Sensors Network as an Added Value for the Characterization of Spatial and Temporal Air Quality Patterns at the Urban Scale

Within the scope of the Aveiro STEAM City project, an air quality monitoring network was installed in the city of Aveiro (Portugal), to evaluate the potential of sensors to characterize spatial and temporal patterns of air quality in the city. The network consists of nine sensors stations with air quality sensors (PM10, PM2.5, NO2, O-3 and CO) and two meteorological stations, distributed within selected locations in the city of Aveiro. The analysis of the data was done for a one-year measurement period, from June 2020 to May 2021, using temporal profiles, statistical comparisons with reference stations and Air Quality Indexes (AQI). The analysis of sensors data indicated that air quality variability exists for all pollutants and stations. The majority of the study area is characterized by good air quality, but specific areas-associated with hotspot traffic zones-exhibit medium, poor and bad air quality more frequently. The daily patterns registered are significantly different between the affected and non-affected road traffic sites, mainly for PM and NO2 pollutants. The weekly profile, significative deltas are found between week and weekend: NO2 is reduced on the weekends at traffic sites, but PM10 is higher in specific areas during winter weekends, which is explained by residential combustion sources.

Automated summary

As part of the Aveiro STEAM City project, an air quality monitoring network was established in Aveiro, Portugal, to assess the spatial and temporal patterns of air quality using sensors. The network consisted of nine sensor stations and two meteorological stations located throughout the city. Analysis of one-year data revealed variations in air quality for all pollutants and stations, with specific areas associated with high traffic showing more frequent episodes of medium, poor, and bad air quality. Daily patterns differed significantly between affected and non-affected traffic sites, especially for PM and NO2 pollutants. Weekly profiles showed variations between weekdays and weekends, with NO2 levels reduced at traffic sites during weekends but higher PM10 levels in specific areas during winter weekends due to residential combustion sources.