Level of Education of Students Involved

Undergraduate

Faculty Sponsor

Christopher Iceman

College

Arts and Sciences

Discipline(s)

Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Justice

ORCID Identifier(s)

0009-0008-5796-2952

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Spring 4-24-2024

Abstract

Regulations imposed on air quality have a direct impact to respiratory health. The relationship of particulate matter to respiratory health has been improving and the link to health problems has only grown stronger. The purpose of this investigation was to quantitatively study and monitor air quality trends of particulate matter using low cost air quality sensors in Northwest Indiana (NWI) and evaluating the PurpleAir sensors for use in the community. Multiple PurpleAir air quality index (AQI) sensors were placed across several cities in NWI. A years’ worth of data was accumulated and processed data consisted of particulate matter of 2.5µm and smaller (PM2.5), although the smallest size fraction of 0.3µm and smaller were the primary focus. PM2.5 concentrations were graphed on a monthly basis representing concentration, temperature, and pressure as well as a monthly and yearly log normal distribution of concentration. The distribution of PM2.5 concentration within different cities and counties represented little variation of particulate concentration. There exist many “non-distribution” like trends where month to month variations from the natural distribution of particulate concentration could be found. The manufactures of the sensors don't report their conversion equation and so we have used one of our own to account for concentration and humidity. Characteristics of the PurpleAir air quality sensors are convenient for communities focused on environmental justice, however the air samplers are not accounting for all metrics of air quality. More work needs to be completed towards understanding the limitations and capabilities of the low cost air quality sensors.

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