Progress 02/01/06 to 12/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: This project has three main objectives: 1) monitor ambient ground-level air pollutants at rural locations in PA; 2) study biological effects of ozone on vegetation; and 3) conduct educational efforts regarding adverse effects of ground-level ozone on plants. 1) As part of a contract funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Air Quality, we operate four air quality monitoring stations that are part of a state wide air pollution monitoring network. At three of the stations, we monitor ground level ambient ozone (O3) from April 1 to October 31. At the fourth monitoring station, we monitor not only O3, but also ambient levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), and particulate matter as PM 2.5 as well as PM10 speciation. Although data are electronically transmitted directly to Harrisburg, summarized datasets are available for us to use in our biological effects and educational projects, giving us realistic ambient air pollution data in our various endeavors. 2) We have developed ozone-sensitive bioindicator plants useful in detecting biological effects of ozone on vegetation in Pennsylvania, as well as in other parts of the U.S. We have evaluated the effect of ozone on 30-40 different plant species. In some cases the project supported field work, whereas in others the project supported data summary and statistical analyses, depending on the scope of the project. One study especially relevant to Pennsylvania, was a study in which we determined the impact of ground-level ozone on the grape variety "Chambourcin" (the most popular red-wine variety in Pennsylvania) in the field within open-top chambers. Ambient ozone injured grape leaves, decreased grape fruit size and juice total acidity, while increasing juice pH and Brix content. We are currently summarizing and statistically analyzing the various datasets. 3) Our Air Quality Learning and Demonstration Center ("Air Quality Center") within the Arboretum at Penn State is used to demonstrate effects of ozone on vegetation through environmental education. We provided educational tours of the Air Quality Center to educational classes (from grade school through post-secondary), state personnel, local organizations, Penn State faculty, Penn State classes, and other groups. We developed a workshop designed for local public school teachers to enhance critical thinking and analysis of real-time data of ozone levels (as monitored in Objective 1, above), as related to the occurrence of injury symptoms on ozone-sensitive bioindicators planted within an Air Quality Center garden. We used time-lapse photographs of plants within the open-top chambers to show progression of injury symptoms, and to make correlations between air quality data and foliar symptoms. A teaching lab module was developed that was shared with high school science teachers in the commonwealth. This data and the module (http://www.go3project.com/curriculum.html) were be made available via the Air Quality Center website for easy access by the teachers in their classroom when teaching about air pollution. PARTICIPANTS: The participants in this project are Drs. Donald D. Davis, Investigator, and Dennis R. Decoteau, Co-Investigator. Drs. Davis and Decoteau provided oversight to the project and served on graduate students' committees. Dr. Davis was academic advisor to Mr. Lee Kline and co-advisor to Teodora Orendovici; Dr. Decoteau was academic advisor to Ms. Chzanowski. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Air Quality, provided the main financial support for the project. The USDA Forest Service and the University of Massachusetts also supplied some fiscal support. Partial financial support for the educational Air Quality Center at the Arboretum was supplied by Reliant Energy (now RRI), Houston, Texas. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include educators, foresters, grape growers, the scientific community, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Efforts were made to deliver science-based knowledge by use of scientific publications and by making oral presentations at formal educational and scientific conferences and meetings. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Ultimately, we hope to furnish data that will result in setting more stringent air quality standards for air pollutants, especially ground-level ozone. The US EPA reviews current research and air monitoring data, such as ours, every 5 years for inclusion in Air Quality Criteria Documents. Ozone datasets monitored during our rural, ambient air pollution monitoring program in Pennsylvania (Objective 1, above) can be used in setting standards for ozone, and also can be incorporated into federal datasets for other uses such as risk analyses. Our educational efforts help the public understand the temporal and spatial distribution of air pollutants within rural, forested and agricultural areas of Pennsylvania, through outreach and educational activities directly related to the ozone monitoring effort.
Publications
- Davis, D. D. 2009. Ozone-induced stipple on plants in the Cape Romaine National Wildlife Refuge, South Carolina. Southeastern Naturalist 8:471-478.
- Orendovici-Best, T., J. M. Skelly, and D. D. Davis. 2010. Spatial and temporal patterns of ground-level ozone within north-central Pennsylvania forests. Northeastern Naturalist 17:247-260.
- Davis, D. D. 2010. Ozone injury to plants within the Mingo National Wildlife Refuge in Missouri. Northeastern Naturalist 17:(In Press).
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Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: 1) We currently monitor real-time, ground-level ozone at four non-urban locations within Pennsylvania: Biglerville (Adams Co.), Moshannon State Forest (Clearfield Co.), Tioga Co. (Gleason, PA), and State College (Centre Co.). Data are submitted electronically in real-time directly to the PA Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Air Quality, Harrisburg. Summarized datasets are available for us to use in our biological effects and educational projects, allowing us to use realistic ozone data in all our endeavors. 2) In order to determine impact of ground-level ozone on the grape variety "Chambourcin" (the most popular red-wine variety in Pennsylvania), open-top chambers were placed over grapevines on trellises in three treatments: chamber with charcoal-filtered air (50 percent ambient ozone); chamber with non-filtered air (96 percent ambient ozone); and open plot (no chamber, 100 percent ambient ozone). Treatments were for 24 hours/day from 1 May until berry harvest. Grape foliage in the non-filtered chambers had 5 percent of their leaves injured, while comparable plants in the carbon filtered plots had less than 1 percent of the foliage injured. Symptoms included adaxial stipple and yellowing and defoliation of the older leaves. Our control grape variety "Vidal", considered tolerant to ozone injury, exhibited no foliar injury in any treatments. Berry analyses suggest that ambient ozone may decrease Chambourcin grape fruit size and juice total acidity, while increasing juice pH and Brix content. We are currently statistically analyzing the data. 3) Our Air Quality Learning and Demonstration Center (Air Quality Center) within the new Arboretum at Penn State is used to demonstrate effects of ozone on vegetation through environmental education. We provided educational tours of the Air Quality Center to educational classes (from grade school through post-secondary), state personnel, local organizations, and other groups. We developed a workshop designed for local public school teachers to enhance critical thinking and analysis of real-time data of ozone levels (as monitored), as related to the occurrence of injury symptoms on ozone-sensitive bioindicators planted within an Air Quality Center garden. We used time-lapse photographs of plants within the open-top chambers to show progression of injury symptoms, and to make correlations between air quality data and foliar symptoms. A teaching lab module was developed that was shared with high school science teachers in the commonwealth. This data and the module were made available via the Leaning Center website for easy access by the teachers in their classroom when teaching about air pollution. PARTICIPANTS: The participants in this project are Drs. Donald D. Davis, Investigator, and Dennis R. Decoteau, Co-Investigator. Drs. Davis and Decoteau provided oversight to the project and served on graduate students' committees. Dr. Davis was academic advisor to Mr. Lee Kline and Dr. Decoteau was academic advisor to Ms. Chzanowski. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Air Quality, provided the main financial support for the project. The USDA Forest Service and the University of Massachusetts also supplied some fiscal support. Partial financial support for the educational Air Quality Center at the Arboretum was supplied by Reliant Energy, Houston, Texas. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include educators, grape growers, the scientific community, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Efforts were made to deliver science-based knowledge by use of scientific publications, and also by making oral presentations at formal educational and scientific conferences and meetings. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Ultimately, we hope to furnish data that will result in setting more stringent air quality standards for ground-level ozone. The US EPA reviews current research and air monitoring data, such as ours, every 5 years for inclusion in Air Quality Criteria Documents. Ozone datasets obtained from our rural, ambient ozone monitoring program in Pennsylvania (objective 1) can be used in setting standards for ozone, and also can be incorporated into federal datasets for other uses such as risk analyses. Our educational efforts help the public understand the temporal and spatial distribution of air pollutants within rural, forested and agricultural areas of Pennsylvania, through outreach and educational activities directly related to the ozone monitoring effort.
Publications
- Orendovici, T., J.M. Skelly, D.D. Davis, J.A. Ferdinand, J.E. Savage, and R.E. Stevenson. 2007. Ozone uptake (flux) as it relates to ozone-induced foliar symptoms of Prunus serotina and Populus maximowizii x trichocarpa. Environ. Pollut. 151:79-92.
- Orendovici, T., J.M. Skelly, and D.D. Davis. 2009. Ozone levels in forests of north-central Pennsylvania. Northeastern Naturalist. (In Press).
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Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: This project has three main objectives: 1) monitor ground-level, tropospheric ambient ozone in rural parts of Pennsylvania; 2) conduct studies regarding biological effects of ozone on sensitive plants; and 3) conduct educational efforts regarding adverse effects of ground-level ozone on vegetation. 1) We currently monitor real-time, ground-level ozone at four non-urban locations within Pennsylvania: Biglerville (Adams Co.), Moshannon State Forest (Clearfield Co.), Tioga Co. (Gleason, PA), and State College (Centre Co.). Data are submitted electronically in real-time directly to the PA Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Air Quality, Harrisburg. Summarized datasets are available to us for use in our biological effects and educational projects. This allows us to use realistic ozone data in all our endeavors. 2) Summer of 2008 was the last growing season of a 3-year study to determine the impact of ground-level ozone on Chambourcin grapes (the most popular red-wine grape variety in Pennsylvania). Open-top chambers were placed over grapevines on trellises resulting in three treatments: chamber with charcoal-filtered air (50 % ambient ozone); chamber with non-filtered air (96 % ambient ozone); and open plot (no chamber, 100 % ambient ozone). For 3 years, we have exposed grapes to ambient or filtered ozone for 24 hours/day from 1 May until berry harvest in fall 2008. The foliage of the grape plants has been rated weekly for ozone-induced foliar symptoms, as well as the presence of diseases. Berries were harvested at the end of the 2008 season and evaluated for quantity and quality of yield. 3) We have been using our Air Quality Learning and Demonstration Center ("Air Quality Center") within the new Arboretum at Penn State to demonstrate effects of ozone on vegetation through environmental education. In 2008, we provided educational tours of the Air Quality Center to educational classes (from grade school through post-secondary), state personnel, local organizations, and other groups. We developed a workshop designed for local public school teachers to enhance critical thinking and analysis of real-time data of ozone levels (as monitored in objective 1), as related to the occurrence of injury symptoms on ozone sensitive bioindicators planted within the Air Quality Center garden. PARTICIPANTS: The participants in this project are Drs. Donald D. Davis, Investigator, and Dennis R. Decoteau, Co-Investigator. Drs. Davis and Decoteau provide oversight to the project and serve on graduate students' committees. Dr. Davis was academic advisor to Mr. Lee Kline and Dr. Decoteau was academic advisor to Ms. Chzanowski, both of whom graduated. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Air Quality, provided the main financial support used specifically in this project. The USDA Forest Service and the University of Massachusetts supplied some fiscal support. General financial support for Dr. Davis' and Dr. Decoteau's air pollution projects was also furnished by Reliant Energy, Houston, Texas. This funding was used in the more general portions of this study. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include educators, grape growers, the scientific community, The Environmental Protection Agency, and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Efforts were made to deliver science-based knowledge by use of scientific publications, and also by making oral presentations at formal educational and scientific conferences and meetings. The Air Quality Learning Center was used to target K - 12 educators. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Ultimately, our projects will furnish data that will go into the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone and other photochemical oxidants. Thus, our data may result in more stringent air quality standards for ground-level ozone, affording cleaner air to all. The US EPA reviews current research and air monitoring data, such as ours, every 5 years for inclusion in Air Quality Criteria Documents. Ozone datasets obtained from our rural, ambient ozone monitoring program in Pennsylvania (objective 1) can also be used, in addition to setting standards for ozone, in federal datasets for other uses such as risk analyses. Our educational efforts help the public understand the temporal and spatial distribution of air pollutants within rural, forested and agricultural areas of Pennsylvania, through outreach and educational activities directly related to the ozone monitoring effort. It is essential that the public know that ozone is the most important air pollutant affecting forests of Pennsylvania.
Publications
- Kline, L.J. 2006. Susceptibility and foliar response of broadleaved species exposed to ozone. M.S. Thesis. The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA. 50 pp.
- Chzanowski, S. 2008. An environmental education technique for demonstrating ozone pollution effects on vegetation. M.S. Thesis. The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA. 116 pp.
- Kline, L.J., D.D. Davis, J.M. Skelly, J.E. Savage, and J.A. Ferdinand. 2008. Ozone sensitivity of 28 plant selections exposed to ozone under controlled conditions. Northeastern Naturalist. 15:57-66.
- Kline, L.J., J.M. Skelly, D.R. Decoteau, and D.D. Davis. 2008. Variation in ozone sensitivity within Indian hemp and common milkweed selections from the Midwest. Northeastern Naturalist 16:xx-xx. (In Press).
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: One objective of this project was to develop ozone-sensitive bioindicators, that could be used in Pennsylvania and elsewhere to detect phytotoxic levels of ambient ozone. During the summers of 2006 and 2007, we tested 67 potentially ozone-sensitive species and green ash from 26 locations in the Midwest. Data were being analyzed and drafts of papers prepared in 2007. A second objective was to monitor real-time, ground-level ozone at non-urban Pennsylvania locations at Biglerville (Adams Co.), Moshannon State Forest (Clearfield Co.), Tioga Co. (Gleason, PA), and State College (Centre Co.). Real-time ozone data were not analyzed, but are submitted electronically directly to the PDEP, Bureau of Air Qualtiy, Harrisburg. A third, major objective is to evaluate the effect of ambient ozone on grapes at Penn State's Fruit Research and Extension Center at Biglerville. Chambers designed to provide two replications of three ozone treatments: 1) chamber with charcoal-filtered air (50
percent ambient ozone); 2) chamber with non-filtered air (96 percent ambient ozone); and 3) open plots (no chambers, 100 percent ambient ozone) have been placed over Chambourcin variety grapevines. In 2007, grapes were exposted to ambient or filtered ozone annually for 24 hours a day from May until berry harvest. We rated, weekly, the foliage of the grape plants for ozone-induced foliar symptoms and other stresses. The 2007 berries were harvested and are being evaluated for quantity and quality of yield. A fourth objective is to use our Air Quality Learning and Demonstration Center ("Air Quality Center") within the Arboretum at Penn State to demonstrate effects of ozone on vegetation through environmental education. During 2007 we provided tours of the Air Quality Center to classes (grade school through post-secondary), state personnel, local organizations, and other groups. In 2007, we developed a workshop designed for local public school teachers to enhance critical thinking and
analysis of real time data of ozone levels as related to the occurrence of injury symptoms on sensitive plants. This workshop incorporated discussions of ozone and impacts on plant growth and development, as learned by electronic capture of symptoms on plants in open-top chambers and from bioindicators planted within the Air Quality Center garden.
PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Donald D. Davis (Invistigator, project supervision); Dr. Dennis R. Decoteau (Co-Investigator, project supervision); Dr. Teodora Best-Orendovici (Post-Doctoral Appointment, collect and analyze data); Mr. Jon Ferdinand (Research Assistant, collect data); Mr. James Savage (Research Assistant, maintain greenhouse); and Mr. Lee Kline (Graduate Student, collect data).
TARGET AUDIENCES: The general public, state of Pennsylvania, EPA's Committees that have input into setting National Ambient Air Quality Standards, National Park Service, and USDA Forest Service.
Impacts
Our ozone exposures have yielded ozone-sensitive bioindicators that can be used in field studies to illustrate that plant-damaging levels of ozone exist in the air of many "pristine" rural areas. A report documenting these findings has been sent to the sponsor, the USDA Forest Service. Our grape studies will illustrate the impact of ozone on the grape growing region of Pennsylvania. Educational groups coming through our Air Quality Learning Center leave with a much greater understanding for the importance of ambient ozone to the agriculture of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. All of this information feeds, ultimately, into the formation of the national air quality standards. However, it is our monitoring data that feeds in most significantly. The US EPA reviews current research and air monitoring data every 5 years for inclusion within the Air Quality Criteria Documents, in order to establish secondary National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Ozone datasets
obtained from our monitoring program in rural parts of Pennsylvania can be used in setting the NAAQS for ozone, and also can be incorporated into federal datasets for other uses. In addition, results from the proposed ozone monitoring effort in non-urban areas will help us understand the temporal and spatial distribution of air pollutants within rural, forested and agricultural areas of Pennsylvania, including environmentally sensitive areas to be protected by the federal clean air act. Ozone data obtained from non-urban areas will also be used to increase public awareness regarding the importance of ozone in rural areas through outreach and educational activities directly related to the proposed monitoring effort.
Publications
- Orendovici, T., J.M. Skelly, D.D. Davis, J.A. Ferdinand, J.E. Savage, and R.E. Stevenson. 2007. Ozone uptake (flux) as it relates to ozone-induced foliar symptoms of Prunus serotina and Populus maximowizii x trichocarpa. Environ. Pollut. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17524537?dopt=Abstract.
- Davis, D.D. 2007. Ozone injury to plants within the Seney National Wildlife Refuge in northern Michigan. Northeastern Naturalist 14:415-424.
- Davis, D.D. 2007. Ozone-induced symptoms on vegetation within the Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge in Maine. Northeastern Naturalist 14:403-414.
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
During the summer of 2006, we monitored real-time, ground-level ozone at four non-urban locations within Pennsylvania: Biglerville (Adams Co.), Moshannon State Forest (Clearfield Co.), Tioga Co. (Gleason, PA), and State College (Centre Co.). Real-time ozone data was submitted electronically from 1 May to 31 October 2006 to the PA Department of Environmental Protection, Harrisburg. Using open-top ozone-chambers, we evaluated the effect of monitored ozone at Biglerville on grapes during summer of 2006 at Penn State's Fruit Research and Extension Center. Chambers were placed over Chambourcin variety grapevines. Chambers were designed to provide two replications of three ozone treatments: 1) chamber with charcoal-filtered air (50% ambient ozone); 2) chamber with non-filtered air (96% ambient ozone); and 3) open plots (no chambers, 100% ambient ozone). We exposed grapes to ambient or filtered ozone for 24 hours/day from 1 May 2006 until berry harvest. The foliage of the
grape plants was rated weekly for ozone-induced foliar symptoms and other stresses. Berries were harvested at the end of the season and are being evaluated for quantity and quality of yield. We have built an Air Quality Learning and Demonstration Center (Air Quality Center) within the Arboretum at Penn State to demonstrate effects of ozone on vegetation through environmental education. During 2006 we provided educational tours of the Air Quality Center to local organizations, educational classes (from grade school through post-secondary), state personnel from Maryland, and other groups, and developed a workshop designed for local public school teachers to enhance critical thinking and analysis of real time data of ozone levels as related to the occurrence of injury symptoms on sensitive plants. This workshop incorporates discussions of ozone and impacts on plant growth and development, as learned by electronic capture of symptoms on plants in open-top chambers and from bioindicators
planted within the Air Quality Center garden.
Impacts
The US EPA reviews current research and air monitoring data every 5 years for inclusion within the Air Quality Criteria Documents, in order to establish secondary National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Ozone datasets obtained from our monitoring program in rural parts of Pennsylvania can be used in setting the NAAQS for ozone, and also can be incorporated into federal datasets for other uses. In addition, results from the proposed ozone monitoring effort in non-urban areas will help us understand the temporal and spatial distribution of air pollutants within rural, forested and agricultural areas of Pennsylvania, including environmentally sensitive areas to be protected by the federal clean air act. Ozone data obtained from non-urban areas will also be used to increase public awareness regarding the importance of ozone in rural areas through outreach and educational activities directly related to the proposed monitoring effort.
Publications
- Decoteau, D.R., Ferdinand, J., Savage, J.E., Stevenson, R.D., and Davis, D.D. 2006. Advanced teacher training on air pollution effects on plants at the Air Quality Learning and Demonstration Center at the Arboretum at Penn State. HortScience 41:1003.
- Davis, D.D. and Orendovici, T. 2006. Incidence of ozone symptoms on vegetation within a National Wildlife Refuge in New Jersey, USA. Env. Pollut. 143:555-564.
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