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Evaluating The Effects of Temperature and Ozone on Particulate Matter in Southeastern Michigan
Organization(s):Crestwood High School
Country:United States of America
Student(s):Yasmine Ahmad, Jenna Charara, Nadine Mazeh
Grade Level:Secondary School (grades 9-12, ages 14-18)
GLOBE Educator(s):Diana Rae Johns
Contributors:
Report Type(s):International Virtual Science Symposium Report
Protocols:Air Temperature, Barometric Pressure, Clouds, Relative Humidity, Surface Temperature, Wind
Presentation Poster:
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Language(s):English
Date Submitted:03/10/2023
Understanding particulate matter (PM) levels in the researcher’s community is critical for informing public health decisions and raising public awareness regarding potential threats to personal lung health. This research was conducted during the Summer and Fall of 2022. Data was collected daily during this period on ground-level ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5), surface temperature, and air temperature. Crestwood’s PurpleAir device and the handheld PocketLab Air was used to determine particulate matter levels. Ground-level ozone was also collected using the Pocketlab Air sensor. Surface temperature taken with an infrared thermometer and air temperature was recorded using Crestwood’s WeatherBug weather station. PM data was collected with the Pocketlab Air sensor to compare data with the PurpleAir device. This allowed the researchers to test the reliability of the PocketLab Air device. In addition, the researchers recorded real-time data from three different locations in Michigan, all less than 25 minutes from each other, using PurpleAir levels online. This enabled the community's results to be compared to places nearby. These locations included Detroit, Livonia, and Oak Park. The objective of this research was to analyze how PM2.5 levels might be affected as temperature and ozone levels change. PM levels were taken from each location and compared with the other atmospheric data collected. Observing the results through different seasons allowed the researchers to conclude that PM2.5 data from PocketLab Air and PurpleAir appear to positively correlate with changes in temperature and ozone. As PM2.5 in the air can damage gas exchange in lungs at the alveoli level, it is crucial that citizens in the community be aware when high levels exist so they can reduce outdoor activity so as to avoid respiratory distress. Reducing ground-level ozone and particulate matter levels can reduce potential health risks to lungs and permit athletes to continue playing without adverse health complications.