State of the Environment

2006

Indicator: A-27 Concentration of nitrogen dioxide in regional areas

Data

Highest daily maximum 1-hour NO2 concentrations (ppm) by monitoring station 1991-2001 - regional
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Newcastle - NSW 0.076 0.07 0.049 0.044 0.048 0.039 0.049 0.044 0.04
Wallsend NSW 0.067 0.048 0.057 0.044 0.058 0.035 0.034 0.054 0.044
Albion Park NSW 0.044 0.081 0.049 0.055 0.051
Wollongong NSW 0.09 0.074 0.066 0.081 0.064 0.058 0.062 0.065 0.056
Geelong Vic 0.063 0.054 0.063 0.063 0.048 0.044 0.067 0.046 0.048 0.047
Traralgon Vic 0.04 0.042 0.054 0.032 0.04 0.035 0.041 0.036 0.042 0.041 0.033
Moe Vic 0.043 0.045 0.048 0.034 0.031 0.027 0.036 0.049 0.049 0.05 0.038
Helensvale Qld 0.047 0.041 0.05 0.043
Barney Point Qld 0.086 0.086 0.068 0.053 0.047 0.05 0.042 0.092 0.036 0.062 0.041
South Gladstone Qld 0.048 0.06 0.049 0.038 0.045 0.031 0.022 0.034 0.031 0.048
Hope Valley WA 0.049 0.034 0.042 0.047 0.033 0.045 0.033 0.044 0.032 0.033 0.033
Rockingham WA 0.02 0.041 0.033 0.043 0.03 0.048 0.046
Rolling Green WA 0.028 0.028 0.035 0.022 0.035 0.029 0.024 0.027 0.026
Dampier WA 0.018 0.021 0.23
NEPM 1-hour standard 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12

Source: Table A4.9 (p.208) of State of the Air Report

What the data mean

All regional monitoring sites show either a decrease in or fairly constant levels of nitrogen dioxide concentrations over the reporting period, 1991 to 2001. All sites meet the National Environment Protection Measure standard for nitrogen dioxide concentrations.

Data Limitations

Comparisons of historical data sets across the nation are difficult due to lack of harmonisation in network designs, and in sampling, analysis, quality control and reporting practices. In addition, discontinuities and changes in data collection and reporting practices can distort trend analysis results.

Issues for which this is an indicator and why

Atmosphere — Air quality - Regional air quality 

Nitrogen dioxide is formed in the ambient air through the oxidation of nitric oxide and plays an important role in the formation of photochemical smog. The major sources of nitrogen oxides are motor vehicles and industry, especially power plants.

The health effects of short-term exposure to nitrogen oxide include respiratory illnesses in children. Long-term exposure may lower resistance to respiratory infections.

Excessive levels of nitrogen dioxide can cause death in plants and roots and damage to the leaves of many agricultural crops. Excessive levels increase the acidity of rain (lower the pH) and thus lower the pH of surface and groundwaters as well as soils. In turn, this lowered pH can have harmful effects, including death, on a variety of biota. Atmospheric concentrations of nitrogen dioxide are a direct indicator for this issue.

Other indicators for this issue:

Human Settlements — Liveability of human settlements - Air quality 

Nitrogen dioxide is formed in the ambient air through the oxidation of nitric oxide and plays an important role in the formation of photochemical smog. The major sources of nitrogen oxides are motor vehicles and industry, especially power plants.

The health effects of short-term exposure to nitrogen oxide include respiratory illnesses in children. Long-term exposure may lower resistance to respiratory infections.

Excessive levels of nitrogen dioxide can cause death in plants and roots and damage to the leaves of many agricultural crops. Excessive levels increase the acidity of rain (lower the pH) and thus lower the pH of surface and groundwaters as well as soils. In turn, this lowered pH can have harmful effects, including death, on a variety of biota. Atmospheric concentrations of nitrogen dioxide are a direct indicator for this issue.

Other indicators for this issue:

Further Information

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