GTU Academic's TÜBİTAK 1002 Project on Air Quality Is Accepted

November 7, 2025 - GTU Office of Press and Public Relations
 

The project led by Asst. Prof. İlker Akmırza from the Department of Environmental Engineering at Gebze Technical University (GTU) aims to determine on-campus air pollution using low-cost sensors and to model personal exposure through machine learning.

Conducted under the coordination of Asst. Prof. İlker Akmırza, with Prof. Pınar Ergenekon and Assoc. Özgün Yücel serving as researchers, the project has been approved for support within the scope of the TÜBİTAK 1002 – Short-Term R&D Funding Program. Titled “Determination of PM₂.₅-Related Air Pollution Using Low-Cost Air Quality Sensors and Modeling of Personal Exposure Through Machine Learning,” it aims to scientifically analyze air pollution exposure within the campus environment.

Within the scope of the project, PM₂.₅ (fine particulate matter) levels that academic and administrative staff and students are exposed to during transportation and on-campus activities will be measured using low-cost and portable air quality sensors. The collected data will be correlated with measurements from a fixed monitoring station to be established on campus, allowing for the identification of areas with high pollution density.

Additionally, by taking into account participants’ personal characteristics and daily activities, potential PM₂.₅ accumulation in the respiratory system will be modeled. The project will also enable the estimation of personal exposure for various daily activity scenarios using machine learning algorithms and meteorological data.

Based on the findings, the project aims to improve air quality on the GTU campus and support the planning of activities that minimize individuals’ exposure to air pollution.