A Sustainable Path to Air Pollutants Detection:
DEVELOPING A LOW-COST AIR QUALITY SENSOR
– A challenge –

Date: 26 August  2022
Venue: The Auditorium, Nigerian Society of Engineers, 1, Engineering Close,
Off Idowu Taylor, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Co-organisers:
Societal Value of Quality Low-Cost Urban Air Monitoring in Low Resource Environments (SQUARE)
Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers,
The Nigerian Society of Engineers, Manchester Branch, UK,
University of Lagos,
Centre for Atmospheric Research, National Space Research & Development Agency,
Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Anyigba, Kogi State.

Most urban dwellers have been exposed to unsafe air, leading to 4.2 million deaths yearly. It is pathetic to note that the quality of air in major cities across the world is plaguing human existence at an alarming rate. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs] Good Health & Well-being [SDG 3] and Sustainable Cities & Communities [SDG 11] aim to reduce the number of deaths from environmental pollution, including those from the impact of cities, by 2030. However, it is unlikely that developing countries would meet these targets unless concerted measures are applied.

The confirmation of the problems deterring the progress of the developing nations to meeting the SDGs has birthed this challenge organised by the SQUARE team. The challenge is the initial stage of a series of events aimed at proffering solutions to air pollution. The challenge will bring together innovative and dedicated great minds within Africa to develop low-cost air quality sensors.

CHALLENGE
The variants of air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, Ozone, carbon monoxide etc.) have been detected in specific areas of major cities worldwide. The price of the air quality monitors has been a significant hindrance to accomplishing the pillars of sustainability and widespread detection across cities and suburbs. As a result, all entries in this challenge should aim at developing low-cost air quality sensors. Participants will be required to provide an answer to this vital question: How can available local materials, wastes, or low-cost materials be used to develop a sustainable air quality monitor?

TRACKS
To fulfil the requirements of this challenge, participants must provide answers to the following questions. Kindly note that the questions below should only act as guidelines. The team may decide to reveal more innovative and interesting outlooks.

• How do you perceive the air pollution problems and lack of low-cost air quality sensors in your region? The problems associated with air pollution should be briefly described with evidence, and the teams should emphasise the significance of low-cost air quality monitors.

• How can you solve the problem? The team should develop an approach to address the problem. This section should include your work plan.

• What are the different low-cost materials that can be combined to develop an air quality monitor capable of monitoring at least one pollutant? The materials to be used must be affordable and meet sustainability requirements.

• Can the proffered solution fall within an affordable budget? The team will be expected to develop a budget for the materials and sensors to be used for the air quality monitor.

• How will you develop your monitor? A detailed methodology should outline how your team intends to develop the low-cost monitor. A video, chart or sketch can accompany your submission to help us better understand your solution.

• Will the air quality monitor serve the required purpose? The sensor in your monitor should capture at least one pollutant. Your product should pass validation with an existing air quality monitor.

ELIGIBILITY
A team must comprise students in higher learning institutions and at least a Nigerian. Members of a team may be researchers, innovators, start-ups or any individuals with the required skill desired in the team. An interdisciplinary team is strongly advised.

SUBMISSION
Submission of your entry will be via the attached link. Kindly provide all relevant information based on the template given in this link here

A provision in the preceding link exists for submitting necessary documents, videos, charts and every other information that will support your application.

PHASES OF THE COMPETITION
✓ Submission deadline and qualification phase: 07/07/2022 11:59 GMT+1
✓ Interview phase: 20/07/2022
✓ Calling the finalist: 25/07/2022
✓ Validation of monitors: 25/08/2022
✓ Announcement of the Winners: 26/08/2022

BENEFITS
A total of £500 to be won by five (5) teams in support of the project. A Maximum of £100 will be allotted to each of the five teams.
The winning team, first runner up and second runner up, will get a cash price of £300, £100 and £100, respectively. All the teams in the final round of the competition will be certified.
Internship with the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers and collaboration opportunities with the University of Manchester.