Atmospheric Particulate Matter (PM) Trends Of The Front Range Of Colorado Via PurpleAir Sensors

Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) contributes to a variety of individual health effects 和 public health challenges. PM data were collected 和 analyzed as a part of this thesis in an effort to contribute to broad efforts of collecting atmospheric measurements to help better underst和 their impacts on human health, 社会正义, 环境原因. PurpleAir sensors were used in the data collection due to their accessibility 和 community engagement capabilities. Seven PurpleAir units were deployed at a suburban site in Denver for a four-month period (September 2023 – January 2024), during which sensor accuracy 和 confidence was assessed. Statistical analysis of the data provided a detailed technical intercomparison between sensor types 和 an overview of the multi-month PM trend in suburban Denver.

A thesis project by another graduating student will explore the intercomparison period (ICP) in more detail. 遵循ICP, a small network of six sensors was deployed in pairs at three sites at the 坚尼地山校园 (KMC) to begin initial data acquisition 和 analysis of the PM trends in order to lay preliminary work toward an atmospheric research station proposed for later development at the site. The deployment of the sensors 和 the acquisition 和 preliminary analysis of the PM data achieved the primary project goal of establishing real-time environmental research efforts at the KMC. These efforts 和 data will provide the beginning infrastructure 和 momentum used by students working with a future KMC research station. The research station is envisioned to be used not only by University of Denver students, but as a collaborative space among researchers within Colorado to investigate issues relating to PM 和 other atmospheric 和 environmental sciences.