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Performance Evaluation of Particulate Matter and Indoor Microclimate Monitors in University Classrooms under COVID-19 Restrictions

Author

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  • Laurentiu Predescu

    (Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Food Science, Valahia University of Targoviste, Aleea Sinaia No. 13, 130004 Targoviste, Romania)

  • Daniel Dunea

    (Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Food Science, Valahia University of Targoviste, Aleea Sinaia No. 13, 130004 Targoviste, Romania)

Abstract

Optical monitors have proven their versatility into the studies of air quality in the workplace and indoor environments. The current study aimed to perform a screening of the indoor environment regarding the presence of various fractions of particulate matter (PM) and the specific thermal microclimate in a classroom occupied with students in March 2019 (before COVID-19 pandemic) and in March 2021 (during pandemic) at Valahia University Campus, Targoviste, Romania. The objectives were to assess the potential exposure of students and academic personnel to PM and to observe the performances of various sensors and monitors (particle counter, PM monitors, and indoor microclimate sensors). PM1 ranged between 29 and 41 μg m −3 and PM10 ranged between 30 and 42 μg m −3 . It was observed that the particles belonged mostly to fine and submicrometric fractions in acceptable thermal environments according to the PPD and PMV indices. The particle counter recorded preponderantly 0.3, 0.5, and 1.0 micron categories. The average acute dose rate was estimated as 6.58 × 10 −4 mg/kg-day (CV = 14.3%) for the 20–40 years range. Wearing masks may influence the indoor microclimate and PM levels but additional experiments should be performed at a finer scale.

Suggested Citation

  • Laurentiu Predescu & Daniel Dunea, 2021. "Performance Evaluation of Particulate Matter and Indoor Microclimate Monitors in University Classrooms under COVID-19 Restrictions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-19, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:14:p:7363-:d:591549
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Vesna Lovec & Miroslav Premrov & Vesna Žegarac Leskovar, 2021. "Practical Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Indoor Air Quality and Thermal Comfort in Kindergartens. A Case Study of Slovenia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(18), pages 1-14, September.

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