3 Main Factors that Affect Air Quality

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Air quality refers to the condition of the air around us. It is defined as the degree to which the air is suitable or clean enough for human beings and the larger environment. Good air quality is needed to preserve the ecosystem. Everything underneath the sky is dependent on air. Human beings, animals, plants, and all the other earthly resources are affected by air quality. 

Good air quality suggests that the air is clean, clear, and free from smoke, dust, and smog. Air quality is determined by the air quality index. The air quality index (AQI) runs on a scale of 0 to 500; the higher the value, the greater the level of air pollution will be. The monitoring of air quality is related to outdoor or ambient air pollution.  

Affect Air Quality

Source: https://pixabay.com/it/illustrations/inquinamento-atmosferico-4017183/

Whether you are spending a day out at the Louvre in Paris or an exciting day at mystery rooms Bangalore, concerns about the polluted air and how it can harm your health remains a constant. Since the deteriorating air quality is detrimental to all forms of life, we must understand the circumstances affecting it well.  

There are several meteorological and environmental factors that affect air quality. But the three primary factors affecting air quality are wind, rainfall, and solar radiation. While measuring air quality, it is important to consider the following factors. 

1. Wind 

Wind analysis can determine the general direction and area of high pollution zones recorded at monitoring stations. It is fundamental because you need to identify the sources of pollution to take preventive measures. The goal should be to monitor the air quality and reduce the impact of low-quality air.  

Wind speed is also an important determinant of air quality. The quality of air is determined by an anemometer (mostly a sonic anemometer these days). A sonic anemometer is an instrument that works under the principle that wind speed affects the time it takes for sound to travel from one point to another. Since sound travelling with the wind will take less time than the sound travelling into the wind, we can simultaneously measure the sound wave in two different directions. Measuring wind speed and direction will be an important factor affecting air quality.  

2. Rainfall 

Rain helps wash away particulate matter from the atmosphere and dissolves certain gaseous pollutants like sulfur dioxide. Sulfur dioxide is a primary factor resulting in acid rain, which damages all life forms. And thus, improving visibility to a large extent. The air quality improves with frequent rainfall but, of course, with moderation. On the other hand, a cloudy and smoggy atmosphere reduces visibility and causes accidents. Both of these conditions affect air quality to a large extent.  

A rain gauge is instrumental in measuring rainfall.  A tipping bucket rain gauge calculates the amount of rainfall by collecting small amounts of rain. When rain falls into the funnel, it runs into a container divided into two equal compartments by a partition. The bucket is designed so that one compartment tilts down and rests against a stop when it is empty while the other compartment is positioned under the funnel, ready to receive rainwater.

The opposite action occurs when a set amount of rainwater has drained from the funnel in the upper compartment. The rain gauge thus calculates the quantity and intensity of rainfall using the funnel area and the number and rate of bucket movements.  

3. Solar Radiation 

Another important factor affecting air quality is solar radiation. The intensity of sunlight influences everything under the Earth. The location, time, and level of cloudiness all affect sunlight intensity. It is important to monitor solar radiation as it helps in modelling photochemical smog events.

The intensity of sunlight influences the rate of the chemical reactions that produce smog. The air quality is also impacted by solar radiation. Pollutants in the air absorb and disperse sunlight, reducing the amount that reaches the Earth’s surface. This is extremely harmful to the environment. Humidity and temperature also factor in determining the quality of air.  

A pyranometer instrument measures solar radiation from the output of a type of silicon cell sensor. It acts as a sensor that measures a portion of the solar spectrum. It converts the global solar radiation it receives into an electrical signal that can easily be measured.

  Read Also: Will Herd Immunity Save India from COVID-19?

Wrapping Up 

We need clean and breathable air to survive. A lot of our health issues could be prevented with less pollution. Not only does it harm human beings and other life forms, but it also has a terrible impact on our earthly resources. We must take some steps to reduce air pollution and make sure the air quality does not decrease further. The particle level is higher than ever right now, but with collective effort, we can improve the quality of air. 

Shubham Nema
Shubham Nemahttp://lifeisaware.com/
Shubham Nema, the visionary behind Lifeisaware.com, has a deep passion for learning and a genuine curiosity about the world. With his expertise in health, nutrition, and technology, he strives to offer well-researched content that helps readers make informed decisions and live a healthier, more fulfilling life.

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