Ozone has become one of the most problematic air pollutants in cities. This project is designed to use a new generation of sensor technology to measure the high temporal resolution ozone concentration and estimate the health impact in the summer (ozone peak season) in urban environments.
Department: Geography & Environmental Science
Supervised by: Hong Yang
The main objectives of this project are (1) investigating the high temporal resolution variations in ozone concentrations in urban environments, and (2) estimating the long-term health effects including all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Ground-level ozone (O3) has become one of the most problematic air pollutants in the world, particularly in cities. Factors such as high temperature, strong sunlight, and emissions of precursor pollutants can contribute to the elevated concentrations of O3 throughout the year with values typically highest in the summer. Research on the high temporal resolution of O3 pollution is largely limited by the instrumentation available. Conventional air pollution monitoring systems typically employ instruments with relatively complicated methods of measurement. In the last several years, sensors that can collect measurements integrated over short intervals of time have provided a new means to fill the gap. In this project, we will test and calibrate one O3 sensor (Crowcon GasPro Multi 5 Gas Detector) with a stationary reference analyser (Thermo Electron Corporation UV Photometric O3 Analyzer) at a base station the Reading New Town site, UK Automatic Urban and Rural Network. The sensors will be used to measure time-resolved concentrations of O3 in homes for one week in the summer. In addition to the stationary monitoring, the sensors will be carried (a small backpack) to monitor personal exposure to O3 for 24 hours in one sunny day (probably higher O3) and one cloudy day (probably lower O3). The health impact assessment of O3 will be estimated using the WHO AirQ+ software.
The student’s tasks will include testing and calibrating the sensors with a national stationary reference analyser, UK Automatic Urban and Rural Network; measuring O3 concentration in different sites in Reading; modelling the health impact of O3 exposure in the urban environment; and analysing data and writing project report. There will also be opportunities to contribute to an academic publication, present at a conference, and work on the project’s communication and media plans.
Essential Skills: A basic understanding of environmental pollution/science or physical geography or environmental chemistry. Able to organise own work and prioritise to ensure delivery on time and on specification. Willingness to learn new research techniques. Able to research literature and synthesise findings. Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office. Good oral and written communication skills. Desirable Skills: Experience in planning and carrying out small research projects. Project management skills.
The student will learn a mix of both technical skills and analytical skills that will be useful in both research and non-research careers. The student will learn to 1) read and analyze scientific literature related to the research area; 2) measure ozone concentrates under different environments in cities; 3) analyze data using specific software programs including WHO (World Health Organization) AirQ+ and Microsoft Excel; and 4) interpret and present the data. If successful, this will hopefully lead to a publication or poster presentation.
The placement will be based in the School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science. Fieldtrips will take place on multiple sites in Reading. Collaborating with Reading Borough Council, we will test and calibrate the O3 sensor, apply the sensor to measure O3 in Reading urban area (i.e. gardens, roads and other open area) and estimate the health impact.
Full-time (35 hours per week), or the possibility to work part-time, to be discussed with the PI - start and end dates tbc with the selected student.
Monday 14 June 2021 - Friday 23 July 2021
The post will be advertised centrally on the UROP website between 22nd February and 9th April 2021. Students should submit their CV and Cover Letter directly to the Project Supervisor (click on supervisor name at the top of the page for email). Successful candidates will be invited for an interview.