Abstract

In this chapter, we explore the potential of community-led air quality monitoring. Community-led air quality monitoring differs from top-down monitoring in many aspects: it is focused on community needs and interests and a local problem and, therefore, has a limited geographical coverage as well as limited temporal coverage. However, localised air quality monitoring can potentially increase the spatial and temporal resolution of air quality information if there is a suitable information-sharing mechanism in place: information from multiple community-led activities can be shared at the city scale and used to augment official information. At the core of the chapter, we provide a detailed experiential description of the process of urban air quality practice, from which we draw our conclusion. We suggest that accessible and reliable community-led air quality monitoring can contribute to the understanding of local environmental issues and improve the dialogue between local authorities and communities about the impacts of air pollution on health and urban and transport planning. Document type: Part of book or chapter of book

Abstract

Air pollution in one of the main problems that big cities have nowadays. Traffic congestion, heaters, industrial activities, among others produce large quantities of Particulate Matter (PM) that have harmful effects on citizens’ health. This paper presents the design, development and initial validation of a wearable device for the detection of PM concentration, with communication capacity via WiFi and Bluetooth Low Energy and an end user interface. The results are promising due to the high accuracy of measurements collected by the developed device. This solution is a step forward in empowering citizens to prevent being exposed to high levels of air pollution and is the beginning of what could be a macro-network of air quality sensors within a Smart City. Document type: Part of book or chapter of book

Abstract

The application of freight pipeline for the movement of solid goods offers a new option in the field of transportation. This volume examines impacts and their assessments. This study has only identified the areas where truck and/or rail substitution by pipeline may have impacts. It only can be said that pipeline, if it can substitute for surface traffic without correspondingly increasing it at another location, is inherently a more environmentally compatible mode of transport. Based on data presented in this report, it can be stated that, to the extent that a freight pipeline reduces the truck traffic, it helps to reduce street congestion, noise, energy consumption, accidents, and air pollution. As compared to rail, however, accident and noise reduction are certain, but the impact on energy consumption and air pollution depends on local conditions. (MCW) Document type: Report