Honors Theses
Date of Award
Spring 5-9-2026
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Biology
First Advisor
Courtney Roper
Second Advisor
Sharday Ewell
Third Advisor
Kris Zierold
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
Quantifying Black Carbon Concentrations in Georgia and Analyzing Associated Public Health Risks
One of the most daunting challenges of the industrial world is air pollution. Within this broad spectrum, there is an inhalable particle group named PM2.5, which contains black carbon. Black carbon has evidence that supports the generation and worsening of adverse health impacts, which may include birth complications, cognitive deficits in children, pulmonary aggravation, asthma, cardiovascular issues, neurological degenerative patterns, and cancer risk. This is especially seen in vulnerable populations, like children, elderly, and those who already suffer from weakened health, many of which reside in the southern state of Georgia. To assess this, black carbon concentration was measured over the year (2015) at four different locations (Rome, South Dekalb, Albany, Brunswick) in Georgia and compared by astronomical season and month. Then, the ratio of black carbon to PM2.5 ratio was found and assessed. It was found that black carbon concentrations and ratios were higher in the fall, followed by winter seasons, likely due to industrial heating and meteorological events. Concentrations and ratios were lowest in the summer, followed by spring. It was also found that in more urban areas, like South Dekalb, black carbon concentrations and ratios were higher throughout the year. Ultimately, when more sources of black carbon emissions are used, there is a higher risk of negative health effects that might come along with it, so preventing exposure is necessary for public health.
Recommended Citation
Osborne, Khloe R., "Quantifying Black Carbon Concentrations in Georgia and Analyzing Associated Public Health Risks" (2026). Honors Theses. 3596.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3596
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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Cardiovascular Diseases Commons, Community Health Commons, Complex Mixtures Commons, Disorders of Environmental Origin Commons, Environmental Public Health Commons, Environmental Studies Commons, Epidemiology Commons, Health Services Research Commons, Inorganic Chemicals Commons, Interprofessional Education Commons, Medical Toxicology Commons, Nervous System Diseases Commons, Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases Commons, Organic Chemicals Commons, Other Public Health Commons, Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Commons, Pharmacy Administration, Policy and Regulation Commons, Polycyclic Compounds Commons, Respiratory Tract Diseases Commons, Rural Health Commons, Urban Studies and Planning Commons