You will conduct a research project on air quality monitoring in Brooklyn for course-based research experiences (CURE).
Background
Air quality can be degraded by various pollution sources in urban areas and poor air quality poses harmful effects on human health and ecosystems. Air pollution in New York City causes more than 2,000 deaths per year and thousands more emergency department visits and hospitalizations for asthma, heart and lung problems. One of the main air pollutants is particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). Major sources of air pollution include vehicles, industrial facilities, and forest fire. According to US EPA, more than 100 million people in the United States live in areas with poor air quality in 2021. In many regions of the United States, climate-driven changes in weather conditions are expected to degrade air quality. Climate change is likely to alter air quality particularly in urban areas like New York City. Climate change and air pollution may have unequal impacts on different communities in New York City. Many people who live in communities of color and low-income communities may be disproportionately impacted by air pollution because of proximity to air pollution sources such as factories, major roadways and ports with diesel truck operations.
Project Description
Air quality data of carbon dioxide, particulate matter, and formaldehyde as well as air temperature and humidity will be collected using portable air quality monitors in various communities of Brooklyn. Different districts in Brooklyn with various socioeconomic status will be assigned to each group of 2 or 3 students for air quality monitoring. This project will help students understand how environmental conditions such as green space, transportation, and land use affect air quality and evaluate the impacts of climate change on air quality in different communities of Brooklyn from the perspectives of climate and environmental justice. Students will work in groups to conduct air quality monitoring in the field, analyze data, and prepare final reports. The research experience will help students improve their skills in research, critical thinking, problem solving, quantitative analysis, collaboration, and communication.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to
- Understand the basic concepts and principles of air quality and climate change.
- Formulate a research question.
- Collect quantitative data using a portable air quality instrument in groups.
- Process quantitative data using MS Excel or other spreadsheet applications.
- Analyze and visualize quantitative data using MS Excel or other spreadsheet applications.
- Prepare a written report on the results of air quality monitoring.
