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Part of Air

Air indicators – Sulphur dioxide

Air monitoring results for the concentration of sulphur dioxide.

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Air

About the indicator

Sulphur dioxide, or SO2, is an air pollutant that can have negative effects on human and ecosystem health. Exposure to SO2 can result in respiratory health problems. SO2 can also negatively affect vegetation when deposited onto plants or surrounding surfaces and can contribute to acidic deposition, commonly known as acid rain.

This indicator reports on the concentration of SO2 from 2000 to 2022 and provides information on the variation across Alberta and how concentrations have changed over time. This indicator also compares SO2 concentrations with Alberta’s Ambient Air Quality Objectives (AAAQOs), which set thresholds for air pollutants to protect human and ecosystem health. 

Sulphur dioxide facts

  • The major sources of SO2 in Alberta are primarily industrial sources, such as the extraction and processing of oil and gas and power generation.
  • SO2 emissions can also lead to the formation of other air pollutants such as fine particulate matter.

Methods

For information on how the results in this indicator were calculated and for references, see: Condition of the Environment Report – Air Component

Summary of key results

Last updated: August 2024

  • SO2 concentrations have been decreasing throughout much of the province over the past 2 decades, due to improved emissions control technology and practices at industrial facilities. Recent examples include the phase-out of coal-powered electricity, efforts to reduce flaring and venting, and required increases to sulphur recovery and removal.
  • Over the past 2 decades, annual average concentrations of SO2 were well below the annual AAAQO throughout Alberta. Historically, exceedances of the one-hour AAAQO have occurred at stations near industrial facilities.
  • The highest concentrations of SO2 in Alberta are found near large industrial facilities.

Variation across Alberta

  • Concentrations of SO2 are higher near major industrial sources such as in Alberta’s oil sands region and the industrial heartland northeast of Edmonton (Figures 1a and 1b).

Figure 1a. Annual average SO2 concentrations across Alberta for 2022

 

Select a circle on the map to view the 2022 concentration and the 10-year trend for a specific monitoring station.
Source: Government of Alberta

Figure 1b. Peak SO2 concentrations across Alberta for 2022

 

Select a circle on the map to view the 2022 concentration and the 10-year trend for a specific monitoring station. Peak concentrations are calculated as the annual 99th percentile of daily maximum concentrations.
Source: Government of Alberta

Changes over time

  • Between 2000 and 2022, Alberta saw an overall statistically significant decrease of annual average and peak concentrations of SO2 when averaged across all monitoring stations (Figures 2a and 2b, respectively). This trend is consistent with trends across Canada as technology improves for industrial emissions sources.
  • Edmonton and Calgary saw statistically significant decreasing trends in annual average SO2 concentrations. No statistically significant trend in annual average SO2 concentrations was detected for other major population centres.
  • Peak SO2 concentrations also decreased in Calgary and Fort McMurray. This decrease is statistically significant. No statistically significant trend in peak SO2 was detected for other major population centres.

Figure 2a. Trends in annual average SO2 concentrations from 2000 to 2022 at large population centres in Alberta

Chart data table
Year Provincial Average 10th Percentile 90th Percentile Calgary Edmonton Fort McMurray Grande Prairie Lethbridge Medicine Hat Red Deer AAAQO
2000 1.3 0.6 2.3 2.9 2.4 0.9 0.7 8
2001 1.2 0.3 2.5 3 2.3 1 0.5 8
2002 1.3 0.4 2.2 2.2 1.8 1.3 0.5 8
2003 1.4 0.5 2.4 2.1 1.3 1.1 0.5 8
2004 1.4 0.5 2.5 1.6 1.3 1.3 0.6 0.4 8
2005 1.3 0.4 2.2 1.7 1.6 1.1 0.5 0.4 0.5 8
2006 1.2 0.4 2.6 1.4 1.3 0.8 0.6 0.2 0.4 8
2007 1 0.4 2.1 1.1 1.4 1 0.4 0.1 0.5 8
2008 1 0.3 1.9 1.2 1.1 0.9 0.3 0.2 0.4 8
2009 0.9 0.3 1.8 1.2 1.2 1 0.4 0.2 0.4 8
2010 0.8 0.2 1.4 1 1 0.8 0.4 0.1 0.5 8
2011 0.8 0.2 1.6 1 0.8 0.3 0.1 0.4 8
2012 0.7 0.2 1.3 0.9 0.5 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.2 8
2013 0.8 0.2 1.3 1.1 0.8 0.2 0.3 0.1 0 8
2014 0.8 0.2 1.4 1.1 0.9 0.2 0.4 0.1 0 8
2015 0.7 0.1 1.1 0.3 0.9 0.9 0.1 0.4 0.1 0.2 8
2016 0.7 0.1 1.3 0.3 0.8 0.9 0.1 0 0.1 0.2 8
2017 0.6 0.1 1.1 0.3 1 0.6 0.2 0 0.1 0.3 8
2018 0.5 0.1 1 0.4 0.9 0.6 0.4 0 0.1 0.3 8
2019 0.6 0.1 1.2 0.3 0.8 0.7 0.4 0.1 0.1 0.3 8
2020 0.7 0.1 1.2 0.3 0.8 1 0.3 0 0.1 0.3 8
2021 0.6 0.1 1 0.2 0.9 0.8 0.4 0 0.1 0.3 8
2022 0.6 0.1 1.1 0.3 0.9 0.8 0.4 0 0.1 0.5 8
Select a community in the legend to toggle it on or off in the chart. The 10th percentile is the value below which 10% of the data may be found. The 90th percentile is the value below which 90% of the data may be found. The horizontal dashed line represents the Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objective (AAAQO) for annual average SO2.
Source: Government of Alberta
Accessible chart description

Line chart showing the change over time in annual average SO2 concentrations for large urban centres in Alberta, the provincial average, and the 10th and 90th percentile of all SO2 monitoring stations in the province. The chart also displays the Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objective for annual average SO2 (8 ppb). Provincial average SO2 annual average concentrations and several large urban centres' concentrations (Calgary, Edmonton, and Fort McMurray) have decreased since 2000. The Provincial Average of annual average SO2 concentrations was 1.3 ppb in 2000 and 0.6 ppb in 2022.

Figure 2b. Trends in peak SO2 concentrations from 2000 to 2022 at large population centres in Alberta

Chart data table
Year Provincial Average 10th Percentile 90th Percentile Calgary Edmonton Fort McMurray Grande Prairie Lethbridge Medicine Hat Red Deer
2000 33.2 12.5 73.8 20 33 28 11
2001 37.8 8.6 90.8 30 32 40.5 9
2002 38.6 7 94 16 31 43.5 7
2003 50.3 11.8 119 14 28 33.5 5
2004 56.3 10.2 112.6 13 26 52 6 4
2005 50.8 8 100 14 24 49 7.7 4 5
2006 43.7 11.4 103 12 33 26.5 11.2 5 6
2007 36.7 8.7 81.3 9 24 42 7.9 3 4
2008 38.7 8.8 82.2 10.7 24 39 9.2 4 9
2009 30.6 5.6 68.7 12 25 34 4.9 5 7.2
2010 35.3 5.4 68.6 8.3 20 38.5 6.7 6 7.1
2011 32.4 5.2 61.6 23 26.5 5.6 5 5
2012 29.2 4.4 66.6 25 27 5 3 4 2.1
2013 29 4.5 59 20.5 36.5 5 4 4 3
2014 27.9 5.5 49 26 26 5 7 4 2
2015 26.4 4 42.8 7 19.5 23 5 4 4 3.5
2016 30 4.3 51.4 5 23 32 14 2 4 4.5
2017 27.5 4 59.5 6 29 25.5 7 2 3 5.5
2018 19.7 3.9 36.2 8 26 25 6.7 2 2 5.5
2019 19 4 38.4 5 23.8 20.5 24 2 4 4.3
2020 22.1 4 62.1 3.8 21.4 39.1 11.5 2 4.5 4.7
2021 21.1 3.2 39.6 4.7 24.2 21.5 26.4 2 2.7 5.3
2022 22.4 3.2 51.7 5.3 30.2 24.9 19 2 3.3 5.2
Select a community in the legend to toggle it on or off in the chart. Peak concentrations are calculated as the annual 99th percentile of daily maximum concentrations. The 10th percentile is the value below which 10% of the data may be found. The 90th percentile is the value below which 90% of the data may be found.
Source: Government of Alberta
Table description

Line chart showing the change over time in peak SO2 concentrations for large urban centres in Alberta, the provincial average, and the 10th and 90th percentile of all SO2 monitoring stations in the province. Provincial average SO2 peak concentrations and some large urban centres' concentrations (Calgary and Fort McMurray) have decreased since 2000. The Provincial Average of peak SO2 concentrations was 33.2 ppb in 2000 and 22.4 ppb in 2022.

  • At stations located near industrial facilities, there has also been a statistically significant decreasing trend in annual average and peak SO2 since 2000 (Figures 3a and 3b, respectively). This decrease is due to improved emissions control technology and practices at industrial facilities.

Figure 3a. Trends in annual average SO2 concentration from 2000 to 2022 by station classification

Chart data table
Year Provincial Average 10th Percentile 90th Percentile Community Near Industrial Facility Regional AAAQO
2000 1.3 0.6 2.3 1.2 1.8 1.1 8
2001 1.2 0.3 2.5 1.2 2 0.8 8
2002 1.3 0.4 2.2 1.1 2 0.7 8
2003 1.4 0.5 2.4 1 2.4 0.9 8
2004 1.4 0.5 2.5 0.9 2.6 0.9 8
2005 1.3 0.4 2.2 0.9 2.2 1 8
2006 1.2 0.4 2.6 0.7 2.1 1 8
2007 1 0.4 2.1 0.7 2 0.9 8
2008 1 0.3 1.9 0.7 1.9 0.8 8
2009 0.9 0.3 1.8 0.7 1.5 0.7 8
2010 0.8 0.2 1.4 0.6 1.7 0.5 8
2011 0.8 0.2 1.6 0.7 1.6 0.5 8
2012 0.7 0.2 1.3 0.5 1.3 0.5 8
2013 0.8 0.2 1.3 0.6 1.3 0.6 8
2014 0.8 0.2 1.4 0.6 1.4 0.5 8
2015 0.7 0.1 1.1 0.5 1.5 0.5 8
2016 0.7 0.1 1.3 0.5 1.6 0.4 8
2017 0.6 0.1 1.1 0.5 1.1 0.5 8
2018 0.5 0.1 1 0.5 0.9 0.5 8
2019 0.6 0.1 1.2 0.5 0.9 0.4 8
2020 0.7 0.1 1.2 0.6 1.4 0.5 8
2021 0.6 0.1 1 0.5 1.1 0.5 8
2022 0.6 0.1 1.1 0.6 1.1 0.4 8
Select a community in the legend to toggle it on or off in the chart. The 10th percentile is the value below which 10% of the data may be found. The 90th percentile is the value below which 90% of the data may be found. The horizontal dashed line represents the Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objective (AAAQO) for annual average SO2. Station classifications used in the figure: Community stations are located within a community; Near Industrial Facility stations are near an industrial facility and typically outside of population centres; Regional stations are typically located away from known sources.
Source: Government of Alberta
Accessible chart description

Line chart showing the change over time in annual average SO2 concentrations in Alberta by station classification, as well as the provincial average and the 10th and 90th percentile of all SO2 monitoring stations in the province. Three station classifications are shown: Community, Near Industrial Facility, and Regional. All three station classification annual average concentrations have remained below 3 ppb since 2000. The chart also displays the Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objective for annual average SO2 (8 ppb).

Figure 3b. Trends in peak SO2 concentrations from 2000 to 2022 by station classification

Chart data table
Year Provincial Average 10th Percentile 90th Percentile Community Near Industrial Facility Regional
2000 33.2 12.5 73.8 22.5 78.3 20.3
2001 37.8 8.6 90.8 29 85.8 11
2002 38.6 7 94 23.9 83.7 15.8
2003 50.3 11.8 119 27.3 109.6 27.3
2004 56.3 10.2 112.6 26.7 122.6 31.3
2005 50.8 8 100 25.2 114 33.4
2006 43.7 11.4 103 22 98.1 30.1
2007 36.7 8.7 81.3 20.4 82.4 24.7
2008 38.7 8.8 82.2 20.4 88.6 24.1
2009 30.6 5.6 68.7 18.3 66 21
2010 35.3 5.4 68.6 18 88 18.6
2011 32.4 5.2 61.6 18.5 77 17.4
2012 29.2 4.4 66.6 18.7 62.6 18
2013 29 4.5 59 18 60.6 17.8
2014 27.9 5.5 49 15.5 63.4 18.2
2015 26.4 4 42.8 13 61.5 21.4
2016 30 4.3 51.4 17 77.2 15.8
2017 27.5 4 59.5 16.6 67.4 18.4
2018 19.7 3.9 36.2 16.1 38.2 15.8
2019 19 4 38.4 16.1 34.6 13.5
2020 22.1 4 62.1 17.5 45.7 14.3
2021 21.1 3.2 39.6 16.2 42.8 13.6
2022 22.4 3.2 51.7 20.7 38 13.2
Select a community in the legend to toggle it on or off in the chart. Peak concentrations are calculated as the annual 99th percentile of daily maximum concentrations. The 10th percentile is the value below which 10% of the data may be found. The 90th percentile is the value below which 90% of the data may be found. Station classifications used in the figure: Community stations are located within a community; Near Industrial Facility stations are near an industrial facility and typically outside of population centres; Regional stations are typically located away from known sources.
Source: Government of Alberta
Accessible chart description

Line chart showing the change over time in peak SO2 concentrations in Alberta by station classification, as well as the provincial average and the 10th and 90th percentile of all SO2 monitoring stations in the province. Three station classifications are shown: Community, Near Industrial Facility, and Regional. The Community and Regional station averages have remained below 40 ppb since 2000. Near Industrial Facility stations have decreased from 78.3 ppb in 2000 to 38 ppb in 2022, with a peak in 2004 (with a peak value of 122.6 ppb).

  • More recently, between 2013 and 2022, 5 out of 35 stations meeting data completeness criteria had statistically significant increasing trends in SO2. These stations include Lower Camp (see focused study) and Tamarack, located near industrial facilities in the Lower Athabasca Region, where SO2 levels are managed through Alberta’s regulatory system and the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan. The other three stations are community monitoring stations located in northwest and central Alberta (Beaverlodge, Grande Prairie, and Red Deer-Riverside).

Comparison to provincial objectives

  • Alberta's Ambient Air Quality Objectives provide thresholds for over 30 airborne compounds to protect human and ecosystem health. The AAAQOs are used in the design of industrial facilities and to establish emissions requirements. The Alberta government tracks AAAQO exceedances and assesses the need for management action.
  • Figure 2a shows that between 2000 and 2022, annual average concentrations of SO2 were well below the annual AAAQO throughout Alberta. The annual AAAQO of 8.0 parts per billion (ppb) for SO2 is based on the protection of ecosystems.
  • In 2022, there were no exceedances of the one-hour AAAQO. Historically, exceedances of the one-hour AAAQO have been observed at stations near industrial facilities known to emit SO2 in the oil sands region and the industrial heartland northeast of Edmonton. The one-hour AAAQO of 172 ppb for SO2 is based on the protection of human health.

Air quality reporting and resources

Focused study

Alberta investigated concentrations of SO2 in the oil sands region as part of the management response under the Air Quality Management Framework for the Lower Athabasca Region.

  • SO2 concentrations at several stations in the Lower Athabasca Region (Lower Camp, Mannix, Mildred Lake, and Christina Lake) exceeded the Level 3 and Level 4 triggers for the upper range of hourly data (calculated as the 99th percentile) over the period from 2016 to 2021 (Figure 4) (see the Status of Air Quality in Alberta: Air Zones report 2019-2021).
  • The relationships between SO2 and weather conditions, such as wind-speed and wind direction, and hydrogen sulphide (H2S) were explored.
  • The characteristics of the elevated SO2 episodes suggest nearby industrial operations as the major contributing sources at each station.
  • This work is part of a broader investigation in the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan Management Response.

Figure 4. Upper range of hourly data for SO2 at select stations in the Lower Athabasca Region from 2016 to 2021.

Chart data table
Year Christina Lake Lower Camp Mannix Mildred Lake Level 2 Level 3 Level 4
2016 43 36 29 12 24 36
2017 42 35 27 12 24 36
2018 30 24 22 12 24 36
2019 24 26 23 15 12 24 36
2020 35 32 39 33 12 24 36
2021 24 28 25 27 12 24 36
Source: Government of Alberta
Table description

Bar chart showing the upper range SO2 concentrations for Christina Lake, Lower Camp, Mannix, and Mildred Lake stations from 2016 to 2021. The Lower Athabasca Region Air Quality Management Framework triggers for Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4 are shown as horizontal lines.The Lower Camp station had the highest SO2 upper range concentrations in 2016 and 2017 (values of 43 ppb and 42 ppb, respectively) and exceeded the Level 4 trigger (36 ppb) in these years. SO2 levels at the Lower Camp station in subsequent years (2018 to 2021) were less than the Lever 4 trigger (with values ranging from 26 ppb to 32 ppb). The Mannix station exceeded the Level 4 trigger in 2020 (with an upper range concentration of 39 ppb) and was above the Level 3 trigger in 2016, 2017, and 2021. The Mildred Lake station had concentrations ranging from 15 ppb in 2019 to 33 ppb in 2020. The Christina Lake station had concentrations ranging from 24 ppb in 2019 and 2021 to 35 ppb in 2020.

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