Monitoring and Evaluation of Particulate Matter in and Around Schools.
Disciplines
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Vehicular traffic contributes to a range of gaseous air pollutants and to suspended particulate matter (PM) of different sizes and composition. Air quality standards around academic institutions are a critical concern due to the potential impact on the health and welfare of students and staff members. This study will monitor and evaluate the concentrations of PM2.5 in the ambient air in and around schools during peak hour pick-up and drop-off times. A focus will be placed on understanding the sources, levels, of PM2.5 in and around schools. The study utilizes a comprehensive approach that combines real-time monitoring of PM concentrations, meteorological data, traffic patterns, and school-specific information. Data will be collected for number of months during peak hours, from 7 am to 2 pm, when vehicular traffic is at its highest, contributing to the dispersion of PM2.5 from various sources previously mentioned. The study is expected to produce a data set of particulate matter utilizing sample collection and standard models to evaluate the air quality in and around schools and will be compared to ambient air quality standards to assess the conditions that presumably contribute to elevated air pollution in and around schools.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
SPCEET - Civil and Environmental Engineering
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
M.A. Karim
Monitoring and Evaluation of Particulate Matter in and Around Schools.
Vehicular traffic contributes to a range of gaseous air pollutants and to suspended particulate matter (PM) of different sizes and composition. Air quality standards around academic institutions are a critical concern due to the potential impact on the health and welfare of students and staff members. This study will monitor and evaluate the concentrations of PM2.5 in the ambient air in and around schools during peak hour pick-up and drop-off times. A focus will be placed on understanding the sources, levels, of PM2.5 in and around schools. The study utilizes a comprehensive approach that combines real-time monitoring of PM concentrations, meteorological data, traffic patterns, and school-specific information. Data will be collected for number of months during peak hours, from 7 am to 2 pm, when vehicular traffic is at its highest, contributing to the dispersion of PM2.5 from various sources previously mentioned. The study is expected to produce a data set of particulate matter utilizing sample collection and standard models to evaluate the air quality in and around schools and will be compared to ambient air quality standards to assess the conditions that presumably contribute to elevated air pollution in and around schools.