Pilot research on air pollution in the zabrze city for the idea of"smart city"

The aim of the conducted research was to obtain an answer to the question: how can the residents’ quality of life with significant city air pollution be improved? Activities aimed at this objective are inscribed in the idea of "smart city". Unfortunately, many Polish cities are currently struggling with low-emission air pollution. The article presents the results of pilot toxic gases measurements contamination in Zabrze, the city in the Silesian agglomeration (Poland). Measurements of gaseous pollutants were carried out at several city locations. Field studies concerned measurements of the nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and carbon dioxide concentration. The objective of these studies was to identify areas of the city with significant toxic gases air pollution in order to plan further detailed research. The measurements showed the local problem of pollution accumulation in several city areas. The obtained results were compared with surveys conducted among Zabrze city residents. Survey research concerned respondents' opinions on: location of areas with noticeable air pollution and health problems resulting from air pollution in the place of living. Following the analysis of the obtained data, a review of activities that could be used in the local air quality status monitoring for the most polluted city areas was carried out. Likewise, a plan of possible actions to undertake in Zabrze city within the framework of the "smart city" concept to improve the local community life quality in conditions of increased gas emission in the city was presented.