The publication “High-Spatial Resolution Maps of PM2.5 Using Mobile Sensors on Buses: A Case Study of Teltow City, Germany, in the Suburb of Berlin, 2023” was published on December 15, 2024, in the journal Atmosphere.
Led by a German-French research team, this study analyzed fine particulate (PM2.5) pollution in Teltow, a suburb of Berlin, using mobile sensors on buses and cars as well as stationary monitors. The goal: to generate high-resolution maps of air quality and provide actionable insights into local hotspots and everyday exposure for residents.
The study utilized several data sources:
- Fixed Pollutrack sensors at selected locations across Teltow,
- Mobile sensors installed on city buses, municipal vehicles, and cars,
- and official data from the UBA reference station.
All sensors recorded PM2.5 levels continuously over multiple years. The reliability of mobile measurements was confirmed through direct comparison with UBA data and advanced air quality modeling.
Key-Results at a glance:
- Average PM2.5 levels in Teltow were generally good to moderate, but exceeded WHO daily thresholds along highways, major roads, and at specific local hotspots.
- Exposure was up to 14% higher on the road compared to sidewalks, emphasizing the value of mobile monitoring.
- Bus-based sensors enabled street-level mapping, revealing that even mid-sized cities like Teltow can experience strong pollution hotspots.
- For citizens, avoiding busy roads and intersections can reduce exposure. For city planners, the results offer concrete guidance for targeted air quality interventions.
Conclusion:
This study demonstrates that mobile sensor technology is a key enabler of transparent, citizen-focused air quality monitoring. The approach is transferable to other cities and empowers municipalities to pinpoint health risks and develop targeted mitigation strategies.