Brown University research group installs air and noise pollution sensors across Mississippi and Alabama
JANS – The Community Noise Lab (CNL), at Brown University School of Public Health, officially launches its statewide rotating environmental monitoring network.
The Mississippi and Alabama Environmental Monitoring Network (MAEMN) currently consists of 11 air, noise, and meteorological stations in 10 counties across the states of Mississippi and Alabama.
According to Dr. Erica Walker, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at Brown University and founder of Community Noise Lab, these 11 environmental stations will measure, in real-time, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), community noise levels (dBA, dBC), and a variety of meteorological conditions including temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind speed, and wind direction. Real-time measurements will be gathered in increments of 1 minute, 1 hour, and daily.
Additionally, working with Dr. Courtney Roper at the University of Mississippi, these environmental stations will also host filter-based air pollution monitors that will measure weekly concentrations of PAHs, or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and black carbon. “Collection of this environmental data will provide information on potentially harmful air pollutants that are in regions where we currently have no information,” says Dr. Roper.
Across each of these counties, short-term spot measurements will be gathered by trained local residents. Spot measurements will include PM10, PM 2.5, air quality index, formaldehyde, and community noise levels. At specific locations, there will also be corresponding indoor air pollution measurements.
The purpose of this environmental monitoring network is to understand the environmental quality across Mississippi and Alabama, directly responding to community concerns stemming from industrial activity related to oil and gas refining, wood pellet manufacturing, distribution centers, and now, data centers. This study is also measuring environmental quality in communities with very little to no industrial activity, which will provide much needed control data. “This massive data collection effort will allow us to see how and to what extent these communities may be impacted by rapid industrial expansion,” says Dr. Cristina Nica, the lead researcher in Mississippi. “Many communities have reached out to us with concerns and now we will be able to provide them with much needed information, as well as to advise industry if requested.”
In the counties hosting environmental monitoring stations, there is an on-going children’s health study. From May to October of each year, CNL will enroll and follow-up on children living in these communities. The ultimate goal is to understand the environmental health impacts on children. “We are a part of our environment and knowing how that environment affects our health can bring awareness to the changes we need to make,” says Mrs. Adrian Roberson, the health study manager.
“To our knowledge, this is the first community-driven and comprehensive environmental assessment of air and noise pollution in the state of Mississippi,” says Dr. Walker. “We are very excited to be up and running in communities across the state. Dr. Walker explains that it is very important to collect this data, to weigh economic benefits against potential environmental harms, and work with all sides of the table, including the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) and industry partners to eliminate blindspots.
Data from these stations will be synthesized into quarterly environmental quality reports, freely available on CNL’s website (https://communitynoiselab.org/). Data will also be shared directly with MDEQ and partners across various industries.
Dr. Walker stated: “It is important for the communities to know that we are here and are working. We have been in Jackson for the past few years working on water quality and illegal dumping issues and are very happy to be expanding into total environmental quality.”
