MNU studies Male’ region air quality, shares findings

Maldives National University (MNU) has studied air quality in the greater Male’ region and handed over its progress and findings within the first six months to the relevant authorities.

The research was undertaken with the Duke University of America, as part of the institution’s project “Building Air Quality Infrastructure in South Asia”

The programme commenced in October 2020 and will go on until September 2023.

Under the programme, air quality sensors have been built in five areas of the Male’ region.

That is three in Male’ City itself and one in Hulhumale and Vilimale each.

MNU revealed that the findings based on the data collected from these sensors between September 2021 and March 2022 have now been submitted to the relevant authorities during a stakeholder meeting of the university’s Faculty of Engineering, Science, and Technology

Stakeholders at the meeting include Ministry and Environment, Climate Change and Technology, Health Protection Agency (HPA), Maldives Meteorological Services (MET), Environment Protection Agency (EPA), Waste Management Corporation, and State Electrical Company (STELCO).

Project Coordinator from MNU Lecturer Noora Khaleel said that the air quality in the Male’ region was worst from December 2021 to March 2022.

Additionally, scientist from Duke University Dr Prakash participated in the meeting. He noted that the project could expand across Maldives, gathering information on air quality everywhere in the country. He also discussed ways to further enhance the programme.

According to the University of Duke, the project aims to “improve air quality and human health throughout the region by partnering with local governmental and private sector partners to improve air quality monitoring and public awareness.”