Over the past two months, I’ve made significant strides in my research at the new Sonnentag Center, focusing on air and water quality. This phase of the project has been incredibly productive, providing insights that will shape the direction of my research moving forward.
We started by conducting a thorough site assessment, identifying key areas to test for air and water quality. The planning phase was crucial, as it allowed us to map out the building and determine the most strategic locations for sampling. One of the highlights was meeting with the team in charge of the HVAC system. Their knowledge and foresight in managing the building’s ventilation, particularly during the cold Wisconsin winters, was impressive. They plan to adjust the airflow during winter by adding more CO2 filters to compensate for the reduced ventilation when most vents are closed. This approach is essential for maintaining indoor air quality without compromising the building’s energy efficiency.
After planning, we calibrated the AirAssure device to match outdoor air levels before starting our indoor testing. The results were quite revealing. We discovered significantly higher ozone levels inside the building, particularly in the Fieldhouse, where artificial grass had recently been installed. The strong chemical odor from the grass was an immediate indicator of potential air quality issues. Our testing confirmed high levels of total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) in the air, likely due to the off-gassing from new materials and equipment in the building. We anticipate that these chemical levels will gradually decrease over the next few months as the materials settle.
In addition to air quality, I independently tested the water quality using the HANNA Instruments turbidity meter. The focus was on measuring total free chlorine and the clarity of the water, which I tested in various locations, including washrooms, drinking fountains, and kitchen sinks. The results were reassuring, with turbidity levels below the standard 1.0 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units) and chlorine levels at zero, indicating very clean water. To ensure thoroughness, I also tested for coliform bacteria and E. coli, using the Chippewa River as a control due to its higher likelihood of contamination. After 24 hours of incubation, I was pleased to find that none of the Sonnentag Center samples contained coliform bacteria or E. coli.
These findings have provided a solid foundation for my research. While the air quality in the building presents some challenges, particularly with the high ozone and TVOC levels, the water quality is excellent, showing no signs of contamination. Moving forward, there’s still much to do, including testing pH levels and expanding air quality tests to four other sites around the building. I’m also looking forward to continuing this research into the fall to observe how seasonal changes might impact both air and water quality.
This period of my project has been incredibly productive, and I’m excited to see where the next few months will take me. The opportunity to continue this research is something I’m truly grateful for, as it will allow me to build on what I’ve learned and hopefully contribute valuable findings to the field of environmental quality.
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