Description
- Abstract:
- WaterFire is a recurring community and arts event in Providence, RI that involves igniting small bonfires along the Providence River. Increases in fine particulate matter (PM2.5), a common air pollutant, have been linked to wood-burning events. This study investigates the effect of WaterFire events on Providence’s air quality. Hourly concentrations of PM2.5 and WaterFire dates for 2023 were obtained from the Breathe Providence network—a network of 25 low-cost air pollution sensors—and the WaterFire website, respectively. WaterFire “Control” and “Test” periods, defined as the night before and the night of each event, were isolated from the PM2.5 data. Data was analyzed daily, weekly, monthly, and on a sensor-to-sensor basis. The Test period was also compared to the coldest days in 2023, the Fourth of July fireworks, and the 2023 Canadian wildfires, which were hypothesized to have elevated PM2.5 concentrations. Results show that WaterFire generates higher average PM2.5 values across Providence when compared to the Control period, particularly in winter months. Sensors surrounding WaterFire locations in Downtown Providence show the greatest enhancement, while peripheral sensors were minimally impacted. WaterFire days show higher average PM2.5 values than the coldest days from 2023, but lower PM2.5 concentrations than the Fourth of July fireworks and the 2023 Canadian wildfires. WaterFire increases PM2.5 concentrations in Providence, which appears to increase emergency department visits for asthma in children and COPD in adults in southern Providence. Given the high rates of chronic respiratory conditions in this area, intervention steps to protect vulnerable populations should be taken.
- Notes:
- Senior thesis (ScB)--Brown University, 2025
- Concentration: Biology and Geochemistry
Access Conditions
- Use and Reproduction
- All rights reserved
- Rights
- In Copyright
- Restrictions on Use
- All Rights Reserved
Citation
Kwarko, Kendall T.,
"Elevated PM2.5 Concentrations from a Wood-Burning Community Event in Providence, RI"
(2025).
Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences Theses and Dissertations, Breathe Providence Digital Collection.
Brown Digital Repository. Brown University Library.
https://doi.org/10.26300/w4kr-wm16
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Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences Theses and Dissertations
Theses and Dissertations for the Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences department.... -
Breathe Providence Digital Collection
This collection holds research and engagement materials for Breathe Providence, a community-focused air monitoring network in Providence, Rhode Island based at Brown University. The monitors continuously measure concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), ozone (O₃), …...