The scientific dissemination activity held at the Rende headquarters of the CNR-IIA a few weeks ago was aimed at the first classes of the “Marconi-Guarasci” Higher Education Institute of Rogliano, accompanied by their teachers.
The day was subdivided into various moments of in-depth analysis, aimed at communicating the interdisciplinary aspects that link the science of the atmosphere, climate and human biomonitoring.
The students took part in a virtual tour which led them to fly over the Sila Grande plateau – where the Atmospheric Observatory of Monte Curcio (MCU) is located – and to view the Research Infrastructure’s instruments. The scientific and regulatory context in which the atmospheric observation networks operate was presented and the trend of the available measurements – from 2015 to this day – taken at the MCU observatory was discussed.
Walking through the laboratories of the Rende site, the students were shown the instruments for measuring some physical-chemical variables of the atmosphere: weather sensors (radiometer, anemometer and thermo-hygrometer), CO2 analyser, sampler of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5). The students also had the opportunity to closely observe the atmospheric particulate samples collected at MCU, as well as the laboratory instrumentation useful for their analytical characterization.
Given the direct involvement of the CNR-IIA in the context of the Minamata International Convention, particular attention was paid to mercury, showing the active and passive measurement techniques for atmospheric mercury and the analytical techniques for mercury determination in the various environmental and biological matrices.
Particular interest aroused the in-depth study – edited by Rende researchers who are experts in clinical pathology – dedicated to the impact on human health of exposure to air pollutants, which was also accompanied by curiosities and historical references related to the mad hatter syndrome.
The dissemination process was also enriched by participation via smartphone in the online quiz “QuizzAir – How much do we know about the air we breathe”, which fostered the interaction and active involvement of students as well as facilitating the introduction to the various topics covered in the course of the visit.
ORGANIZATION: Mariantonia Bencardino, Carmine Ungaro, Teresa Sprovieri, Virginia Andreoli, Antonella Tassone, Maria Martino, Domenico Amico, Valentino Mannarino, Gianluca Bevacqua.
Monte Curcio Observatory
Coordinator Team
CNR-Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research Division of Rende 87036, Rende, Italy
Phone
+39 0984 493239 / 493213