Islamabad : As the national space agency of Pakistan, SUPARCO plays a vital role in environmental and air quality monitoring through satellite applications.
As the only national agency conducting simultaneous satellite and ground-based research on smog constituents, SUPARCO focuses on aerosol optical depth (AOD) analysis and Particulate matter (PM) characterization.
In a further step to strengthen air quality initiatives, SUPARCO has commenced a project to investigate sources of fine particulate matter, a key contributor to urban smog. For this project, SUPARCO will leverage its satellite-based monitoring and modeling expertise, as well as its Air Quality Monitoring Mobile Lab equipped with air quality analyzers . These air monitoring mobile labs are stationed in Karachi, Lahore and Gilgit .
Scientific Basis of Smog:
Smog, a type of ground-level air pollution, forms when Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react with sunlight and Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) from industrial, vehicular, and agricultural sources accumulates.Temperature inversions trap pollutants near the surface and worsen the condition.
Health and Environmental Impacts:
Smog exposure leads to:
- Respiratory issues (asthma, bronchitis)
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Cancer risk
- Crop damage and reduced agricultural productivity
- Visibility reduction and aviation hazards
