This report aims to measure the air quality in term of level of PM2.5 in the Hong Kong Institute of Education and to observe animal and plant cells under light microscope.
Based on the field trip on 10th November, 2015, our observation on the solid waste treatment process in North East New Territories (NENT) landfill will be discussed, as well as the overall solid waste management strategy in Hong Kong.
Table of Contents
Laboratory Report 1
Laboratory Report 2
Laboratory Report 3
Field trip report of Northeast New Territories Landfill
Research Objectives and Topics
This report documents a series of laboratory experiments and field investigations conducted within the scope of Basic Environmental Science Studies. The primary objective is to evaluate environmental health parameters, specifically by measuring PM2.5 concentrations in an educational setting, examining cellular structures, quantifying chlorophyll in plant samples, and assessing the waste management strategies employed at the Northeast New Territories (NENT) Landfill.
- Measurement and analysis of indoor air quality (PM2.5 levels)
- Microscopic comparative analysis of animal and plant cells
- Quantitative determination of chlorophyll content in leaf samples
- Evaluation of waste management operations and pollution control at NENT Landfill
Excerpt from the Book
Part two: Background information
It is undoubted that atmospheric particulate matter (PM) is a primary pollutant, widely reported as important for public health especially for respiratory problems (as cited in Robinson, 2014). But what is atmospheric particulate matter (PM) and how to cause the health problems indeed?
Particulate matter (PM) or particulates is microscopic solid or liquid matter suspended in the Earth's atmosphere. The term aerosol commonly refers to the particulate or air mixture, as opposed to the particulate matter alone (Seinfeld & Pandis, 1998). Sources of PM can be man-made or natural. They have impacts on climate and precipitation that adversely affect human health. Subtypes of atmospheric particulate matter include suspended particulate matter (SPM), respirable suspended particulate or PM10 (RSP; Respirable Suspended Particle; particles with diameter of 10 micrometres or less), fine particles or PM2.5 (diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less), ultrafine particles, and soot.
About the public health, high PM concentration affects the human health in several ways leading to short and long term diseases. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and World Health Organization (WHO) designate airborne particulates a Group 1 carcinogen. Particulates are the deadliest form of air pollution due to their ability to penetrate deep into the lungs and blood streams unfiltered, causing permanent DNA mutations, heart attacks, and premature death (United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2015). In 2013, a study involving 312,944 people in nine European countries revealed that there was no safe level of particulates and that for every increase of 10 μg/m3 in PM10, the lung cancer rate rose 22%. The smaller PM2.5 were particularly deadly, with a 36% increase in lung cancer per 10 μg/m3 as it can penetrate deeper into the lungs (Raaschou-Nielsen, O. et al., 2013).
Summary of Chapters
Laboratory Report 1: This chapter analyzes PM2.5 concentrations within the Hong Kong Institute of Education, investigating the influence of air conditioning and room size on particulate levels.
Laboratory Report 2: This chapter covers the microscopic observation of human jaw cells and onion epidermal cells to compare structural differences between plant and animal cells.
Laboratory Report 3: This chapter details the quantitative measurement of chlorophyll in leaf samples using spectrophotometry and compares these results with existing literature.
Field trip report of Northeast New Territories Landfill: This chapter provides an overview of the NENT Landfill operations, including water, air, and noise pollution prevention measures, and discusses challenges regarding sustainable waste management.
Keywords
PM2.5, Air Pollution, Laboratory Report, Cell Observation, Chlorophyll, Photosynthesis, Spectrophotometer, Waste Management, NENT Landfill, Leachate, Geotextile, Waste Minimization, Recycling, Incineration, Sustainability
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this document?
This document contains a series of academic laboratory reports and a field trip report related to fundamental environmental science studies, including air quality, biology, and waste management.
What are the core thematic areas covered in these reports?
The core themes are environmental air pollution assessment, microscopic cell biology, plant physiology, and municipal solid waste (MSW) management infrastructure in Hong Kong.
What is the central research question regarding air quality?
The research examines how variables such as air conditioning, room capacity, and environmental factors influence PM2.5 concentrations in indoor settings.
Which scientific methods were applied in the experiments?
The researchers utilized quantitative measurement via Minivol and DustTrak monitors for air quality, light microscopy for cell observation, and spectrophotometric analysis for chlorophyll quantification.
What is addressed in the main section concerning the NENT Landfill?
The section evaluates landfill operational strategies, specifically focusing on leachate containment through liner systems, pollution control, waste-to-energy initiatives, and the broader challenges of sustainable waste management.
Which keywords define this collection of reports?
The key terms include PM2.5, cell structure, chlorophyll, MSW management, incineration, and landfill leachate prevention.
Why did the study on PM2.5 compare results between different rooms?
The researchers compared rooms with and without air conditioning, as well as rooms of different sizes, to determine how these physical and mechanical factors affect the distribution and concentration of particulate matter.
How is the chlorophyll concentration calculated in the experiment?
The researchers used ethanol extraction and measured light absorbance at 665nm and 649nm to determine chlorophyll A and B concentrations using established formulas.
What is the significance of the "liner system" discussed in the landfill report?
The liner system is critical for preventing leachate from contaminating groundwater, utilizing multiple layers including geotextile, polyethylene, and bentonite to ensure environmental protection.
Why does the report conclude that landfills are not sustainable in the long term?
The report argues that the prolonged decomposition time of waste (up to 1 million years) renders landfills unsustainable for land use and points to the necessity of alternative management strategies like incineration.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Bachelor of Education (Music) Kwan Lung Chan (Autor:in), 2015, Lab Report on Air Pollution in Tai Po, Cells Observation and Field Trip Report of Northeast New Territories Landfill, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/448236
