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Comparing Particulates around a Small Town

CSEF · 2008 Environmental Science (Junior Division Only)

Victoria P. Johnson · Fairmont Elementary School, Sanger, Fresno County

Overview

Objectives/Goals I am comparing the amount of air particulates in and around the town of Sanger, to see which activity: transportation, agriculture, or residential, produces more air particulates. Methods/Materials The materials I am using are milk cartons, clothes hangers, magnifying glass, Vaseline, Popsicle stick, and a utility knife. I will draw one inch test area on each milk carton square, numbering and color coding each square with the location and trial number. Three squares are then attached to a clothes hanger with a thin layer of Vaseline spread over the circles. The clothes hangers will be hung on a tree branch, fence, sign post, or pole at each of the twelve locations. The squares will be left for three days, then replaced with new test squares. The polluted squares will be placed on a peg board and covered in a plastic container to prevent contamination while transporting back to my house. I will count the particles stuck to the Vaseline using a magnifying glass and record my findings, repeating these procedures for a total of six trials. Results The results of my investigation were that the transportation routes produced the most amounts of air particulates, residential areas produced the second most, and agricultural areas produced the least amount. Conclusions/Discussion My conclusion was that transportation activity produced the most air particulates. Air in the Central Valley is considered to be very unhealthy by government standards. However, despite the results of my study, the San Joaquin Valley Air District continues to put restrictions on residential and agricultural activities, but not on transportation.

Summary statement

Comparing the amount of air particulates around a small town to see which activity: residential, agricultural, or transportation, is the greatest source of air particulates.

Help received

Mr. Larry Casado, orchard owner; Mrs. Sandy Western, vineyard owner; Mr./Mrs. Albrecht, vineyard owners; Mr./Mrs. Wolfe, orchard owner; offered houses as test sites: Lacy family, Arredondo family, Milam family, Mangrum family; Steve Johnson, helped with equipment and transportation; Kathy

Competition history

  • CSEF 2008 Environmental Science (Junior Division Only) · Entry J1013

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