The purpose of this experiment is to quantify the air quality and emissions of a local Nacogdoches Tadarida brasiliensis, Brazilian Free-Tailed bat colony. Concentration of ammonia, particulate matter, fungi and bacteria were measured to assess air quality. The guano at the base of the garage was also analyzed for nitrogen and carbon content. The colony briefly lived in the north end of parking garage on East College Street and Raguet Avenue until its untimely removal. The colony could be seen primarily in the upper two floors of the side column. The hypothesis for the experiment was that the colony released high enough concentrations of ammonia, particulate matter, and bacteria and fungi to better understand the conditions surrounding Tadarida brasiliensis colonies.
For the assessment of particulate matter, a DustTrak Aerosol Monitor 8520 with PM 10 inlet was utilized. The DustTrak readings were taken at 14:00 every other week for three weeks. The DustTrak measured for particles of 10 microns or smaller as they were …show more content…
To gather the samples clean trowels and lined soil sampling bags were used. The samples were then taken to the SFASU Agricultural Lab for analysis. In the lab, percentages of nitrogen and carbon were found. Upon arrival to the lab the samples were weighed into smaller and sanitary containers for analysis. The containers were placed into the purge chamber above the furnace where the atmospheric gases could be removed. Following, the samples were then transferred to the furnace for total oxidation of carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen. The second run through the furnace removed unwanted particulate materials. The gases from the combustion were collected into a cooler to remove water vapor; then contained in a ballast for equilibrium. At this point in time, the gases in question were separated by their respective carrier gases and concentrations could be accounted
For the assessment of particulate matter, a DustTrak Aerosol Monitor 8520 with PM 10 inlet was utilized. The DustTrak readings were taken at 14:00 every other week for three weeks. The DustTrak measured for particles of 10 microns or smaller as they were …show more content…
To gather the samples clean trowels and lined soil sampling bags were used. The samples were then taken to the SFASU Agricultural Lab for analysis. In the lab, percentages of nitrogen and carbon were found. Upon arrival to the lab the samples were weighed into smaller and sanitary containers for analysis. The containers were placed into the purge chamber above the furnace where the atmospheric gases could be removed. Following, the samples were then transferred to the furnace for total oxidation of carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen. The second run through the furnace removed unwanted particulate materials. The gases from the combustion were collected into a cooler to remove water vapor; then contained in a ballast for equilibrium. At this point in time, the gases in question were separated by their respective carrier gases and concentrations could be accounted