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Measurement of PM2.5 in Kansas City, Kansas Utilizing Low-cost Sensors and Citizen Science (#ME26)
Citation:
Duvall, R., S. Krabbe, Sue Kimbrough, C. Croghan, P. Deshmukh, S. Feinberg, G. Henshaw, S. Brown, AND M. Brown. Measurement of PM2.5 in Kansas City, Kansas Utilizing Low-cost Sensors and Citizen Science (#ME26). AWMA Air Quality Measurement, Methods, and Technology Conference, Durham, NC, April 02 - 04, 2019.
Impact/Purpose:
A number of studies have shown elevated levels of air pollutants adjacent to major transportation sources (e.g., roadways, rail yards, ports, etc.). Adverse health effects have been reported by populations living and working near these types of sources. This research evaluates the capability of lower cost, commercially available air sensor technologies in measuring key air pollutants in communities impacted by transportation sources. This research is important as it advances our knowledge of air sensor technologies and understanding of the air quality in communities located near transportation sources. Groups that would be interested or could apply the results from this research include state/local agencies, communities, EPA Regional Offices, other federal agencies, and sensor manufacturers.
Description:
Populations that live and work near major transportation sources including freeways/highways, rail yards, and ports can be exposed to higher air pollutant levels and adverse health impacts. Understanding the pollutant concentrations in these environments is of great interest for impacted communities. Emerging low-cost sensor technologies can help gain information on pollutant variability. As part of the Kansas City Transportation and Local Air Quality Study (KC-TRAQS), two low-cost sensors were operated to understand the spatial and temporal variability of particulate matter (PM) in three neighborhoods in southeast Kansas City, KS that are affected by numerous transportation sources including rail yards, diesel truck traffic, and major highways. Beginning in mid-August 2018, the AQY monitor (Aeroqual Ltd) and the PA-II monitor (PurpleAir) were run for 11 weeks at 6 fixed, community measurement sites covering about a 4 km2 area. The AQY monitor measured particulate matter less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5), particulate matter less than 10 microns (PM10), ozone and nitrogen dioxide and the PA-II monitor measured PM10, PM2.5, and particulate matter less than 1 micron (PM1). A summary of the PM2.5 measurements from the AQY and PA-II monitors and a comparison of those data to collocated traditional, regulatory grade measurements at each site will be presented.