Climate Detectives Projects 2022-2023


Project topic: Air pollution

Project title: Changing of Air Quality in the Last Years in Vienna

Team: Chinafor Future

Laaer-Berg-Straße 25-29   Wien   Austria   6 Student’s age: 12-13 years old

Research question

How has the air quality changed in the last years in Vienna?

Summary of the project
Changing of Pollutants

To get the relevant information, we went to MA22 and took part in a guided tour where we found out what the difference between emissions and immissions is, and the following things about the pollutants were explained to us.
Pollutants
Ozone is a natural component of the air in small amounts. In summer, the amount of ozone is higher than in winter, because when there are strong sunbeams, more ozone is produced. Ozone can have an irritating effect on the mucous membrane.
Particles (PM10 and PM 2.5) are a natural component of the air. They can cause long-term health damage in the lungs. They develop mainly because of vehicle traffic.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO, NO2, NOx) is the third of the pollutants. Combustion processes mainly produce NO which transforms to NO2 in the atmosphere. The sum is called NOx and it has an irritating effect on the mucous membranes.
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) has an irritating effect on the mucous membranes as well. High amounts are found in winter because of heating systems.

Main results and Conclusions

Own measurements and Conclusions:
The measurements were taken at different locations with a CO2 meter. We have found out that the difference in results between the measured places is minimal. The data from the city of Vienna describing the air quality between 2008 and 2022 was evaluated. Using this data, we have found that the levels of two out of three pollutants have decreased whereas the ozone levels are the only ones that have worsened. Through the EO browser we were able to use images that show the difference between winter and summer, and a survey was created.

What’s Next? Actions to make a difference and help lessen the problem

We should not change anything, because we are already on the right track.
But we are going to publish our results at school and we are going to inform parents, family and friends.

Project poster:

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