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Advanced pollutant monitoring systems for environmental justice communities
Thesis

Advanced pollutant monitoring systems for environmental justice communities

Robert Braczyk
Master of Public Health (M.P.H.), Drexel University
Jun 2012
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-3926
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Braczyk_Robert_2012374.94 kB
PDF Project Access upon request, Email title, URL, or DOI to archives@drexel.edu
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Braczyk_Robert_2012_Suppl11,020.70 kB
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Abstract

Environmentalists Pollution Monitoring Systems Public Health
Background: Criteria pollutants are monitored in Philadelphia through monitors run by Air Management Services. The monitoring stations, however, cannot assess on a neighborhood level. The novel air monitoring system developed by the Drexel Electrical Engineering department features an inexpensive method for active particulate matter measurements. To date, the system has been implemented in three Philadelphia neighborhoods. Due to the versatility of the system, it is to be adapted or reconfigured to monitor air emissions at Marcellus Shale facilities. Methods: A theoretical framework was developed in order to improve the system beyond previous validation efforts, by conducting a series of laboratory and field trials in Port Richmond, Philadelphia. Efforts were made to adapt the system to monitor ambient air quality in new environmental justice communities that have formed as a result of Marcellus Shale operations. In addition to the framework, a study of available data was performed with the US EPA on three Marcellus Shale operations. Results: Prior deployments of the air monitoring system displayed that more testing and analysis was required to stand up to scrutiny. Data recovery and analysis for the three gas recovery operations provided limited information on the gas recovery facilities. Conclusions: Further validation tests are necessary for the Drexel Air Monitoring System to become a valid method for use in environmental justice neighborhoods and communities, and scientific advances in pollutant detection are necessary for low cost measurements to continue. More data must be released on Marcellus Shale gas recovery operations before risk assessments can be conducted.

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