image: This shows a CityScan instrument in use. view more
Credit: University of Leicester
University of Leicester researchers are set to use new technology they have developed to monitor the impact of increased traffic on pollution levels in London during the Olympics.
The announcement has been made during the third annual Universities Week campaign –starting today (Monday April 30)- which aims to increase public awareness of the wide and varied role of the UK's universities. This year's campaign will look at the contribution that our universities make – and have always made – to the Olympic movement, the sports industry and society as whole.
The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are expected to draw 11m visitors from around the world to the UK's capital for seven weeks, and 3m extra car journeys are anticipated on the busiest day.
The team of researchers will use their CityScan technology, which gathers scattered sunlight to scan whole cities and take readings of air quality, to investigate the impact of this extra traffic on pollution.
Rather than existing technology, which can only give an accurate reading for certain "hotspots," CityScan can show the air quality over every point of the city - including individual roads, playgrounds and other buildings.
It will also reveal the days and times when pollution levels are at their highest.
Sensors will be set up on a 30-storey building in North Kensington and a 14-storey building in Chelsea, in the west of the city, as well as a third location which is yet be determined.
The sensors will give readings of nitrogen dioxide, which is produced from traffic emissions and can decrease lung function and increase the risk from respiratory illnesses, including bronchitis and asthma.
Team leader Dr Roland Leigh, of the university's Earth Observation Science Group, said: "We will be able to map the pollution in 3D to show emissions of nitrogen dioxide and how far they spread."
"Traditional sensors take in a single point measurement, giving a very accurate measurement that might be by a roadside.
"Between two or three CityScan instruments, we can map out a complete urban area and tell you where the nitrogen dioxide is in that space."
"CityScan makes the link between emissions and poor air quality downwind, enabling better management of the respiratory health of sensitive individuals."
"We want to make a practical difference, and contribute to systems which inform people when and where poor air-quality may occur.
The technology is already being tested in Leicester, and the scientists hope their findings will help councils all around the country improve environmental planning and traffic management issues.
Universities Week 2012 follows a successful campaign in 2011, which saw 110 universities and 52 renowned ambassadors take part in showcasing the work of the higher education sector.
This year the week looks to be an even bigger success with a series of high profile ambassadors including Seb Coe, John Inverdale and Dame Kelly Holmes helping to highlight how universities benefit everyone, whether or not they have been to university themselves. Hear what the ambassadors have to say at http://www.youtube.com/universitiesweek2012
Notes: For more information please visit www.leos.le.ac.uk/aq or contact Dr Roland Leigh at r.j.leigh@le.ac.uk or on (0)116 229 7711.
1. To find out more about Universities Week visit www.universitiesweek.org.uk or join in with debate on Twitter # Media enquires please contact: Sarah Reardon or Susie Dullard on 020 3023 9934 /9035 or email universitiesweek@fourcommunications.com
2. Universities Week 2012 is a partnership by Universities UK, the representative organisation for the UK's universities, and BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport), the national governing body for higher education sport in the UK. It is supported by universities across the UK and a wide range of organisations including Podium, the National Union of Students, Research Councils UK, the Universities Marketing Forum, the Higher Education Funding Council for England and many more.