Societal Value of Quality Low Cost Urban Air Monitoring in Low Resource Environments (SQUARE)My Blog

Societal Value of Quality Low-Cost Urban Air Monitoring in Low Resource Environments (SQUARE) will tackle the social, health, policy issues arising from poor air quality in low resource regions by using robust low-cost air quality monitors

SQUARE: Background

Worldwide, most urban dwellers had been exposed to unsafe air, leading to 4.2 million deaths yearly.

The UN Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs] Good Health & Well-being
[SDG 3] and Sustainable Cities & Communities [SDG 11] aim to reduce the number of deaths from environmental pollution, including those from the impact of cities, by 2030.

However, it is unlikely that developing countries would meet these targets unless concerted measures are applied.

Aim

  • Development of a new multidisciplinary consortium.
  • Proof-of-concept of using “low-cost” robust sensors in Lagos.

Desired Outcome

The development of a new consortium of engineering, built environment, social impact, health and policy scholars from the UK and Nigeria, that will tackle the social, health, policy issues arising from poor air quality in low resource regions by using robust low-cost air quality monitors.

The acquisition of preliminary data and proof of concept that will inform a proposal for the consortium focusing on the UN SDGs 3 and 11, for a possible GCRF grant.”

New Multidisciplinary Consortium Attained:

1. Social Impact & Construction – Dr Obuks Ejohwomu [The University of Manchester]

2. Health (cardiology) – Dr Holly Shiels [The University of Manchester]

3. Engineering (low-cost sensors) – Dr Nwabueze Emekwuru [Coventry University]

4. Built Environment & Policy – Prof. Olumide Adenuga [University of Lagos]

5. Built Environment – Prof. Ola Uduku [Manchester Metropolitan University]

6. Consultant Public Health Physician – Dr Mobolane Balogun [Lagos University Teaching
Hospital]

7. Urban Observatory – Dr Tom Bannan [University of Manchester]

8. Occupational & Environmental Health – Prof. Martie Van Tongeren [BMH, University of
Manchester]

9. Earth & Environmental Science – Prof. Hugh Coe [MERI, University of Manchester]

10. Atmospheric Chemistry – Dr Rose Alani [University of Lagos]

Proof-of-concept using “low-cost” robust sensors in Lagos attained

Following the successful deployment of the low cost sensor, primary AQI data was collected and invaluable summary statistics on morbidity and mortality obtained.

Short-term Impact

(1) Lessons/data from the proof-of-concept is currently supporting ongoing MSc and PhD investigations in Manchester and Lagos.

(2) One journal paper under development

(3) Established resource sharing linkage with the Ministry of Health, MERI and Urban Observatory.

(4) SQUARE build-up workshops to annual international conference starting August 2021

Medium-term Impact

The consortium will use the project/data to underpin future proposals for studies in “low-resource” regions for these topics:

(1) Health

(2) Built environment

(3) Space design

(4) Sustainability & social value

(5) Policy

(6) Urbanization

(7) Air dispersion modeling.

Long-term Impact

Attaining the short and medium impact will affect the economic development and welfare of countries on the DAC.

That is, the loss of economic working days dues to health effects from poor air quality will be reduced.

The life expectancy could improve, and WHO health-based targets might be better met.

Exposure to unsafe air quality will be reduced, thereby potentially reducing deaths caused due to these.

Environmental degradation would be reduced.

Next Steps:

1. Use the project/data to underpin the development of a multidisciplinary GCRF/Newton
proposal – March 2021.

2. Use the project/data to underpin the recruitment of top MSc and PhD candidates.

3. Dissemination:
a. Publish review paper by December 2020;
b. Dedicated web portal – SQUARE-aqi.com; and
c. Consortium to announce call for 1st International SQUARE conference.

LEAD RESEARCHER

Dr. Obuks Ejohwomu

MNSE FHEA | Senior Lecturer

Over the years I’ve acquired experience managing stakeholders and uncertainties in typical construction engineering project life cycles drawing on core project management principles. I teach Commercial and Procurement, Cost Estimating and Risk and Operations Management to MACE students.

Dr. Obuks Ejohwomu

MNSE FHEA | Senior Lecturer

Over the years I’ve acquired experience managing stakeholders and uncertainties in typical construction engineering project life cycles drawing on core project management principles. I teach Commercial and Procurement, Cost Estimating and Risk and Operations Management to MACE students.