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Air Quality and Aerosol Mechanics
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:22:36
Abstract
Air quality has direct effect on public health and life quality. Both gaseous and particulate pollutants affect the air quality. Aerosols, solid or liquid particles suspended in the air, play important roles in atmospheric sciences and air pollution. This course covers aerosol mechanical, optical and electrical properties, and measurement and control technologies.
Objective
The students understand the effects of airborne particulate and gaseous pollutants on air quality. The students gain fundamental knowledge on mechanics governing mechanical, optical and electrical properties of aerosols. Aerosol behaviors including diffusion, coagulation, condensation, charging and evaporation are discussed. The students understand basic principles to generate, sample, measure and control airborne particles. The students learn state-of-the-art instruments for air-borne particles from micrometer to nanometer size range.
Content
Properties of Gases. Uniform Particle Motion. Particle Size Statistics. Straight-Line Acceleration and Curvilinear Particle Motion. Brownian Motion and Diffusion. Filtration. Aerosol Deposition in Respiratory System Sampling and Measurement of Concentration. Coagulation. Condensation and Evaporation. Electrical Properties. Optical Properties. Microscopic Measurement of Particle Size. Production of Test Aerosols.
Resources
Lecture Notes
The following text book is strongly recommendedHinds, W.C. Aerosol Technology: Properties, Behavior, and Measurement of Airborne Particles, John Wiley & Sons, 2nd Edition - February 1999.
Literature
Hinds, W.C. Aerosol Technology: Properties, Behavior, and Measurement of Airborne Particles, John Wiley & Sons, 2nd Edition - February 1999. Friedlander, S.K. Smoke, Dust, and Haze: Fundamentals of Aerosol Dynamics, Oxford University Press, 2nd edition, March 2000. Seinfeld, J.H. and Pandis, S.N. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, from Air Pollution to Climate Change, 2nd edition, 2006. Journal of Aerosol Science Aerosol Science and Technology Environmental Science and Technology Atmospheric Environment Environmental Health Perspectives Science of the Total Environment Journal of Nanoparticle Research
Learning Materials (Links)
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 120 minutes
- Aids
- Paper, pens and calculators (communication-disabled and non-programmable) are needed for the exam. In the open-book part of the exam, books, notes and homework solutions can also be used. Devices with telecommunication capacity, such as cell phones, iPads, computers, etc are not permitted.
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Air Quality and Aerosol Mechanics |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Elective Modules (For all majors.)
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EM: Air Quality Control (Elective Module for Majors "Resource Management", "River and Hydraulic Engineering" "Urban Water Management" and "Water Resources Management".)
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