Ozone
Cut coneflower
Tropospheric Ozone (Surface Ozone Monitoring)
Scientists monitor bio-indicators to look for signs of damage due to surface ozone - produced by many industrial and commercial processes, including car exhausts. Some plants' leaves are very special bio-indicators for ozone damage because they contain chlorophyll which is highly sensitive to ozone. The purpling or stippling on leaves is one of the first common signs, then plants begin to yellow (chlorosis) and eventually show signs of death (necrosis). Observations made by students collecting data in the field may lead to new studies and to new understanding about the causes of ozone damage to plants. Students will learn how to use a research-grade ozone monitoring instrument, calibrate the hand-held Zikua instruments and analyze existing data sets on ozone damage to plants in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A knowledge of chemistry and statistical analysis package would be very useful for this project.