{"id":12723,"date":"2024-04-25T11:16:43","date_gmt":"2024-04-25T05:46:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aqi.in\/blog\/citizen-science-for-improving-air-quality\/"},"modified":"2024-04-29T14:23:25","modified_gmt":"2024-04-29T08:53:25","slug":"citizen-science-for-improving-air-quality","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aqi.in\/blog\/en-in\/citizen-science-for-improving-air-quality\/","title":{"rendered":"How Citizen Science is a Powerful Tool for Improving Air Quality?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Air pollution impacts\u00a0have increased in recent years. Consequently, air quality has become a\u00a0major\u00a0concern. The rising concern requires better and latest approaches to tackle the problem. Hence, the trend approach, as citizen science, can help in monitoring. Moreover, citizen science can become a powerful tool for improving air quality monitoring. Because\u00a0it increases the engagement of civils, individuals, communities and organizations. Hence, they can\u00a0easily\u00a0gather the data and raise awareness about the pollution. Let us delve more into Citizen\u00a0science\u00a0role in air quality improvement!\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n\n

What is citizen science?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
\"What<\/figure>\n\n

Citizen Science is a great initiative where the citizen helps scientific research. Since the general public can volunteer for any research or study. Therefore, they research and collect data to provide to researchers. It involves data collection, analysis, observation, experiments and problem-solving. Regarding it, the project organizers\u00a0provide\u00a0the equipment and technologies. Thus, citizen Science helps in many ways.\u00a0As\u00a0in data collecting on a large scale. Alongside this, it also raises public awareness and literacy on the concern. Hence, the concept is beneficial for all.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n

What is its role in air pollution monitoring?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

Air pollution is becoming a\u00a0major\u00a0concern for the environment and human health. Since, a report by WHO depicts that.\u00a0As 99%\u00a0population\u00a0lives in areas with high pollution.\u00a0It means that air quality guidelines levels\u00a0are not met. Moreover, air pollution poses various health diseases. Such\u00a0as stroke, lung cancer, heart disease and respiratory problems. <\/strong>Thus, ordinary public involvement in air quality monitoring can help. Citizen Science can help in improving the air quality. As\u00a0it increases the engagement of civilians in gathering data. Concerning this, air quality monitor\u00a0installation is necessary\u00a0in the project areas.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n

It helps in making people more interested in knowing what they are breathing. In this situation, low-cost air quality monitors can install\u00a0on the ground level. Since\u00a0Air pollution in many places is highly concerning. The program can introduce air quality monitors to gather the necessary data. Likewise, it can help with providing the essential details to civil.\u00a0It can encourage citizens by promoting necessary data on social media. As\u00a0through local agencies and centres\u00a0including\u00a0schools and health centres.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

This\u00a0is how citizen science plays a vital role in improving air quality:<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

Data collecting:<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
\"collecting<\/figure>\n\n

Citizen efforts make data collecting more easy. Because it involves affordable sensor use and various monitoring stations. Through\u00a0it, data\u00a0collecting\u00a0on a large scale is possible. Hence, it provides extended data from different locations and time zones.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n

Pollution hotspots observation:\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
\"pollution<\/figure>\n\n

Air quality monitors can\u00a0be installed\u00a0in different areas. Such as schools, workplaces\u00a0etc.\u00a0Since, it helps in knowing and monitoring pollution hotspots.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n

Awareness:<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
\"Awareness<\/figure>\n\n

These projects increase the public awareness about the pollution. On the ground level, they educate communities.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n

What are the citizen science benefits for air quality?\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

Citizen science has many benefits in improving air quality. It educates communities on different levels. Besides, it makes them aware of the importance of clean air. Know its benefits in detail:<\/p>\n\n

Data availability:<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\n
\"Data<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n\n

Citizen science projects avail the air quality data on a vast level. Given that, numerous volunteers provide extensive datasets. It helps in knowing pollution hotspots, trends and patterns.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n

<\/p>\n\n

Coverage on pollution: <\/strong><\/h4>\n
\n
\"Spatial<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n\n

It involves installing sensors and monitors in different locations. Hence, it provides spatial coverage with various identifications.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n

 <\/h4>\n

Reporting air quality: <\/strong><\/h4>\n
\n
\"data<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n\n

These projects provide real-time air quality data.\u00a0Because,\u00a0the advanced technologies used in gathering the data. It helps in taking rapid action to mitigate the risks and sources.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n

<\/p>\n\n

Better engagement:<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\n
\"Better<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n\n

It involves engaging various individuals and communities for air quality monitoring. Through it, they feel more responsible and empowered in the air quality issues. It also promotes public awareness and decision-making on the air quality.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n

Case study:\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

A research\u00a0paper\u00a0\u201cProtocol for hunting PM2.5 emission hot spots in cities<\/em>\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0involves the citizen science project. In this case, The International Institute of Information Technology – Hyderabad<\/a>. And the University of Helsinki,\u00a0Finland<\/a>\u00a0have calibrated. They have collected the data to know the PM 2.5 emission. Concerning this, they have employed low-cost sensors and advanced technology devices. Prana Air<\/a> devices\u00a0are used\u00a0in the project\u00a0that measure\u00a0various pollutant concentrations. It enables the mobile sensing through IoT devices. Air quality monitors\u00a0are installed\u00a0in the entire Hyderabad city. It placed on buses, cars and other vehicles. For this, they have handed portable handheld IoT devices to citizens.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n

\"Research
Source: https:\/\/dl.acm.org\/doi\/abs\/10.1145\/3597064.3597322<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

Since it enables better data sharing on air quality in Hyderabad.\u00a0As\u00a0they have got the actionable data as per the hotspots.\u00a0For this, they have recommended local people share the information on PM 2.5 emissions. Moreover, it helps them cover the entire Hyderabad city on\u00a0a large\u00a0basis. Through it, the data collection becomes easy and better.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n

How to become a citizen scientist?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

Becoming a citizen scientist is much easier. Anyone can become a citizen scientist without any advanced degree. Because it just needs your support and interest in knowing the air you breathe. For it, you just required some free time to volunteer in the research.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n

\"steps<\/figure>\n\n

Here are the steps to become a citizen scientist:<\/p>\n\n

    \n
  1. Check for current projects on air quality monitoring.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Select the project as per your schedule.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Know more about the data collection process for air quality.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Actively participate in checking and collecting the air quality data.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Share or submit your data to the organizations.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Know about the results as research paper or journal publishing.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Make awareness among your friends, family and communities.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n

    Conclusion:<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

    In the overview, citizen science is a powerful tool for improving air quality. As in the given case study, it has helped\u00a0in gathering\u00a0the required data\u00a0easily. Since, it supports making individuals aware of the air quality. Check out the ways to become a citizen scientist\u00a0easily. Through it, you can also volunteer and\u00a0perform research on\u00a0the air quality. Hence, know the air you breathe through becoming a citizen scientist.\u00a0You can also learn about\u00a0many technical and various information on the air policies.\u00a0Lastly, through it, you can contribute to creating a healthier environment for all.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Air pollution impacts\u00a0have increased in recent years. Consequently, air quality has become a\u00a0major\u00a0concern. The rising concern requires better and latest…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":29,"featured_media":12709,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3443,3441],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12723","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-air-quality-monitoring-2-en-in","category-air-pollution"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.aqi.in\/blog\/en-in\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12723","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.aqi.in\/blog\/en-in\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.aqi.in\/blog\/en-in\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.aqi.in\/blog\/en-in\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/29"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.aqi.in\/blog\/en-in\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12723"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.aqi.in\/blog\/en-in\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12723\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.aqi.in\/blog\/en-in\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12709"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.aqi.in\/blog\/en-in\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12723"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.aqi.in\/blog\/en-in\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12723"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.aqi.in\/blog\/en-in\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12723"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}