large quantities of iodine when exposed to sunlight at low tide and this iodine results in the rapid production of particles. Cape Grim, Tasmania, also has large colonies of kelp and the role of Bull Kelp (Durvillaea potatorum) in particle production was assessed. . Iodine emissions from coastal macroalgae have been found to be important initiators for nucleation events at Mace Head, Ireland. The source of this iodine is the large beds of the brown kelp Laminaria digitata, which are significantly exposed at low tide. On the coast around Cape Grim, Tasmania, there are beds of the brown kelp Durvillaea potatrum. The Precursors to Particles 2006 (P2P 2006) ...

Risk factors for increased BTEX exposure in four Australian cities

Chemosphere, 2007

Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX) are common volatile organic compounds (VOCs) fo... more Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX) are common volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in urban airsheds. Elevated levels of VOCs have been reported in many airsheds at many locations, particularly those associated with industrial activity, wood heater use and heavy traffic. Exposure to some VOCs has been associated with health risks. There have been limited investigations into community exposures to BTEX using personal monitoring to elucidate the concentrations to which members of the community may be exposed and the main contributors to that exposure. In this cross sectional study we investigated BTEX exposure of 204 non-smoking, non-occupationally exposed people from four Australian cities. Each participant wore a passive BTEX sampler over 24h on five consecutive days in both winter and summer and completed an exposure source questionnaire for each season and a diary for each day of monitoring. The geometric mean (GM) and range of daily BTEX concentrations recorded for the study population were benzene 0.80 (0.04-23.8 ppb); toluene 2.83 (0.03-2120 ppb); ethylbenzene 0.49 (0.03-119 ppb); and xylenes 2.36 (0.04-697 ppb). A generalised linear model was used to investigate significant risk factors for increased BTEX exposure. Activities and locations found to increase personal exposure included vehicle repair and machinery use, refuelling of motor vehicles, being in an enclosed car park and time spent undertaking arts and crafts. A highly significant difference was found between the mean exposures in each of the four cities, which may be explained by differences in fuel composition, differences in the mix and density of industry, density of motor vehicles and air pollution meteorology.