this is two parts of assessment A and B
for part A you can chose one of these
• Ozone (O3)
• Particulate Matter (PM10 or PM2.5)
• Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
and for part B I will upload the Data

Assessment:
This second unit assessment relates to term two teaching blocks 3 (air pollution) and 4 (water quality) and comprises two parts.
Please note that these two parts should be submitted together as a single package. However, please staple together the pages for each

component individually, so that they can be easily separated from one another, with a distinct front page for each part. Please attach a

cover sheet to each of the two parts.
Part A: Air pollution report (1250 words)
For this part of the assignment you are required to investigate the concentrations of an air pollutant in a region of your choice.
Choose ONE of the following pollutants:
• Ozone (O3)
• Particulate Matter (PM10 or PM2.5)
• Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
Research the recently monitored levels of your chosen pollutant in a UK or international region by collecting a set of air pollution data

from (a) suitable monitoring site(s). NB if you choose a very broad geographic region you may find it more difficult to produce a succinct

detailed report in 1250 words. The dataset should be reasonably detailed (i.e. daily data should be considered as part of the dataset

rather than just annual summaries) and the density of data should be sufficient to discuss both the daily and seasonal trends. Write a

report discussing the observed concentrations, the problems the air pollution may cause in the region studied and the management

strategies to deal with the air pollution problem.
You should structure the report using your own section headings, but it should cover the following areas:
1. Executive Summary, which should not exceed 1 page. (10%)
2. Introduction. (10%)
2. Researching and presentation of the available air pollutant data. Ideally this section should utilise appropriate graphs and/or tables

to summarise the data. (25%)
3. Discussion of the air pollutant concentration data. (25%)
4. Either 4a):
Critically assess the health and/or environmental impacts of the pollutant concentrations reported, and how this can be (or is being)

managed. (30%)
Or 4b):
Discuss the chemistry of your chosen gaseous pollutant (i.e. O3 or NO2) showing the most common reactions that it undergoes in an urban

atmosphere, and the role those reactions play in its environmental or health impacts.
If your chosen pollutant is PM10 or PM2.5 discuss the relationship between particulate size and particle number and different formation

pathways. Discuss the role of particle size and number in its environmental or health pathways. (30%)
The report must be fully referenced, making full use of the available literature and internet resources. All references cited in the text

should be included in a reference section at the end of the report.

Part B: Water quality laboratory report (1250 words, plus supporting data tables and figures)
During teaching block four you will complete laboratory measurements to determine several water quality parameters in unknown water

samples, the aim of that practical exercise being development of your understanding of water quality parameters and ultimately your

identification of the sources (from a list provided) of the water samples measured. You are required to write a succinct report that

summarises and interprets the data collected during the laboratory sessions. More details on this write up will be provided within the

booklet provided for the laboratory classes. Marks will be awarded as follows:
1. Report layout and presentation. (10 marks)
2. Brief introduction. (10 marks)
3. Summary of laboratory methods. (10 marks)
4. Supporting data tables and data figures. (20 marks)
5. Discussion of the collected water quality data, specifically to include your rationale for identification of the unknown water samples,

as well as the highlighting of significant water quality issues and any remedial actions possible. The discussion should integrate the

data collected with published reports and/or scientific journal articles. (40 marks)
6. Brief conclusions. (10 marks)

The following resources are relevant to the first assessed component:
• https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/protecting-and-enhancing-our-urban-and-natural-environment-to-improve-public-health-and-

wellbeing/supporting-pages/international-european-and-national-standards-for-air-quality – UK national air quality strategy
• http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/environment/air_pollution/l28159_en.htm – EU Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution. The EU council

directive 96/62/EC on Management and quality of ambient air can be found at: http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/other/l28031a_en.htm
• http://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/air/air-quality/map/airbase/airbase – EU validated monitoring data and maps
• http://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/data/ – official UK air pollution monitoring data archive. The data selector tool will allow you to quickly

obtain a sufficiently detailed dataset for this assignment
• http://www.epa.gov/airdata/ – US air monitoring data hub

http://datacenter.mep.gov.cn/report/air_daily/air_dairy_en.jsp – China monitoring data – nb China routinely issue an Air Pollution Index

rather than concentrations but there are still some interesting data to be seen here

All websites are correct as of September 2014.
Supporting resources for the second assessed component will be made available during the introductory lecture, laboratory practical

classes and via Moodle.
Assessment criteria/Marking scheme/Grade descriptors:
Marking scheme attached. Please also refer to the generic assessment criteria and grade descriptors that are posted on Moodle.
Word/Page limit (delete as appropriate):
Coursework that exceeds stated page limit will be penalised according to the following scheme:
• If your work exceeds the stated word/page limit by more than 10% your mark will be reduced by 10% (ie one degree class).
• If your work exceeds the stated word/page limit by more than 30% your mark will be capped at 40%.