Abstract for presentation at 14th IUAPPA World Congress

The IAEA via the RCA has identified air particulate matter pollution as a major transboundary environmental issue in the Australasian region. Sixteen countries are participating in the programme that started in 1997. New Zealand is the lead-country. Nuclear analytical techniques are used to measure trace elements of particulate matter deposited on PM_2.5-0 and PM₁₀-2.5 filters (filters collected twice weekly). The data is collated in a large database. Information about identified sources of particulate matter pollution and source apportionment is required by end-users such as governmental organizations. Four significant success stories of the project RAS/7/013 on “Improved information of urban air quality management in the RCA region” are presented to highlight the usefulness of nuclear analytical techniques for characterization of particulate matter of fine and coarse fractions: 1) With the help of this programme, the legislation was changed in Bangladesh and the Philippines resulting in a reduction of lead in petrol; 2) Well established national programmes enjoy strong government commitment and attract attention of commercial partners; 3)Uptake of the analytical results by the end-users is substantial and continuously growing up; 4)Many participants, e.g., Thailand and Sri Lanka, are having now strong links to overseas laboratories (Regional Resource Units)that enable them to analyse more filters on time and to determine the elements such as Na, S, Si, Pb etc. that present serious analytical problems in their home laboratories. As a result their leading role and reputation at national level are improving that create opportunities to identify new end-users and customers.