Earth and Space Science Project Abstract
AIR POLLUTION, REDUCTION AND ITS EFFECTS
Presenter:
Violet Petriciole, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; violet@imsa.edu
Advisors:
Dr. Leon Lederman,Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Great Minds Program, Aurora, IL, 60506; 630-907-5912; lederman@fnal.gov
Dr. Judith Scheppler, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Grainger Center for Imagination and Inquiry, Aurora, IL, 60506; 630-907-5899; quella@imsa.edu
Dr. Susan Styer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Biology, Aurora, IL, 60506; 630-907-5943; sstyer@imsa.edu
Abstract:
Ozone is both good and bad for you, depending on its location in the atmosphere. In the stratosphere, or upper region, ozone works to protect life. Twenty years ago, a hole in the stratospheric ozone layer was discovered and the world became aware of pollution as problems steadily appeared. Dr. Mario Molina showed that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), manmade chemicals, progressively increased ozone destruction. For this discovery, Molina shared the Nobel Prize in 1995. More recently, he has been involved with the Mexico City Case Study to find methods of reducing air pollution such as fog, smog, and acid rain. In this situation, there is an abundance of ozone in the lower region of the atmosphere, called the troposphere. Excess tropospheric ozone thrives in urban cities like Mexico City due to the abundance of industry, and contributes to pollution conditions. Too much tropospheric ozone results in pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide particles that burn the lungs, and sulfur oxides , which cause eye cataracts and damage to plants and animals. Through research and an interview with Molina, a biography is nearing completion, which educates others about air pollution and reduction, as well as informing about his personal inspiration.