Introduction
Air pollution affects everyone. It comes in various forms including emitted gases, ozone, and particulate matter. Short-term exposure to air pollution can result in throat and eye irritation as well as difficulty breathing. Prolonged exposure to particulate pollution can result in chronic health concerns, such as cancer and damage to the body’s immune, neurological, reproductive, and respiratory systems. Those most susceptible include the elderly, children, and people with asthma. There are now guidelines in place to alert people to days during which the air pollution levels may be high.
Particulate matter consists of a mixture of particles ranging from large particles such as smoke, dust, and pollen to smaller ones from vehicle exhaust and coal-fired plants. The major contributors of particles to the air you breathe include coal and oil burning power plants, diesel fuel, and wood-burning fireplaces. Natural sources of particulate matter include volcanic ash, pollen and dust. The amount of particulate matter in the air can be measured using various techniques. One technique uses a device that collects particulates on a filter strip and periodically shines light through the strip to record the difference in light transmittance. This difference correlates to the particle mass collected over a period of time. You will use a similar technique.
In this experiment, you will measure the amount of light that passes through a test card that has been allowed to collect particulate matter in the air for a week. You will compare the transmittance of light through the test card to a control card.
Objectives
- Collect particulate matter from the air.
- Use a light sensor to determine the amount of light blocked by the particulate matter.
- Calculate the percent light transmittance for various locations.
Sensors and Equipment
This experiment features the following sensors and equipment. Additional equipment may be required.
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This experiment is #P5 of Earth Science with Vernier. The experiment in the book includes student instructions as well as instructor information for set up, helpful hints, and sample graphs and data.
