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@
U S T . H K
Shenzhen
Guangzhou
Huizhou
Dongguan
Nansha
Foshan
Donghu
Jiangmen
Zhaoqing
Tianhu
Zhongshan
Zhuhai
Jingguowan
Tsuen Wan
Tung Chung
Tap Mun
Hong Kong
Worldwide, fine particulate matter
(PM2.5) is the most significant atmo-
spheric pollutant. However, PM2.5 mea-
surements are very limited, especially
in developing countries such as China
where air pollution is particularly serious.
In the past decade, HKUST air quality
researchers have developed satellite
remote-sensing techniques to derive
surface PM2.5 concentration, with spa-
tial resolution down to one kilometer,
providing a way of looking at air pollution
as it affects a city, even in the absence of
ground level measurements.
The study of air pollution is a com-
plex subject requiring a multidisciplinary
approach. Over the past two decades,
HKUST air quality researchers have devel-
oped internationally recognized expertise
in a range of areas: including atmospher-
ic meteorology and air quality modeling
AIR POLLUTION: IMPACT ON HEALTH
(Prof Jimmy Fung); remote sensing and
data analysis (Prof Alexis Lau); chemical
and bio-aerosols (Prof Arthur PS Lau);
and analytical methods for analysis of
field samples (Prof Jianzhen Yu). The
research group also collaborates closely
with the US Environmental Protection
Agency (USEPA) and the World Health
Organization (WHO).
HKUST findings have helped Hong
Kong government’s policy formulation
and decision-making. Examples include:
• Early recognition of the significant
impact of sulphur dioxide emissions
from shipping in Hong Kong, which
eventually led to legislation on
fuel control for local and ocean-
going vessels in 2014 and 2015
respectively.
• Analyses highlighting the signifi-
City station
Regional station
Mobile station
cance of road transport – in partic-
ular diesel particulate matter – in
driving up cancer-causing pollutant
risks, paving the way for the US$1.4
billion diesel commercial vehicle
replacement scheme in 2014.
• Development of an Air Quality
Health Index in collaboration with
the Chinese University of Hong Kong
in 2014.
• Leading a landmark Pearl River Del-
ta Regional Air Quality Improvement
Project to understand and address
the regional PM2.5 problem. The
2014 project was the first coordinat-
ed research effort conducted jointly
by the governments of Hong Kong,
Guangdong and Macau to support
regional environmental policy and
management.
PM2.5 Air Monitoring Station at HKUST
Fok Ying Tung Research Institute, in Nansha
HKUST Air Quality
Collaboration Research
Projects –
Monitoring sites in
Guangdong and Hong Kong
Installation of samplers in Nansha
