AIR QUALITY

The introduction of anthropogenic pollutants into the atmosphere has caused the degradation of our air quality.  The increased pollutant level not only causes adverse impact on the environment but also human health.  For example, SO2 emitted from stationary sources eventually forms acid rain; nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) increased the ground level O3 concentration.  To develop a strategy to better manage our air resources and to protect human health and the environment, it is important to monitor the air quality conditions.

Air quality monitoring stations have been set up in metropolitan areas due to the high levels of air pollutants.  Mid-scale cities are also facing the problem of deteriorating air quality due to urbanization; however, their air quality conditions are usually not monitored due to the lower level of concerns.  To be able to assess the impact of fast urbanization and future industrial emissions, Alachua County (FL) residents initiated a "pro-active, community based air quality program".  Under this program, UF is working with Alachua County's Environmental Protection Department (ACEPD) and Environmental Science Engineering, Inc. (ESE) to monitor the concentration levels of O3, NO, NO2 and SO2 in the county.  Two monitoring sites have been set up; one at suburban Jonesville, one at downtown UF Solar lab.  Web sites have been set up to provide more detailed information. For more information, check Alachua County’s Air Quality Website.

In addition to continuous monitoring of gaseous compounds, ambient aerosol sampling has also been carried out to determine the PM level and speciation in the county. Together with emission profiles (mainly trace metals) of various emission sources in the county (e.g. power plants, cement plant, forest fire, vehicles, etc), the partition/contribution of each source to the county’s air quality can be evaluated using EPA approved Chemical Mass Balance Model (CMB8).