Navigating Air Quality Assessment: A Holistic Review of Air Quality Index Metrics and Assessment Approaches
Published: 2024-08-05
Page: 184-204
Issue: 2024 - Volume 7 [Issue 2]
Mubashar Abas *
Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Muhammad Zeeshan
Crop Breeding, Cultivation and Farming System, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China.
Muhammad Hamza Khalil *
Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Shehzad Ahmed Sial
Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Zaheer Yaqoob
Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Durana Gul Sial
Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Areesha Sial
Department of Biotechnology, The University of Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Muhammad Tayyab
School of Chemistry, University of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
Muhammad Naveed Khalil
National Centre of Excellence in Geology, University of Peshawar, Pakistan.
Abdullah Malik
Institute of Horticulture, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Umair Iqbal
Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Aqsa Saleem
Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Narowal, Pakistan.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This review explores the different aspects of air quality measures and assessment, exploring their implications, difficulties, and future directions. It examines the crucial connection between assessments of air quality and public health, highlighting the vital function of metrics like the Air Quality Index (AQI) in preserving public health. High AQI values, caused by pollutants such as particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and ozone, are associated with a variety of respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, highlighting the pressing need for thorough evaluations to reduce health hazards. The study also emphasizes the wider consequences of air quality assessments, which go beyond physical health to include psychological costs as well as environmental and financial repercussions. In addition to having an adverse effect on mental health, poor air quality also damages ecosystems, accelerates climate change, and costs businesses money in compliance, all of which lowers productivity in society as a whole. The study examines the difficulties in creating an AQI that is globally adjustable because of regional differences in pollution sources and monitoring accuracy, even as it acknowledges the critical role that AQI measurements play in the creation of policy. To effectively address air pollution, it does, however, suggest several remedies, including regionally specialized AQI models, standardized data gathering techniques, and the promotion of cleaner technology. The study explores trends for the future and presents the case for more public awareness, interdisciplinary teamwork, and technology developments. It draws attention to neighborhood-based programs like the Green Pakistan Project and emphasizes how crucial it is for international conferences like Conference of Parties (COP) to continue influencing air quality assessment in the future and discuss potential future developments, stressing the need for community-based programs, technology innovations such as smart city solutions, and improved legal frameworks to combat new pollutants and encourage environmentally friendly behavior.
Keywords: Air quality index (AQI), assessment approaches, health implications, pollutants, public awareness