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The overall goal of this study is to quantify and characterize the transport of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to the Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie. These pollutants are routinely emitted into the atmosphere from both stationary (industry) and mobile sources (automobiles).
As part of this study, several sampling sites have been set up around Presque Isle Bay. The results will allow for an estimate of current PAH deposition to the bay, a requirement for predicting the bay’s recovery trajectory. Additionally, the monitoring results will be used in computer modeling software to determine the main sources of PAHs and their possible geographical origin. This will be critical for determining what emission reduction strategies might be necessary to speed the bay’s recovery. This project will provide valuable information to regulators and community members as they create a management strategy allowing for the quickest recovery of Presque Isle Bay. |
 Jay Dahl, MS student in Environmental Health & Engineering, takes time out from his busy schedule to smile for the camera (photo credit: Chris Saber)
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Agreement Between the CyClex and Allergenco Impaction Samplers for the Collection of Fungal Bioaerosols Laura Seifert, Maria Liggett and Michelle Homan, PhD |
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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the agreement between airborne mold spore concentrations obtained from two separate impaction samplers. Each sampler was calibrated and co-located in a basement area where visible mold was present. Each sampler ran for a period of 30 minutes across the same time each day. A total of 21 samples were collected from each device. The slides were stained with lactophenol blue and enumerated under a bright-field microscope at 1000x magnification. A micrograph showing the spores obtained from a wall scraping in the basement is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 2 shows a comparison of the average values obtained for each of the two samplers in the basement and kitchen areas of the home. A paired t-test revealed that the mean airborne mold spore concentrations were not significantly different (t = -0.84, p = 0.41). |
Figure 1: Mold spores from basement location (1000X magnification)
Figure 2: Comparison of average values from the Allergenco and Cyclex samplers |
