Clearing the Air: Tracking Spatial and Temporal PM2.5 Variability Along a Biking Transect in Chicago

Authors

• Beau R. Rass, DePaul UniversityFollow

Faculty Advisor

Mark Potosnak

Abstract

Fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) poses significant risks to human health and disproportionately affects marginalized communities in urban environments (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021; Tessum et al., 2021). Using low-cost mobile sensors, this study explored spatiotemporal PM₂.₅ concentration patterns along a north–south transect of Halsted Street in Chicago. A 2B Technologies Portable Aerosol Monitor (PAM) mounted on a bicycle was used to continuously record PM₂.₅ concentrations with associated GPS coordinates at approximately two-second intervals during 16 sampling events between 08-12-2025 and 10-05-2025. PM₂.₅ concentrations did not differ significantly among the South Side, West Loop, and North Side regions, contrary to the hypothesis, which predicted higher PM₂.₅ concentrations in areas near major pollution sources. However, PM₂.₅ concentrations differed significantly by wind direction, with greater observed concentrations under east winds, supporting the hypothesis that winds transporting air from major pollution sources elevate PM₂.₅ levels. By documenting variability and limitations of localized PM₂.₅ gradients along a major urban transect, this study informs future efforts to assess urban air quality.

Recommended Citation

Rass, Beau R. (2026) "Clearing the Air: Tracking Spatial and Temporal PM2.5 Variability Along a Biking Transect in Chicago," DePaul Discoveries: Volume 15, Article 2.
Available at: https://via.library.depaul.edu/depaul-disc/vol15/iss1/2