Project Title: Integration of Continuous Aerosol Density Measurements into the UACJ Meteorological System

SCERP Project Number: A99-1

Principal Investigator: Charles W. Bruce

Task Manager's affiliation: New Mexico State University

Goal: During a previously funded (but currently active) SCERP project to characterize gaseous and aerosol contamination in the border city of Juarez, Chih., Mexico, the authors established a number on continuously sampling aerosol density sensors each with home-brew data recording systems. Several of the aerosol density sensors had to be significantly modified by the authors to provide adequate sensitivity and stability. The two major sites, however, were provided with very expensive and sensitive systems partly designed by the author and owned by NMSU. One of the latter, in the north of the city, is located in the UACJ (Autonomous University of Juarez), our cooperating partner in the study. The second is located in the south of the city, in the clinic which is the base for a n epidemiological study which is also a part of the existing SCERP grant. These latter two systems have electronic sub-units which are no longer available and they have burned out at times during the study. At this point, the UACJ meteorological research and reporting unit or department (CEMA) is very interested in incorporating these measurements into their full time system. We have been helping them from the base of the SCERP grant but performing the work without cost (with the exception of one day’s work for a Campbell systems expert). The purpose of this grant is to purchase two new and adequate nephelometer systems and integrate them completely with the UACJ measurements to provide the only continuous aerosol measurements in the region. The author would continue to work with the UACJ team which would calibrate the nephelometers each day using the Graseby’s and Hi-vol filter systems now owned by UACJ. It is quite clear, from the cooperative work we have already performed beyond that defined in the current grant, that this effort should be given about one year to complete. Purchasing the equipment and preparing the system in the author’s aerosol chamber at UACJ would require less that three months. Then several seasons of correlations and work with the personnel at UACJ whose primary area of expertise is not aerosols would be vital to the project’s continuation.

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Last updated 3/8/00