Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Department of Chemistry
Selected Highlights from Research Findings
Project involved third year Chemistry students from UP, researchers from the CSIR and matric learners from St. Mary's DSG School. The air quality in the Daspoort tunnel is of concern, as the ventilation system is not optimal for the current traffic densities. Particulate matter was therefore monitored and traffic and pedestrian counts were recorded, in order to assess potential health impacts to people using the tunnel and to inform further studies. Outcome: The particle loading was determined gravimetrically and these results along with other air quality data and pedestrian and traffic counts were presented as a poster at the 2nd Annual South African Young Scientists' Conference, as well as in two popular articles in the Quest magazine and in the National Air Quality Officers News, respectively. The study also gained coverage on the front page of the Tshwane Beeld newspaper. A more detailed followup study is planned for 2012.
Contact person: Dr. PBC Forbes.
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