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Authors:
Hussein Abd Ali Hatif Alsaadi
Keywords: Air Quality; Low-Cost Sensor; Urban Monitoring; Karbala.
Abstract:
This study investigates air quality disparities in Karbala, Iraq, by comparing particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) concentrations between Hay Al-Abbas, an old densely populated neighborhood (site A), and Al-Muruj Residential Complex, a newly developed suburban area (site B). Both sites were geo-referenced using Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates for accurate spatial comparison. Data were collected using a custom-built, low-cost monitoring system based on Arduino and PMS5003 sensors over three consecutive days in June 2025. Measurements were conducted at fixed times—midnight, morning, and afternoon—each with PM2.5 readings every five seconds for fifteen minutes, resulting in more than 1,600 data points per site. PM2.5, a key air quality indicator, was evaluated against the World Health Organization (WHO) daily limit of 25 µg/m³[14]. Results showed that site A had consistently higher PM2.5 levels than site B, often exceeding the guideline—especially during morning and midnight periods. These findings highlight the influence of urban density, waste burning, and city planning on particulate pollution in Karbala. Overall, the study confirms that older, densely built neighborhoods experience poorer air quality than newly planned areas, where improved urban design has helped reduce pollution.
Pages: 14 to 18
Copyright: Copyright (c) IARIA, 2025
Publication date: October 26, 2025
Published in: conference
ISBN: 978-1-68558-331-6
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Dates: from October 26, 2025 to October 30, 2025