Delivering accurate air quality data to citizens
A direct consequence of population growth is an increase in emissions from vehicles, industrial activities and energy production. This can lead to a rise in air pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and ozone. “These pollutants are linked to respiratory and cardiovascular health problems, as well as damage to crops and forests,” explains MappingAir project coordinator Leonardo Santiago from Bettair Cities in Spain. “As more people move into an area, green spaces and parks can be replaced with buildings and roads, leading to a decrease in the natural filtration of pollutants and an increase in surface run-off.” Solutions related to reducing air pollution can be challenging to implement. Traditional air quality monitoring stations are typically expensive and require continuous calibration. “This means that only large cities have tended to install these types of stations,” says Santiago. “We always say that you cannot solve a problem if you do not know about it.”
Cost-effective approach to air quality monitoring
Spanish SME Bettair Cities sought to address this by developing a more flexible and cost-effective solution. Key objectives included making air monitoring coverage more accessible to municipalities of different sizes, and making this data available and practical for citizens. This was achieved by developing a device with a novel sensory equipment cartridge, which requires no calibration. After its 2-year lifespan, the sensing cartridge can simply be replaced. Most of the old cartridge can then be recycled, ensuring circularity and minimal waste. “The cartridge contains a set of low-cost sensors; its data is then processed using machine learning techniques,” Santiago explains. “This then delivers accurate air quality data to a digital platform, at a fraction of the usual cost.”
Accessible data on air pollution
The EU-funded MappingAir project was critical to helping the SME achieve market readiness. On the sensory side, electrical and mechanical components, including the novel sensing cartridge approach, were brought up to industrial scale. Devices were tested to make sure they could withstand extreme weather conditions, and comply with all required certifications. The interoperability of the digital platform itself was also demonstrated, and new features introduced. “These include maps and visualisation layers, as well as automatic reports and alarms,” notes Santiago. “In addition, an app specifically for citizens was developed, to enable them to access the data in an easy-to-use manner. This enables them, for example, to identify less polluted routes for walking, running and biking.” Pilot tests were carried out in Barcelona, Paris and Rome, helping to showcase the accuracy and applicability of the technology. Data gathered was verified by several independent third parties.
Tackling pollution in urban areas
Bettair Cities has since been able to gain a foothold in the market. More and more cities are expressing an interest in implementing these devices. Larger cities are finding that they can use the technology to increase the number of measuring points at relatively low cost, while smaller cities can now purchase air quality monitoring technology without significant upfront costs or the need for continual calibration. The team is continually working on improving the technology, integrating more sensors within the device’s cartridge. “From the platform point of view, we will keep developing features that facilitate data analysis, and look at how data is presented to the end user,” he adds. “Ultimately, citizens stand to benefit. We are proud that our technology can help create awareness of this issue, and will hopefully encourage action to deal with increasing pollution in urban areas.”
Keywords
MappingAir, sensory, air, digital, pollution, weather, cities, urban
