media advisory May
12, 2005
Contact: Ron Kalb, Dir. of Public Information, ron.kalb@dri.edu
(702) 862-5420, (702) 498-8916 (cell)
All DRI News Releases available at: http://news.dri.edu/
Science on the fairway and green
WHO: DRI scientists
WHAT: Researching natural contributors to air pollution
WHERE: Angel Park Golf Club (See driving directions below*)
WHEN: Wed., May 18 and Thurs., May 19. Mornings, by appointment (call
Ron Kalb)
WHY: To help urban planners make good decisions about landscaping
and land-cover choices
HOW: Researchers will use a leaf gas-exchange chamber and a gas
chromatograph to monitor gases from plants
VISUALS: Scenic golf course, interviews with researchers, scientific instruments
POSSIBLE ANGLES: The unexpected -- environmental science on a golf course.
Plants contribute to smog? Good corporate citizenship -- golf course shares environmental
concerns and works with scientists at DRI
BACKGROUND: While most people don't think of trees, plants and landscaping
as contributors to smog, they do play a role. And, understanding that role is
important to a state growing as fast as Nevada and others in the Southwest. A
study by Desert Research Institute scientists may soon help urban planners and
developers make land-cover choices friendlier to air quality.
DRI Assistant Research Professor Mark Potosnak and Graduate Research Assistant
Maria Papiez are studying how biological substances affect air quality. These
substances include natural components in trees and plants similar to pine oil,
menthol and camphor. When these natural organic compounds are mixed with sunlight
and human-caused emissions like nitrogen oxide from motor vehicles, the reactions
create smog, also known as ground-level ozone air pollution.
This research is extremely important in the Southwest where rapid commercial
and residential development are changing the landscape and having an impact on
air quality. DRI's work will help provide solid, science-based information
for legislators, city planners and developers as they work toward healthy growth
in arid urban areas.
The study cuts across two DRI divisions -- Atmospheric Sciences, and Earth and
Ecosystems Sciences. This type of interdisciplinary research is a DRI hallmark.
* Directions to Angel Park Golf Course, 100 S. Rampart Blvd.:
From I-15 N take US-95 N about 5 miles and exit via Exit 42A
Take Summerlin Parkway exit at Exit 81A
Merge onto E Summerlin Parkway a go about 2 miles
Take Rampart Blvd. exit
Turn left on Canyon Run Drive
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