Spatial analysis of air pollution inside residential units in the city of Kufa

Introduction

Pollution of air is an environmental issue that is critical and has considerable effects on the health of human beings, as well as their quality of life. In urban areas such as Kufa City, the distribution in space of indoor CO2 and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are pollutants which are notably given serious concern. From this particular research work essay an understanding on how spatial analysis affects air pollution at residential levels is fundamental since this contributes significantly towards strategies development in mitigating issues related to quality of indoor air. The aim of this research paper is to examine the spatial distribution among CO2 and VOCs levels; study different zones within Kufa based on their variability in air pollution; investigate factors influencing indoor air quality; and talk about impact for health due to VOC exposure in homes. The evaluation of indoor air quality through the spatial distribution of CO2 levels in living spaces is a critical consideration. Lu et al.'s work unveiled an innovative approach to deducing space air change rates and CO2 generation rates by occupants, underscoring the essence behind comprehending CO2 concentrations within enclosed settings [2] . In Figure 1, stark disparities in where CO2 is concentrated across different spots within a classroom are depicted this underscores the call for elaborate spatial scrutiny that pinpoints specific areas requiring attention [1] . Findings relayed by reports from the Air Quality Expert Group echo loud repercussions resulting from CO2 levels on indoor air quality dynamics demanding due attention through continuous monitoring and remedial action towards this pollutant [3] .Toxicity of VOCs is largely dependent on their spatial distribution within residential units which underscores the importance of this factor in indoor pollution assessment. VOCs have significant sources from building and furniture materials that determine their long-term indoor levels. The industrial VOC emission sources have attracted attention as a result of the rapid growth in emissions; this emphasizes the need for spatial analysis to identify the distribution of VOCs. Despite being highly toxic, comprehensive studies on spatial distribution are not available from any particular location about VOCs. Which indicates a knowledge gap that should be dealt with. In Kufa, the spatial difference of air pollution between various regions worsens the situation within enclosed spaces. Studies that have been made to characterize urban air pollutants have shown notable differences in their spatial and temporal variations which implies the need for detailed assessments [7] .

The levels of urban air pollution exhibit a convoluted relationship between spatial variability and indoor exposure on top of outdoor sources; this calls for an all-round air quality management approach [8] . When the level of air pollutants is not very high uniformally across different areas, it implies that simple models will not work; fine resolution models are needed for better evaluation of indoor pollution levels [7] . Indoor air quality is an issue that has a large impact on human health. The consequences of household air pollution reach far into respiratory implications, hindering the growth of children's lungs and elevating cases of lower respiratory tract infections [11] . When exposed to high levels for short periods, air pollution can have various adverse effects on the body's lung function and general respiratory wellness [12] . Chronic exposure to such pollution leads to noncommunicable diseases like stroke or heart disease: Hence, effective management strategies are vital in addressing this silent menace [8] .

Study area

Location of the city of Kufa in Najaf Governorate, Iraq Source: (General Authority for Survey, Kufa Administrative City Map, 2023)

The city of Kufa was chosen, which is an Iraqi city and district center administratively affiliated with the Najaf Governorate in the Middle Euphrates region, south of the capital, Baghdad, and is about 156 km away from it and 10 km northeast of Najaf. Its population is estimated at about 230 thousand people, according to 2014 estimates. Three residential neighborhoods were selected from them. Three residential neighborhoods were chosen in the city of Kufa, which were mentioned in the study area section, where 1% of the number of houses was chosen, as shown in [9] . In order to evaluate risks of VOCs, it is essential to have a good understanding of the concentrations present in the atmosphere. The Wave Plus Device has the ability to detect and measure VOCs in realtime; this means that it can pick up volatile profiles quickly and accurately. These profiles can be used for assessment of air quality and environmental risks. As such, when one is sensitive to CO2 as well as VOCs, using deep-learning methods for data analysis helps in coming up with complex data patterns which lead towards enhancement of measurement precision a positive approach even toward urban emissions of VOCs and CO2 micrometeorological techniques plus fast-response sensors can be used in real time. Measuring ultra-low concentrations of VOCs is not straightforward yet when considering technologies like the Wave Plus Device that are furnished with PID detectors, the light shines on their potential to actualize precise separation and quantification of VOCs. It marks an accomplishment for air quality monitoring; an innovation that could revolutionize how we control pollutants (number 8 and 9

Results

Table 2. Shows the results of (carbon dioxide, volatile organic Maysan residential neighborhood in the city of Kufa. The data and Figures (2) show that the CO2 concentration (ppm) varies between 367ppm and 2450 ppm, with an average value of 1,064±59 ppm. In addition, the VOC concentration (ppb) ranges from 44 ppb to 888 ppb, with an average value of 182±21 ppb.

Discussion

The results from Table No. (2, 3, and 4) depicted significant variations in carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds concentrations among the three residential neighborhoods in Kufa city. The disparity is largely due to differing indoor air quality, which can be heavily influenced by various factors with a notable impact coming from artificial air fresheners that affect concentrations of specific VOCs in residential settings. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have primary indoor sources contributing to their composition along with certain distinct compounds such as limonene or hexanal: emission sources like ventilation rates coupled with indoor oxidative environment further determine levels of VOCs indoors. Observations show that levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) indoors are typically higher than those outdoors; elevated benzene concentrations in colder seasons can be attributed to reduced ventilation as well as the use of oil and gas heaters leading to increased VOC emissions [10] . On another note, indoor levels of formaldehyde, toluene, and ammonia show significant dependence on temperature variability which points towards a seasonal impact on indoor air quality dynamics [11] . Similarly, parameters such as air temperature, relative humidity, and even age of the flat contribute distinctly to indoor formaldehyde levels underlining the intricate interplay of factors governing indoor air quality considerations [12] . Our findings exceeded WHO limits. There are several other factors that play roles in determining these concentrations: household appliances, building characteristics.. etc., suggesting a more holistic approach is needed when addressing indoor air quality management [13] . The presence of ventilation is crucial in altering indoor air quality situation through stalling the accumulation of impurities such as CO2 and VOCs, which can endanger health over time [14] . Hence, an investigation and control of the carbon dioxide and VOC sources should be prioritized in residential settings since it fosters better indoor air quality as well as decreasing adverse health risks due to long-term contact with high levels of pollutants [15] .

Conclusion

In the research, a study was conducted to measure the carbon dioxide concentration of three residential neighborhoods in the city of Kufa. Unfortunately, most of the results obtained in these were higher than the permissible limits set by the World Health Organization.

Recommendations

Enhancing the quality of air inside can be done by removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are contained in a lot of everyday household itemsincluding air fresheners. Choosing products that are low-VOC or VOC-free is an easy way to cut down on the amount of these harmful pollutants being introduced into your indoor space. Think green: potted plants and bio-filtration systems serve as natural purifiers for indoor air at minimal cost by eliminating pollutants organically. In fact, looking at phytoremediation pathways could give us more ideas about reducing indoor pollution through plant-microbe systems. Apart from biodiversity patterns, such integrations with plant-based solutions would allow other co-benefits like creating a conducive work environment for remote workers. More study should refine plant selection optimization coupled with different synergies explored toward other strategies on improving air quality indoors.

References

1. Mahyuddin N, Awbi H. The spatial distribution of carbon dioxide in an environmental test chamber. Building and Environment. 2010;45(9):1993-2001.