Particular matter, PM2.5, is a major contributor to air pollution and haze, resulting from emissions from primary sources such as traffic, industry, and biomass or waste burning activities, and secondary formation. Extreme haze events are common in megacities such as Delhi and are known to cause severe health problems.

Until now, most air quality measurements in the region have focused on ground-based monitoring, leaving the pollution conditions aloft unknown.

Interference challenges
Measuring haze at altitude has always been difficult. Aircraft and satellite observations are either too costly or lack sufficient resolution. Drone-based measurements can fill this gap.

Ajit Ahlawat, Assistant Professor at TU Delft, has dedicated years of research to overcoming these challenges and validating the accuracy of the measurements.

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