At APRL, our air pollution control research focuses on developing innovative solutions to mitigate the harmful effects of airborne contaminants in both natural and engineered environments. We concentrate on advancing filtration technologies, evaluating control strategies for various pollution sources, and understanding the real-world performance of mitigation tools under dynamic environmental conditions. Our work bridges experimental research with practical applications to support cleaner air and healthier communities, particularly in the face of rising threats such as wildfires, industrial emissions, and urban pollution.
One of the key contributors to this area is Bright Amponsem, a Ph.D. student whose research investigates the performance of electrostatically charged filters—specifically electret respirators—when exposed to mixed-phase aerosol contaminants typical of wildfire and industrial environments. His project focuses on assessing how electrostatic charge impacts filtration efficiency under real-world conditions, with an emphasis on developing improved protective equipment.
