Enhancing Air Quality Predictions:
Integrating Stable Isotopes
in Atmospheric Models
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Author and Affilations
Primary author
Anusha Waseem
Complete author list
Anusha Waseem
Greg Michalski
Author affiliations
Department of Computer Systems Engineering, NED
University, Karachi, Pakistan 2Department of Earth,
Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, Purdue University, West
Lafayette, IN, USA
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Background
What is Air Pollution?
Air pollution, in simple terms, is the presence of harmful substances
in the air that we breathe.
CH4
These harmful substances
can be in the form of gases
and particulate matter.
NOx
SO2
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Background
WHAT IS NOx?
NO2
NOx is a collective term
for the nitrogen oxides
NOx gases are produced from
the reaction between nitrogen
and oxygen during combustion,
especially at high temperatures
Nitrogen oxides are key players
in atmospheric chemistry, and
high levels can lead to poor air
quality.
NOX
NO
Background
14N
ISOTOPES
99.6% of natural
nitrogen on Earth
15N
0.4% of natural
nitrogen on Earth
WHY ISOTOPES?
Studying the 15N/14N ratio in NOx provides insights into the
atmospheric dynamics of nitrogen oxides..
If changes in these ratios correspond to changes in the amount
of sunlight and thus the intensity of photochemical reactions
Changes in the isotope ratio can reveal the chemical reactions
NOx has undergone in the atmosphere
Background
Why is NOx important in discussions about Air Pollution
NOx can cause a wide range of health problems
Long-term exposure can lead to more Short-term exposure can lead to
serious health issues, including
irritation of the eyes, nose, and
chronic respiratory disease, lung
throat, coughing, shortness of
cancer, heart disease.
breath.
Background
Why is NOx important in discussions about Air Pollution
Contribution to Global
Warming
Ozone Formation
NOx play key roles in the formation of
NOx gases are more effective at
trapping heat on a per molecule basis. ground-level ozone, which is an air
pollutant that can be harmful to
health.
Background
FACTS
In the summer of 2021, the Western
United States and Canada experienced a
heatwave of unprecedented intensity,
leading to hundreds of heat-related
deaths.
The 2020 wildfire season in California
was the largest in the state's recorded
history, exacerbated by prolonged
drought and high temperatures.
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Objective and Approach
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Test the hypothesis
that photochemical
reactions are
responsible for
changes in the
15N/14N isotope ratios
in NOx.
Investigate how
variations in
NOx
concentrations
impact air
quality
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Simulate various
atmospheric
conditions
(urban, rural,
open ocean)
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Methods
Transition from
Manual Data
Processing
to Automated
Data
Automated
Data
Processing
Mechanism
using
Python
Efficient
Monte Carlo
Algorithm for
developing
Concentrations
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Methods
Data Preprocessing for RACM Mechanism
The raw data from the RACM (Regional Atmospheric Chemistry
Mechanism) was available but required preprocessing before
analysis.
Structuring and Formatting the Data
Structured Raw Data
Systematic Organization
Applying Constants
Proper Formatting
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Methods
Reason for Using Python:
Python was selected as the programming language due to its
widespread popularity and ease of use. Its versatility and robust
libraries made it suitable for handling complex data processing tasks
effectively.
Converting Raw Data to CSV Format:
Data Conversion: Excel to CSV
Widely Used Format
Enhanced Compatibility
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Methods
Generating Multiple JSON Files:
CSV to JSON Conversion
Lightweight Data Format
Structured Representation Benefits
Easy Data Manipulation
Creating a Zipped File:
Single Zipped File
Reduced Storage Space
Easy Sharing & Transport
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Methods
Purpose of Monte Carlo Simulation in this
Study:
Uncertainty Handling
Random Generation
Comprehensive Understanding
Generating Random Concentrations
Random Concentrations
Comprehensive Insight
Understanding Data Distribution and Variability:
Visualizing Variability
Data Distribution Insight
Concentration Range Analysis
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Methods
Musix-Box
It is a box model simulator that
contains all relevant compounds
and simulates chemical
reactions
Acts as a virtual chamber to
study the interplay of
pollutants and photochemical
reactions.
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METHODS
DELTA CALCULATIONS:
δ15N (‰) = [(15N/14N)sample / (15N/14N)standard - 1] ×
1000
δ15N represents the delta notation for the nitrogen
isotopic composition.
Delta values reveal how specific processes and
mechanisms influence air pollution dynamics.
By studying isotopic changes, researchers gain a
comprehensive understanding of air quality and its
potential implications for the environment and public
health.
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METHODS
R Studio utilized for graphs.
Powerful data analysis and visualization tool.
Diverse graph types employed (bar, line, scatter, pie).
Enhancing research findings presentation.
BashFiles For Command Line
Bashfile: Script File for Automation
Contains Command Line Instructions
Executes Multiple Operations
Facilitates MusicBox, Python, Monte Carlo Usage
Simplifies Repetitive Tasks
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RESULTS
The graph predicts ozone, aerosol, and other compound
levels impacting air quality, aiming to match real-world
measurements under live atmospheric conditions.
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Conclusions
Improve air quality predictions with stable isotopes and machine
learning.
Develop simulation mechanism for pollution and air quality interplay.
Assess machine learning models for air quality indicators.
Emphasize health and ecological impacts of air pollution, especially
PM2.5.
Simulate air pollution dynamics, contribute to effective mitigation.
Study concludes integration of stable isotopes advances air quality
understanding.
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References
MedChemExpress. (n.d.). [Air pollution H8-Y736329346].
Retrieved July 13, 2023,
https://www.medchemexpress.com/liinostate.html
Wikipedia. (n.d.). [3D air pollutant shots]. Retrieved July 13,2023
from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollution
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Acknowledgments
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship
Engineering Undergraduate Research Office
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