Abstract

            The research proposed in the following pages is on the development of a teaching module that will be used to educate high school level individuals on the subject of ozone pollution and its effects on vegetation.  Ozone pollution is a major world wide environmental issue, which effects the environment, human health, and economics.  Health problems associated with ozone pollution include coughing, congestion, chest pain, and throat irritation; and can worsen respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.  The annual estimated economic loss due to ozone pollution in the United States is $1-2 billion and even larger in other countries around the world.

             Ozone pollution is formed around large urban areas and its main components include nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds.  Sources of these chemicals are industries, car emissions, electric utilities, gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents.  When ozone is formed it can be carried downwind hundreds of miles and usually effects suburban and rural areas.  Because of this, the agricultural and commercial forestry sectors are largely impacted by this pollutant.  Injuries on vegetation due to ozone include, stipple, chloritic mottle, tipburn, premature defoliation, and reduced crop yields.  Although ground level ozone is a major pollutant in many countries around the world, literature suggests that there are no existing educational modules to teach individuals about this important pollutant and the effects it has on vegetation.

             This research will result in the development of a teaching module that can be implemented into high school level courses to educate students and the public on the effects of ground level ozone on vegetation.  The research facility for this project is the Air Quality Learning and Demonstration Center located at the Penn State University Arboretum. 

The Air Quality Learning and Demonstration Center

Photograph Source: D. Decoteau