Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and Australian Nuclear Science and Technology (ANSTO) will conduct a fine particle characterisation study developed and jointly funded by NSW Health and Office of Environment.

To begin in January, the study aims to identify the contents of the tiny particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5).

Scientists will use ion beam analysis and ion chromatography that have capability of detecting elemental composition from hydrogen to lead, organic carbon, black carbon, chloride, nitrate, sulphate, ammonium, sodium potassium and anhydrous sugars including levoglucosan.

The levoglucosan is a wood smoke tracer and will allow a specific assessment of the contribution of wood smoke. A full list of the elements will be made available shortly.

The study is the next step in air quality monitoring in the Upper Hunter and follows the first eight months of monitoring that have revealed that PM2.5 levels are slightly elevated in Muswellbrook during winter.

NSW Health and the Office of Environment and Heritage say these elevated levels come from multiple sources including coal-fired power generation and coal seam spontaneous combustion and that there is a need to characterise the components of the fine particles and their sources.

Office of Environment and Heritage atmospheric science manager Chris Eiser said the study would use researched technology to look at fine particle content.

Mr Eiser said the 12-month study would compare seasons.

The study is expected to provide a description of the contributors to fine particles in the Upper Hunter, will estimate the sources and their relative contribution and give an indication of any weekly or seasonal changes in PM2.5 in the Upper Hunter.

The news was applauded by members of the Singleton Shire Health Environment Group, who have had said all along that the contents of the dust was the main issue of concern.

“It is marvellous this is being done; this is exactly the track we wanted to go down,” said group spokesman Dr John Drinan.

Mr Eiser gave a presentation to Singleton Council last week and will address Muswellbrook and the Upper Hunter shire councils next week.