Hi everyone!
The rapid urbanization of cities worldwide is leading to increased air pollution, with nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) playing a major role in traffic-related health risks. However, especially in low- to middle-income countries, reliable ground-level data is often lacking, leaving municipalities and citizens without the necessary knowledge to implement air quality-improving infrastructure.
We are Magda, Agueda, and Tim, Master's students at IDE, and together with Emmanuel and Phiona from KNUST in Kumasi and KNMI, we want to drive change by making NO₂ measurements more accessible in Ghana. To achieve this, we are piloting a locally run NO₂ laboratory in Ghana that utilizes Palmes diffusion tubes—a low-tech, low-cost measuring method widely used in Europe but rarely applied in Ghana due to logistical challenges and reliance on foreign laboratories.
This project is not just about data collection; it’s about building local expertise and infrastructure for long-term air quality monitoring. By co-designing the laboratory with local stakeholders, we aim to adapt the setup to the specific needs and constraints of the region, making it both technically viable and socially sustainable.
Stay tuned for the first project update!
