EarthSense, the air quality specialist, has deployed a network of Zephyr® air quality sensors in Lagos, Nigeria for environmental management consulting firm, EnvironQuest.
EarthSense Zephyr® air quality sensors have been deployed in Lagos, Nigeria as part of a World Bank-funded, 12-month Pollution Management and Environmental Health (PMEH) pilot study. EnvironQuest will use the data from the sensors to develop an informed Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) to reduce the impact of poor air quality on nearby residents.
Using a micro-inventory of identified air pollution sources and criteria such as attainment of data, site access and security, EarthSense installed six static Zephyr® air quality sensors, powered by solar panels, in areas including a nature reserve, rural area, industrial area, residential area and a commercial area.
With an absence of air quality reference stations in Lagos, real-time Zephyr® measurements will provide EnvironQuest with quantified information on harmful gases and particulates including PM2.5, PM10, ozone (O3), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxide (NO), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S). Collated Zephyr® data will result in better understanding of manmade and ground level pollutants, and identification of pollution sources.
Once pollution levels and sources are detected, air quality data will be used to identify effective mitigation strategies, helping EnvironQuest work towards a full-scale air quality management plan for Lagos. Future plans include developing multi-pollutant and multi-pathway control strategies that integrate air quality management with solid waste, contaminated and toxic site management.
The Zephyr® sensors have been attached to two-inch galvanised pipes inside caged spaces supported by cement bases to act as safeguards from nearby wildlife.
EnvironQuest Managing Director, Adebola Odu-Onikosi said: “With more deaths caused by air pollution than car accidents, heart diseases, dementia or diabetes, the need for an air quality monitoring network in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized.
“Starting with Lagos, EnvironQuest has been tasked with collecting air quality monitoring data, testing the components of particulate matter and developing source apportionment which are prerequisites to developing an Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP).”
He continues: “With Zephyr® sensors provided by EarthSense, real-time air quality data can be retrieved from strategically decided locations in Lagos in order to achieve the aforementioned AQAP.”
Funded by The World Bank, the PMEH programme identifies solutions to poor air quality in less economically developed areas in Nigeria, South Africa, Vietnam, Egypt, and China.
EarthSense Managing Director, Tom Hall comments: “Understanding the adverse impacts of poor air quality is absolutely vital, and in developing countries with no access to reference sites it can be difficult to understand pollution exposure and the effect it may be having on already vulnerable communities.”
Tom continues: “Providing EnvironQuest with Zephyr® sensors and air quality measurements means the company will have access to the necessary information so that planning can begin to take place, allowing the team to develop a highly effective action plan. This data can help to guarantee quality of life for those living in areas without easily accessible insight into air pollution. We’re looking forward to seeing innovative solutions to poor air quality in Lagos.”