CHARACTERIZATION OF AIR POLLUTION AND AIR QUALITY USING INNOVATIVE SAMPLING METHODS AND ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES FOR REGULATED AND NON-REGULATED POLLUTANTS

Air pollution is a critical global health and environmental issue, with major health risks associated with pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Despite advancements in air quality regulations, many pollutants remain unregulated, both outdoors and indoors. Additionally, several sources of air pollution continue to be unmonitored, with their impacts on air quality yet to be fully understood. This thesis addresses two key research areas aimed at improving air quality monitoring and mitigation efforts. The first investigates the emissions from pizza ovens, a largely overlooked source of pollution in urban areas. Using advanced sampling methodologies and analytical techniques, this study assesses the contribution of these ovens to air quality. Emission factors for major pollutants (NOx, CO, OGC, TSP, PM10, PM2.5, PAHs) were determined through experimental testing, and their impact on urban air quality was evaluated through a case study in Milan. The second explores air quality monitoring in indoor sites, specifically schools and places of worship, using innovative sensors and monitoring techniques to evaluate a wide range of pollutants. The results underscore the importance of continuous monitoring to better understand the nature and impact of indoor pollutant sources, as well as to identify critical air quality issues in these spaces. The dual focus on both outdoor and indoor air quality aims to provide comprehensive insights into the evolving challenges of air pollution and the need for effective, targeted measures to protect public health and the environment.