CITIZEN SCIENCE TO STUDY AIR POLLUTION ECONOMICALLY

Abstract

Air pollution is becoming a growing problem for our health, causing complications such as asthma, shortness of breath, coughing, or throat irritation, and even heart problems. The main causes of air pollution are currently industrial development and the emission of polluting gases from transportation. For this reason, this study has investigated the air pollution at IES Betxí. This was all part of the state-wide citizen science project Amiaire.org (Amiaire, 2025), in which more than 100 educational centers across Spain participated. Using simple paper sensors coated with petroleum jelly, we were able to collect samples of airborne particulate matter. Additionally, IES Betxí was chosen to receive a digital sensor for measuring suspended particles. This allowed the project’s researchers to verify the reliability of the paper sensors as a method for measuring air quality. Overall, the air quality in our school has been generally good, in line with the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, there was a significant difference between the outdoor air quality (good) and the measurements taken in our 4th-year ESO classroom for the Curricular Diversification Program (4PDC), where the air quality was moderate. This project was also crucial for applying all the steps of the scientific method studied in the scientific field subject, as the students in this class were the ones who developed all parts of it.