Improving air pollution awareness of the general public through citizen science approach

The citizen science approach engages the public to co-design effective solutions for air pollution challenges. Guildford Living Lab (GLL) and Zero Carbon Guildford (ZCG) initiated a collaborative air quality study to synergistically employ low-cost sensors within a public building. The aims were to develop a real-time Live Air Pollution Data (LAPD) tool for the public and raise awareness and citizen engagement through interactive quiz system. Whilst doing so, we monitored indoor and outdoor (I/O) concentrations of particulate matter (PM) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) and assessed horizontal and vertical variation of CO₂. We found that short indoor public events can raise CO₂ up to 1000 ppm; people's movements during these events can elevate PM₁₀ concentration. The PM₁₀ and CO₂ concentrations increased with the number of occupants and their distribution inside the ZCG building. Dust resuspension due to occupant activities was the main driver for high PM₁₀ concentrations, while the smaller particles (PM_2.5 and PM₁) were linked to the ingress from outside. In addition, the change in the number of occupants showed no effect on PM_2.5 and PM₁ concentrations. We found significant stratification in CO₂ in the vertical direction, accumulating CO₂ close to the ceiling inside the building. Concurrently, CO₂ in the horizontal direction was uniform without any significant variation. The analysis of data from the Interactive Quiz System revealed that 16 % of the participants had the highest air pollution exposure in their day-to-day activities. The collaborative development of LAPD and the live presentation of air pollution data to the public effectively disseminated air quality information, leading to improved awareness among individuals. This work demonstrated the citizen science approach's effectiveness in understanding and mitigating air pollution issues through a collaborative, inclusive, knowledge-sharing environment. This study inspires further citizen science initiatives between scientists, the public, research funding institutes, authorities and agencies.