Determining locations for developing an air quality monitoring system in a rapidly developing urban area (a case study of the city of Kyiv) [in English]

A large population characterizes the modern development of society, and consequently, increasing economic and energy demands. Significant emissions of industrial pollutants into the atmosphere, vehicle exhaust, and the use of chemical substances in daily life contribute to the deterioration of air quality and exacerbate climate change. In addition, Ukraine has faced unprecedented damage to atmospheric air quality caused by the large-scale armed aggression. Kyiv ranks among the most polluted cities in the country and occasionally appears at the top of global air pollution rankings. For instance, in 2023, the average annual concentrations of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, and phenol in Kyiv exceeded the average daily maximum permissible concentrations by 1.5 to 2.5 times the recommended levels. The Central Geophysical Observatory, which monitors the city's air quality and holds the most detailed information on the subject, urgently requires modernization. This includes expanding the monitoring network and enhancing its technical and informational infrastructure. At the same time, the capital is a leader in urban digitalization not only in Ukraine but also across Europe. Against this backdrop, the renewal and expansion of Kyiv's environmental monitoring system, particularly in terms of air quality, must become a priority. Additionally, the connection between the capital and the surrounding region is continuously intensifying, leading to increased anthropogenic pressure on air quality from transport. This paper presents the structure of the Kyiv agglomeration. It proposes a project for the tentative placement of air quality monitoring system locations in the city of Kyiv, taking into account the locations of major development clusters within the agglomeration.