Effects of Vehicular Congestion on Air Quality in High-Altitude Cities: Case Study of Ibarra, Ecuador
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56294/dm2025846Keywords:
Low-cost sensors, air quality, vehicular emissions, particulate matter, intermediate citiesAbstract
Air pollution, primarily driven by vehicular emissions, is a growing challenge in Latin American cities. In Ibarra, Ecuador, the lack of air quality records prompted the implementation of a low-cost monitoring system. In this study, one AirGradient O-1PST sensor were installed near the Amazonas central market, a zone characterized by heavy traffic, where PM₂.₅, PM₁₀, and CO₂ concentrations were measured over seven consecutive days. Results showed that PM₁₀ daily concentrations remained below the limits established by national regulations, whereas PM₂.₅ levels exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations most of the days, reaching an average of approximately 0.019 mg/m³. The reliability of the AirGradient O-1PST sensor was validated through comparison with a reference-grade instrument (Thermo Andersen FH62C14), revealing a strong correlation, with a coefficient of determination close to 95% for daily PM₂.₅ averages. Additionally, a direct association was found between vehicular traffic density and the concentrations of both air pollutants and greenhouse gases, particularly during peak hours. The findings demonstrate that, when properly validated, low-cost sensors are effective tools for air quality assessment in urban areas, and they can serve as a valuable complement to official monitoring networks. This study contributes to promoting the adoption of accessible environmental surveillance technologies in intermediate Latin American cities, thereby supporting informed decision-making in public health, sustainable urban planning, and transport management.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Ahmed A.F Osman, Rami Taha Shehab, Sami A. Morsi, Hikmat A. M. Abdeljaber, Ramgopal Kashyap, Mosleh Hmoud Al-Adhaileh, Asma Abdulmana Alhamadi, Sultan Ahmad, Sultan Ahmad, Theyazn H.H Aldhyani (Author)
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