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An Analysis of Particulate Matter Data Collected by Monitoring at Various Altitudes Using Aeropod Technology
Organization(s):Crestwood High School
Country:United States of America
Student(s):Nazih Baydoun, Hassan Berry, Nour Kochaiche
Grade Level:Secondary School (grades 9-12, ages 14-18)
GLOBE Educator(s):Diana Rae Johns
Contributors:Mr. David Bydlowski, AREN/NASA
Report Type(s):International Virtual Science Symposium Report
Protocols:Air Temperature, Barometric Pressure, Relative Humidity
Presentation Poster:
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Language(s):English
Date Submitted:03/10/2021
This investigation collected data on particulate matter (PM) concentrations as measured at two different altitudes using a consumer grade PocketLab Air device. Various surface weather parameters and PM counts were taken on the school’s soccer field. A kite (outfitted with a PocketLab Air device attached to a Globe-certified custom, 3D printed aeropod) was flown at 122 meters high to collect the same atmospheric parameters as those measured at the surface. PM data collected was compared with a permanently mounted PurpleAir device located in a school courtyard to validate the reliability of the PocketLab Air. The goal of this research was to see what differences might exist between ground and high altitude PM. PM levels were measured at a higher altitude to determine if particulates produced from local factories and landing aircraft at a nearby regional airport might be detectable. Ground level PM concentrations are important because of the health risks of inhaling ultrafine particles over long periods of time. An analysis of the data showed little variation between PM levels on the ground and at higher altitudes. However, PocketLab Air PM concentrations are somewhat positively correlated with relative humidity and directly correlated with wind speed.