Study of VOC and photochemical ozone pollution in Delta region

Press Release

Study of VOC and photochemical ozone pollution in Delta region 

The Environmental Protection Department today (September 27) awarded a consultancy agreement to ENSR Environmental International, with a view to undertaking a study of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and photochemical ozone in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) Region.

A department spokesman said that ozone was the principal constituent of photochemical smog, and VOC was one of the major precursors to the formation of ozone.

"Through the study of ozone and VOC, we could have a better understanding of the characteristics and formation mechanism of photochemical smog in the PRD Region. The study results and data collected will help both Guangdong and Hong Kong formulate appropriate control strategies to alleviate the regional smog problem," he said.

"The consultant will collect VOC samples in various locations within the region, to study the spatial distribution of these air pollutants and to carry out grid research and mathematical simulation analysis, through which the formation mechanism of regional photochemical smog can be evaluated. Technically feasible measures for alleviating the regional smog problem will also be examined," the spokesman said.

Both the Guangdong and Hong Kong governments have been committed to improving air quality in the PRD Region and have reaffirmed the determination to achieve the emissions reduction targets by 2010. Both sides agree that, in order to improve the regional air quality in the long run, continued efforts are required to study regional air pollution issues scientifically and look into appropriate pollution control strategies.

The study will last for 30 months and is expected to be completed by early 2010.

Ends/Thursday, September 27, 2007 

   

Director of Environmental Protection, Ms Anissa Wong (left) and a representative of ENSR Environmental International.