Checking pollution levels through hyperlocal data

Air monitoring systems established at two addresses in Chennai are helping understand pollution in their immediate environments

Once in six months, SRM Institute of Science and Technology at Kattankulathur has the ambient air quality on the campus tested by a National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accredited laboratory. High volume samplers are brought from the lab and kept at different locations on the sprawling campus for an entire day to capture dust particles.

“The filters inside capture the particles, the devices are then taken to the lab for study. The report gives us data about the concentration of particles under various parameters,” says Blessy A., assistant maintenance engineer, Environmental Management System, SRM Institute of Science and Technology.

The campus also has a micro pulse lidar (MPL) that provides everyday reading in Kattankulathur, but this data does not provide a comprehensive and specific information about the pollution. It only tells whether air over the neighbourhood is clear, polluted or dusty.

As per the June report, the various particulate content such as PM 2.5, PM 10, ozone, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide are within the limits specified by the Pollution Control Board.

“We also have a hospital on the campus, and which makes monitoring air quality additionally meaningful. For instance, sapling plantation is a regular feature on the campus,” says Blessy, adding that the campus has an 1SO certification.

Focus on Gopalapuram

The U.S. Consulate General’s air pollution monitor covers the Gopalapurum area. The air quality data collected by the U.S. Mission in India is translated into actionable information by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) NowCast algorithm, says a note on the website.