Air quality monitoring during urban regeneration activities: the case of MUSA Open-air laboratory at University of Milano-Bicocca

As part of the MUSA ecosystem, the regeneration of Piazza della Scienza involves close monitoring of indoor and outdoor air quality. Particulate matter (PM) and nanoparticles concentrations were monitored during both the pre work (May – June 2023) and the construction phase (July 2023 – now) by establishing 11 sampling spots on the university campus. Sampling was carried out deploying both research-grade instruments (Dust Monitor 1.107, Grimm and Nanoscan SMPS, TSI) and low-cost sensors (OPC-N3, Alphasense and Partector-2, Naneos). Results showed a significant increase in concentrations during the construction for PM and nanoparticles in both the indoor and outdoor environments monitored on the campus. This work will be carried out throughout every step of the regeneration of Piazza della Scienza, highlighting the impact of the construction site and the effect of the urban planning actions promoted by MUSA on air quality.