Local Levels of Fine Particulate Matter, (PM2.5) and the Analysis of Precipitation Through Ion Chromatography to Detect Anions

Pollution from factories, construction, emissions from cars, and other anthropogenic activities have a wide reaching impact on both humans and the environment. One type of pollutant from these emissions is referred to as particulate matter under 2.5 microns (PM2.5), these particles enter the atmosphere and end up in waterways through precipitation and can lead to a lack of biodiversity or be inhaled by humans and lead to respiratory complications, as well as other health conditions. Local levels of PM2.5 were collected by a sensor outside Wilson Hall in order to observe any fluctuations in levels depending on time of day, as well as comparing the concentrations with different weather patterns. Samples of precipitation were collected locally in Westfield and used in ion chromatography to measure concentration of common anions, (F-, Cl-, Br-, NO3-, SO4-2, and NO2-), and compared to anion standards of known concentrations.