The College of Engineering at Qatar University has developed a programmable multi-sensor outdoor air quality sensing system. The development was disclosed in the university’s latest issue of its Research Magazine.
The air monitoring system, developed by Farid Touati, Professor of Electrical Engineering, and Hasan Tariq (research assistant) from the College of Engineering has also acquired a US Patent.
The system employed five Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommended commercial-grade air quality index sensors (particulate matter, ozone, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide) as well as carbon dioxide and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) sensors.
The sensor includes sophisticated engineering to accurately measure GPS, temperature, pressure, humidity, wind speed, and altitude. It is also modified to withstand harsh climatic conditions and fragility constraints in commercial outdoor smart sensing systems.
The invention is the first air quality monitoring system for environmental mapping and profiling in Qatar and is expected to serve as a model reference architecture for future urban-scale environmental artificial intelligence (AI) systems in Qatar.
This sensing system further highlights QU’s ambitious research drive, especially as Qatar implements several programmes and policies to ensure cleaner air and accurate air measuring systems ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and beyond.
Recently, an official at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, announced that work to develop and expand the National Air Quality Monitoring Network had started. The network will be the region’s largest national monitoring network, meeting the highest international standards.
Improving air quality is just one of Qatar’s sustainability goals. The country is committed to hosting a carbon-neutral FIFA World Cup and leveraging the hosting of the mega-event to build a green legacy across the country and region. Qatar plans to enhance ambient air quality standards, update the limit value by 2024 and establish a comprehensive National Air Emissions Inventory by 2023.
Air pollution is one of the most significant causes of respiratory diseases and death globally. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that around 7 million premature deaths every year are due to the effects of air pollution. The WHO report also stated that more than 500,000 of those deaths occur in the Middle East.
Several Middle East cities are among the most polluted cities in the world.
