Assessing Particulate Pollution in the Østerbro District of Copenhagen By: John Bosworth, Marley G. Kapsimalis, Stephanie Piscitelli, Nathan Wiegman Assessing Particulate Pollution in the Østerbro District of Copenhagen An Interactive Qualifying Project Submitted to the Faculty of WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science In Cooperation With Miljøpunkt Østerbro By: John Bosworth Marley G. Kapsimalis Stephanie Piscitelli Nathan Wiegman Date: 3 May 2014 Report Submitted to: Professor Robert Kinicki Professor Steve Taylor
[email protected] i ABSTRACT Ultrafine particulate (UFP) pollution causes 500 premature deaths annually in Copenha- gen, Denmark. This project, in conjunction with Miljøpunkt Østerbro, measured UFP using a P- Trak Ultrafine Particle Counter, near various schools and a large park in Østerbro district, chosen because children are at the greatest risk of developing long-term complications. Final measure- ments and analysis showed a strong correlation between the number of diesel engines and high concentrations of UFP, that UFP dissipates over distance, and solid noise barriers decrease the concentration in the immediate area. Using this data and additional observations, the team creat- ed a list of suggestions for businesses to reduce UFP emissions and strategies for individuals to avoid high UFP concentrations. This report represents work of WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of a degree requirement. ii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Background