Air quality around preschools in Gothenburg: an evaluation of measurement methods

Abstract

In this study the air quality around four different preschools, chosen to represent different local traffic environments, was measured and the measurement methods used were evaluated. The aim was to compare the information retrieved using different methods, discuss the possible applications of them and finally see if more specific activities, in this case pick-ups and drop-offs, could be seen in the data retrieved. This was done by using both active sensors and passive diffusion samplers in order to measure levels of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter around the preschools. In addition, air quality data from the city of Gothenburg was used in order to compare the low cost sensors with a standard air quality measurement method. From the measurements, it was clear that there were some issues with the active low cost sensors with peaks not matching up to each other or to the city’s measurements as well as them at times showing higher pollution levels and for that reason they are likely not a reliable resource. When looking at the passive diffusion samplers, they matched up well with the city’s measurements and therefore might be a more accurate sampling method, for example in order to help map the air quality in an area. It was also evident through the study that the contribution pick-ups and drop-offs have on the pollution levels is difficult to measure in itself.