An assessment of current air pollution monitoring processes in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Amidst increased emphasis on limiting air pollution around the world, in Sri Lanka many discussions have taken place, but implementation of practical measures of air pollution monitoring is rare. Thus, the objective of this study is to study the current air pollution monitoring and control procedures in Sri Lanka. This may contribute to adverse weather conditions and diseases. Even the medical researchers have pointed out that health impacts of air pollution in Sri Lanka have been underestimated. In order to achieve this objective, this study was carried out primarily as a critical literature review. Through this study researchers will learn that there are only a handful of places where air quality is measured in the country. There are numerous air pollution monitoring processes that were implemented recently, but the air quality level in major industrial cities have increased and it is on rise in rural areas as well. Currently Sri Lankan air pollution monitoring process is carried out mainly by means of human resources which has not been effective so far. Even with the current human- centric monitoring processes where the incurred cost is very high the air pollution levels are on the rise. On top of that, apart from vehicular emission other sources of air pollution are less monitored or not monitored at all. It is imperative to measure air pollution by factories, air travel, power generation, vehicular emissions as well as biomass burning using technology-based monitoring systems, which would reduce the cost of operations for relevant authorities. Researchers also recommend that, focusing on un-monitored air pollution activities such as biomass burning and waste burning as well. There should be alert systems in place to notify the authorities when the air pollution levels are breached from such activities.