Research of NOx and PM10 pollutants in Cluj-Napoca with the mobile system for mitigating public health risks

Abstract

The present research is conducted in order to show the possibilities of creating a smart and advanced mobile system capable of investigations regarding the chemical composition of the atmospheric air in the metropolitan areas using flexible technologies and some part of the existing infrastructure. Experimental measurements are made using a mobile station for data recording connected to the internet and with a link to the air quality stations. Taking into consideration the values of different chemical compounds within the atmospheric air, the data processing station may create a chemical map indicating the higher risk of air toxicity. Nitrogen oxides and particulate matter are some of the essential chemical pollutants generated these days by modern industries and transportation activities. By installing the proper technologies and networking capabilities on a current car the research team has made a practical investigation of actual chemical values in the metropolitan area of Cluj-Napoca by accessing the NO, NO2, NOx, and PM 10 data retrieving lines. Necessary changes in hourly retrieved data show that road traffic and other human activities do change the air quality level and its chemical composition. An air map is provided for some moments of the day, including the four stations in Cluj-Napoca city. The practical research is intended to present the technological capability and its embedding potential for the new series models of cars which may thus indicate a proper route in order to avoid critical points and to reduce the toxic chemical overload of some areas.