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Faculty Advisor

Dr. Mark Potosnak

Abstract

Mass urbanization and transportation practices have resulted in high amounts of air pollution. Air pollution can have detrimental effects on human health causing respiratory issues as well as other health complications. Certain areas of cities experience more exposure to air pollution which can also cause them to have more health issues and lower life expectancy. These areas are often associated with disinvestment and minoritized communities of color. This research explores patterns of air quality related to environmental justice areas using low-cost wearable air quality monitoring sensors attached to a bicycle. Data was collected along the Lakefront Trail stretching from Irving Park Road to 43rd Street. We hypothesized that pollutant concentrations would be higher further south due to larger presence of areas identified as having poor environmental justice metrics. Since wind direction could have an influence on pollutant concentrations along the Lakefront Trail, that variable was also considered. Data was collected at the same time of day on twelve different days over the summer into fall of 2023. The data were split into three zones along the Lakefront Trail: North, Loop, and South. CO2 levels were significantly higher along the north section of the trail and there was no significant difference between PM2.5 levels between the North and South sections of the trail. Both these findings did not support our hypothesis. Wind direction also did not have a significant impact on the pollutant concentrations. We speculate that other factors might influence lakefront pollution concentrations.

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