Qatar park develops new air quality monitoring system

Qatar Science and Technology Park has developed a sophisticated platform developed by its QU Wireless Innovations Center to monitor air quality at select locations in Qatar. The launch of a field trial for the Air Quality Monitoring System (HAWA’AK) in Education City was announced yesterday by Quwic and the Health, Safety, Security and Environment Directorate (HSSE) of Qatar Foundation. "We have installed three sensors around the university campuses and one in QSTP with plans for more sensors in the coming weeks at some more locations in Qatar," Quwic executive director Dr. Adnan Abu-Dayya told the Qatari English daily (Gulf Times). The new generation sensors - which are smaller and cheaper - are a big deviation from the traditional equipment, which is both expensive and cumbersome to manage, including the need for cooling, he explained. The new solar-powered sensors will transmit data wirelessly to Quwic’s own Intelligent Sensing and M2M Services Platform (Labeeb) that provides air quality information in real-time and store the data for further analysis and research. "The system measures and gives instantaneous readings of the levels of hydrogen sulphide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and ozone gases in the air in addition to temperature and humidity," Dr. Abu Dayya said. QF HSE manager Kevin Murray described the pilot phase as an example of Qatar Foundation’s vision to link its activities to the health of the nation. "In future, air quality measurements could be announced to the public through the radio and websites," he said. Murray also revealed that QF HSE intends to use GIS mapping to investigate if health issues are related to the environment. In a presentation, Quwic official Omer al-Jaber explained that HAWA’AK’s readings will be converted into a color coded alert system, depending on the concentration of the gases and whether they are harmful to human health. "The air quality measurements are currently intended only for enterprises and later on, as more capabilities are added, we could give access to the public," Dr. Abu-Dayya said. The pilot study would also assess the impact of heat on the sensors. Measurement of particulate matter, including dust, is to be included in due course. "Working with partners, we are looking at expanding coverage for air quality monitoring by installing sensors at locations including Qatar University campus. We also hope to co-ordinate with the Ministry of Environment," the Quwic executive director observed. If needed in future, HAWA’AK could allow users to access air quality information through multiple channels, including mobile delivery, web, SMS and voice interaction. Quwic is an applied research and development center founded by Qatar University in Collaboration with QSTP to leverage the use of emerging wireless technologies in creating solutions and smart applications for use in a number of markets, including transportation, utilities, healthcare, and environment.