The Use of Image Analysis PM10 Characterisation of Volumetric Air Samples taken in Cardiff since 1956

Abstract

This study investigates the size, composition and concentration of airborne particles. These feature sare examined from continuously recorded volumetric daily air samples, taken by Burkard and Hirst traps from the centre of Cardiff City and samples froms elected sites around Cardiff. The set of slides is unique as it dates from 1954 to the present day, and contains data, which precedes any other routine measurements of PM10. Image analysis has not been used previously to examine PM10 from slides taken by Hirst-type traps, but it has been demonstrated as an important application in alternative projects. The advantages of being able to perform simple but tedious measurements quickly make it an important tool for this project. It can also measure a number of images simultaneously and quantify parameters that would otherwise have been based on qualitative subjective comparisons. Environmental data including wind speeds, rain fall and temperature measurements are investigated to examine the influence on the temporal variation of the abundance and characteristics of airborne particulate matter. Confounding factors that may have impacts on cardiovascular and respiratory illness are beingexamined. These include data on aeroallergens (pollen and fungal spore counts), nitrogen oxide, sulphurdioxide, and carbon monoxide. The project will be extended to an analysis of the results in relation to health data.