CEI 2016 Research Presentations

Topic 1

Pollution of suspended particulates in Hong Kong

Pakco Chow, Marco Chow, Calista Leung, Phoebe Choy, Brian Shiu

Suspended particulates refer to particles in the air with a diameter of 100 micrometers (0.1 mm) or less. It can be further classified according to their size, for example, respirable suspended particulates (RSP) are those particulates smaller than 10 um in diameter; fine suspended particulates (FSP) are those less than 2.5 um.

In Hong Kong, suspended particulates is one of the major air pollutants. The annual mean RSP concentration at business center reaches 46 um/ m³, with a maximum of 201 um/ m³ (2014). During winter time when wind prevails, northerlies bring particulates from the highly industrialized Pearl River Delta to Hong Kong, worsening the problem. Studies have proved that RSP can damage breathing and circulatory systems. At worst, it may cause lung cancer.

In the present study, the relationship among various weather elements (temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction) and RSP/ FSP is investigated. Through this investigation, the prime source of RSP/ FSP can be identified, assisting further planning of remedial measures in alleviating the problem.

Topic 2

Pollution of nitrogen dioxide and ozone in Hong Kong

Flora Man, Anson Chan, Charlie Mok, Melody Kok

Nitrogen dioxide is one of the major air pollutants in Hong Kong. Its main sources include combustion engines in vehicles and thermal power plants. During combustion, NO₂ is released into the atmosphere.

Ozone is a pale blue gas with a very pungent smell. Naturally, it is found in the lower part of the stratosphere. It is responsible for breaking down ultraviolet light, which is harmful to lifeforms. However, chemical reactions with other air pollutants in the atmosphere create ozone in the air near the ground. Ozone has a strong irritant and harmful to health.

The trend of O₃ in Hong Kong is increasing. From 1996 to 2014, the annual average of the concentration of O₃ has increased 47%, from 28 µg/m³ to 41 µg/m³; the concentration of NO₂ in Hong Kong has also increased 9%, from 55 µg/m³ to 60 µg/m³.

In the present study, the relationship among various weather elements (temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction), NO₂ and ozone are investigated. The trends of these two pollutants will help raise the awareness of our classmates, and turn their concerns into actions.

Topic 3

Impact of air pollution on the visibility of Hong Kong

Marco Chow, Violet Gim, Calista Law, Maisy Chow

Air pollution in Hong Kong has always been very serious. According to BBC (1 Dec 2010), One in four in Hong Kong consider leaving because of its worsening air pollution. It is now rare for the Hong Kong to have a blue sky. The sources of air pollutants in Hong Kong is diverse, ranging from local to regional, from industries in Pearl River Delta, thermal power plants and vehicles in the areas. The complicated background makes tackling the problem difficult.

Visibility is measured by the longest distance visible. It indicates the level of impurities in the air, and can be measured easily by naked eyes with reference to maps, and thus, at low cost. In this project, the influence of weather conditions on visibility is studied. Weather parameters and visibility are measured in the morning. It is hoped that the recent project can draw students’ attention to the urgency to keep air clean. The correlation of weather and visibility allows us to have a better picture on the sources of air pollutants in Hong Kong.