|
A joint research project by University of Texas at El Paso and Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez
Low-Cost Air Sensor Study in the Paso del Norte |
|
INTRODUCtion
The research study uses Purple Air (Model: PA SD-II) sensors to study Particulate Matter (PM2.5) concentrations near roadways located in the vicinity of elementary schools and manufacturing facilities.
The research team calibrated 48 sensors at the CAMS 12 air monitoring station at UTEP. They were mounted to collect PM 2.5 data for 20 days which will be compared to the Federal Reference Method air monitoring data collected by TCEQ.
In January, UTEP and UACJ began installing the network of air sensors at 31 sites. UTEP installed 12 sensors in El Paso, partnering with El Paso ISD. UACJ installed 5 sensors in Ciudad Juárez, partnering with locations near schools and 14 sensors at manufacturing facilities.
In January, UTEP and UACJ began installing the network of air sensors at 31 sites. UTEP installed 12 sensors in El Paso, partnering with El Paso ISD. UACJ installed 5 sensors in Ciudad Juárez, partnering with locations near schools and 14 sensors at manufacturing facilities.
A key goal of the project is to enhance binational collaboration between research institutions in El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua. The research team meets virtually every two weeks to coordinate joint activities and implement the Quality Assurance Project Plan. The study is a first of its kind measurement of air quality in the international air basin as a whole using innovative new technology.
On February 11, 2021 our team presented our updates at the 79th JAC meeting. The presentation is available here: https://www.cccjac.org/uploads/9/1/9/2/91924192/jac_lowcostairsensorspurple_air_revised.pdf
On February 11, 2021 our team presented our updates at the 79th JAC meeting. The presentation is available here: https://www.cccjac.org/uploads/9/1/9/2/91924192/jac_lowcostairsensorspurple_air_revised.pdf
Media
The project has been featured in the following media sources:
- El Paso Herald: https://elpasoheraldpost.com/30k-grant-helps-utep-tracks-traffic-related-air-pollution-near-regional-school-zones/
- Center for Transportation, Environment, and Community Health (CTECH): https://ctech.cee.cornell.edu/2020/10/08/tep-tracks-traffic-related-air-pollution-near-regional-school-zones/
- University of Texas at El Paso: https://www.utep.edu/newsfeed/campus/utep-tracks-traffic-related-air-pollution-near-regional-school-zones.html
- Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez: Circulating bulletin (available below)
| boletin_purpleair.pdf |
TEAM memBERS
UTEP:
Dr. Wen-Whai Li
Dr. Mayra C. Chavez
Dr. Juan A. Aguilera
Evan Williams
UACJ:
Dr. Adrián F. Vázquez Gálvez
Mta. Yazmín G. Hernández
Ing. Frida Y. Toquinto Manjarrez
Adrián V. Peña López
CoNTACT
Email: BorderAirQuality@utep.edu