February 15th, 2024 - Investigating Cold-Start Emissions in Toronto: A Collaborative Study with ECCC

Researchers from the TAME project (Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) the University of Toronto) are actively studying cold-start emissions—vehicle emissions that occur before the engine and catalytic converter reach optimal operating temperatures. As emission control technologies improve, these cold-start events are becoming an increasingly significant proportion of non-CO₂ vehicle emissions, particularly in urban environments like the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

To better understand the spatial and temporal distribution of these emissions, the team has been conducting field measurements at key locations, including the Streetsville GO Station and parking garages at the University of Toronto’s McLennan Physical Laboratories (MP) and Bahen Centre. Using air quality sensors, the researchers are continuously collecting data on carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels to assess how vehicle cold starts contribute to urban air pollution.

Preliminary results were recently presented by Alex Corapi at the SWAPIT Workshop, on January 28, 2025. Of particular interest, we observed notable spikes in CO emissions, particularly during evening commuting hours when many vehicles undergo cold starts. At the MP garage, a specialized peak-finding algorithm has identified thousands of emission events, providing valuable insights into emission patterns and plume durations. By combining these datasets with ongoing seasonal measurements, the research team aims to refine urban pollution models and inform future mitigation strategies.

As the study progresses, the team will continue analyzing data across different seasons and locations to build a more comprehensive understanding of cold-start emissions and their impact on the environment.

December 15th, 2024 - TAME at AGU: Sharing Innovations in Atmospheric Monitoring

Members of the Toronto Atmospheric Monitoring of Emissions (TAME) project recently attended the American Geophysical Union (AGU) 2024 Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. The AGU conference is the largest gathering of earth and atmospheric scientists globally, which provided an excellent opportunity to share the team’s work and connect with other leaders in the field.

TAME members shared their work through two talks and three posters, highlighting the project’s advancements in urban greenhouse gas and air quality monitoring. Debra Wunch delivered an invited talk showcasing the development of Toronto’s comprehensive greenhouse gas monitoring network. Lawson Gillespie presented a comparative study on methodologies for quantifying methane emissions from landfills.

In the poster sessions, Nicole Jacobs shared insights into atmospheric gradients in Toronto using an advanced REMOTE SENSING spectrometer network, while Sabrina Madsen explored urban vegetation’s role in carbon dioxide sequestration. Mark Panas showcased the establishment of a new in situ greenhouse gas and air quality monitoring network for the Greater Toronto Area.

Beyond the presentations, the AGU conference served as a platform for engaging with researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. The TAME team participated in discussions on urban emissions, technological innovation, and policy integration, fostering new connections and collaborative opportunities. This advanced the project’s visibility but also reaffirmed the importance of scientific collaboration in tackling the challenges of urban emissions.

Talks:

• Gillespie, L. D., Ars, S., Fraser, S., Vogel, F., and Wunch, D.: Comparing Methodologies for Quantifying Landfill Methane Emissions. Talk, American Geophysical Union 2024, Washington, D.C., 2024.
• Wunch, D., Murphy, J., Jones, D., Vogel, F., Panas, M., DiMaria, C., Ward, E., Madsen, S., Zhao, X., Young, C., Weaver, D., Ars, S., Jacobs, N., Restrepo-Coupe, N., Da Silva, I., Gillespie, L., and Corapi, A.: An Observatory to Monitor Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Air Quality in Toronto, Canada. Talk (Invited), American Geophysical Union 2024, Washington, D.C., 2024.

Posters:

• Jacobs, N., Xu, S., Bavananthan, K., Wang, M., Latosinsky, K., Jones, N., Deutscher-Coupe, N., Griffith, D., and Vogel, F.: An Investigation of Gradients in XCO2, XCH4, and XCO for the City of Toronto Using a Network of EM27 FTS. Poster, American Geophysical Union 2024, Washington, D.C., 2024.
• Madsen, S., Wu, D., Hutyra, L., Smith, I., Staebler, R., Arain, M., Restrepo-Coupe, N., and Wunch, D.: Reconciling Differences Between Two Urban Vegetation CO2 Models Over Southern Ontario, Canada. Poster, American Geophysical Union 2024, Washington, D.C., 2024.
• Panas, M., Ward, E., Ars, S., Murphy, J., Vogel, F., Wunch, D., and Young, C.: A New In Situ Greenhouse Gas and Air Quality Monitoring Network for the Greater Toronto Area. Poster, American Geophysical Union 2024, Washington, D.C., 2024.
  

August 26th, 2024 - The Steam Plant Emissions Experiment

Members of the TAME project at the University of Toronto embarked on a project to measure methane emissions from the fenced area surrounding the Central Steam Plant on Ursula Franklin Street. This area is home to both Enbridge natural gas pipes and the university's own infrastructure. By sealing the enclosure with fire-retardant poly sheeting and using advanced sensors, the team gathered data on methane levels over several hours. The results revealed a significant enhancement in methane concentrations, indicating a noteworthy level of emissions.

These findings highlight the importance of regular maintenance in managing emissions. The potential costs associated with lost methane can add up, making it essential to address these issues proactively. When considering the broader social costs of methane emissions, the impact becomes even more pronounced.

As a potent greenhouse gas, reducing methane emissions is crucial for combating climate change. The research team will conduct further studies throughout different seasons to gain a better understanding of seasonal emission variability. This initiative reflects a positive step forward in promoting sustainability on campus.