Study of air quality in the metropolitan area and its status with respect to Central American indices in the area of University of El Salvador

Abstract

This project is a continuation of the fabrication of a low cost air quality meter. For this purpose, modifications were made such as the incorporation of GPS to cover different areas of San Salvador, data storage through micro SD memory, screen for user interaction with the data being generated at the moment, incorporation of button panels with different functions, LED's indicators for better user interaction and the incorporation of new variables. The meter currently measures values of particulate matter of 1.0 μm, 2.5 μm, 10 μm, temperature, humidity, formaldehyde, date, time, latitude, longitude, height above sea level, satellite time, number of satellites tracked, horizontal position dilution, ICCA index and air quality 2.5 and 10 (18 variables). To this, uncertainty values and sampling time are added (25 data in total). The pollutants measured are found in the ambient air by human activity or natural processes, population growth, vehicular increase, agricultural burning and solid waste, so from the collection of these data it is possible to obtain a geographic information system GIS (for its acronym in English) that allows to present a new perspective from the way in which it is interpreted and understood about this issue and influence decision making. This study focuses on the area of the capital of El Salvador, San Salvador, in the area of University of El Salvador, due to this location is central and highly populated area.