2025 Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) symposium

Location

Dr. Ken Budke Family Auditorium, Schindler Education Center, University of Nothern Iowa

Presentation Type

Open Access Poster Presentation

Document Type

poster

Abstract

This study investigates air quality in Iowa by combining 20 years of satellite-based nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) data with real-world measurements of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Using NASA’s Giovanni system, we compared annual average NO₂ maps from 2005 and 2024 and analyzed trends over two decades. Results show a clear decline in NO₂, especially in urban areas, likely due to cleaner technologies and regulations. In parallel, PM2.5 was measured using a MiniVol TAS Sampler and a portable Temtop air monitor. The highest PM2.5 level (151μg/m³) was recorded while driving on a gravel road near a crop field, far exceeding EPA health standards. Humidity also appeared to influence PM levels. Together, these findings show that while regional air quality has improved, local activities can still cause high short-term pollution events.

Start Date

1-8-2025 11:00 AM

End Date

1-8-2025 1:30 PM

Event Host

Summer Undergraduate Research Program, University of Northern Iowa

Faculty Advisor

Xinhua Shen

Department

Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences

Comments

High school participant in UNI's Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP).

File Format

application/pdf

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Aug 1st, 11:00 AM Aug 1st, 1:30 PM

Measurement and Analysis of Nitrogen Dioxide and Particulate Matter in Iowa

Dr. Ken Budke Family Auditorium, Schindler Education Center, University of Nothern Iowa

This study investigates air quality in Iowa by combining 20 years of satellite-based nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) data with real-world measurements of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Using NASA’s Giovanni system, we compared annual average NO₂ maps from 2005 and 2024 and analyzed trends over two decades. Results show a clear decline in NO₂, especially in urban areas, likely due to cleaner technologies and regulations. In parallel, PM2.5 was measured using a MiniVol TAS Sampler and a portable Temtop air monitor. The highest PM2.5 level (151μg/m³) was recorded while driving on a gravel road near a crop field, far exceeding EPA health standards. Humidity also appeared to influence PM levels. Together, these findings show that while regional air quality has improved, local activities can still cause high short-term pollution events.