Design of a web-based information system for ambient environmental data

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Public Health
• Information Systems

Background:

• Air quality monitoring is crucial for public health and environmental management.
• Accessible data dissemination systems are needed to inform the public and policymakers.
• West Macedonia, Greece, requires a localized system for monitoring air pollutants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and describe a web-based system for disseminating real-time air quality and meteorological data.
• To provide users with understandable information on air quality status and potential health impacts.
• To compare measured pollutant concentrations with European air quality limits.

Main Methods:

• Development of a web-based platform for online data access.
• Integration of real-time data for pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOx, O3, CO) and meteorological parameters.
• Calculation and display of Air Quality Index (AQI) using a color-coded scale and a surrogate method.
• Inclusion of a discomfort index based on temperature and humidity.

Main Results:

• The system covers four cities and five specific locations in West Macedonia.
• It displays pollutant concentrations, meteorological data, European air quality limits, and calculated AQI.
• A descriptive discomfort index and a surrogate AQI estimation method are incorporated.
• The system is designed for public and managerial understanding.

Conclusions:

• The developed system effectively disseminates vital air quality information for West Macedonia.
• It enhances public and managerial understanding of air quality issues through an accessible format.
• The system serves as a valuable tool for environmental monitoring and public health awareness.