LOW-COST MONITORING OF AIR QUALITY IN HIGH-TRAFFIC URBAN AREAS OF PANAMA: A PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT

Cecilio Hernández Bethancourt; Alma Nubia Espinosa López; Ernesto Jesús Escobar Pineda; Jorge Enrique Olmos Guevara; Melisabel Del Carmen Muñoz Urriola

doi:10.29121/ijoest.v9.i3.2025.674

Authors

Cecilio Hernández Bethancourt Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias y Tecnología, Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá, America
Alma Nubia Espinosa López Laboratorio de Análisis Industriales y Ciencias Ambientales (LABAICA), Centro Experimental de Ingeniería, Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá, America
Ernesto Jesús Escobar Pineda Laboratorio de Análisis Industriales y Ciencias Ambientales (LABAICA), Centro Experimental de Ingeniería, Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá, America
Jorge Enrique Olmos Guevara Laboratorio de Análisis Industriales y Ciencias Ambientales (LABAICA), Centro Experimental de Ingeniería, Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá, America
Melisabel Del Carmen Muñoz Urriola Facultad de Ingeniería Civil, Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá, America

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29121/ijoest.v9.i3.2025.674

Keywords:

Atmospheric Pollutants, Low-Cost Monitoring, High-Traffic Urban Areas, Air Quality

Abstract

This study presents the results of atmospheric pollutant monitoring for PM₁₀, PM2.5, NO₂, and O₃ in two of the most densely populated areas of Panama. Data were collected using a low-cost Aeroqual 500 series device, which, given the limited air quality monitoring infrastructure in the country, serves as a practical tool for generating valuable information to raise awareness among citizens and local authorities. The levels of PM₁₀, PM2.5, and NO₂ were relatively low, whereas O₃ concentrations exceeded the thresholds established by organizations such as the USEPA (for comparative purposes only). The most critical sites identified include the Gran Estación de San Miguelito, where PM₁₀ levels reached up to 34 µg/m³, likely influenced by its location at the intersection of major traffic arteries (Transístmica and Tocumen). The UTP-Site 2 Tocumen University Extension, situated near a highway, recorded the highest PM₂.₅ levels at 10 µg/m³. Regarding NO₂, the highest concentrations were observed in Plaza Princesa de Gales, Panama Norte, but remained relatively low (39 ppb). Similarly, O₃ levels were elevated in Plaza Princesa de Gales, with observed values ranging from 0.066 to 122 ppm. Standard deviations suggest moderate variability in PM₁₀, PM2.5, and O₃ measurements, whereas NO₂ levels exhibited significant fluctuations. These findings underscore the considerable contribution of vehicular emissions to urban air pollution in Panama, particularly concerning the high O₃ levels. Further in-depth studies are needed to better understand these trends and their implications for air quality management.

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