Temporal variations and trend of ground-level ozone based on long-term measurements in Windsor, Canada

Abstract

Abstract. This study investigates temporal variations and long-term (1996–2015) trends of ground-level O3 (ozone) and its precursors, NOx (nitrogen oxides), and volatile organic compounds in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. During the 20-year study period, NOx, non-methane hydrocarbon concentrations, and ozone formation potential decreased significantly by 58 %, 61 %, and 73 %, respectively, while O3 concentrations increased by 33 % (20.3 ppb in 1996 vs. 27 ppb in 2015). Our analysis revealed that the increased annual O3 concentrations in Windsor were due to (1) decreased O3 titration (by 50 % between 1996 and 2015) owing to declining nitric oxide concentrations, which is suggested by a slightly decreasing trend of annual mean total O3 concentrations after the titration effect is removed, (2) reduced local photochemical production of O3 because of dwindling precursor emissions, and (3) an increased background O3 level that has a greater impact on the low-to-median concentrations. The net effect of those factors is decreasing peak O3 levels during the smog season from May to September but an overall increasing trend of annual means. These results indicate that the emission control measures are effective in reducing peak ozone concentrations. However, challenges in lowering annual O3 levels call for long-term collaborative efforts in the region and around the globe.