Date of Award

6-2018

Document Type

Union College Only

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Department

Chemistry

First Advisor

Andrew Huisman

Second Advisor

Laura MacManus-Spencer

Language

English

Keywords

air quality, particulate matter, UAIR, PM, air pollution

Abstract

Air quality has become a major financial and public health issue across the globe: not one country is excluded from the detrimental effects that air pollution creates. Because of this increased concern over air quality, demand for higher-quality monitoring networks has risen. These air quality monitors provide data that are useful not only for the public but also for fundamental scientific research. The data may be used by scientists, engineers, and interested members of local communities to implement plans that will hopefully reduce pollution levels and educate the public about the harmful effects of air pollution. The AriSense air quality monitors are affordable, low-maintenance research-grade sensors that enable monitoring systems to be built in locations that previously would have been cost prohibitive. Union College has implemented the UAIR Network: a system of five AriSense sensors that collect and monitor air quality across campus. These sensors monitor four gaseous chemicals: NO, NO2, Ox (odd oxygen, the sum of oxygen radical and ozone), and CO. The sensors additionally monitor particulate matter with diameter less than or equal to 17 micrometers. These sensors have been placed in a variety of locations around campus, include indoor atria, kitchens, outdoor locations and central campus hubs. By comparing these locations and contrasting indoor/outdoor air exchange, kitchen areas/non-kitchen areas, etc., the UAIR Network can be used to assess trends and predict potential sources of particulate matter. Analyzing these trends allows for better awareness of how everyday actions influence the air around us and, therefore, human health.

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