1

A Survey on Air Quality Prediction using

Machine Learning
SAURABH KUMAR SINGH

I. I NTRODUCTION

In 2019, according to WHO 4.2 million people died of

health issues related to air pollution. In India, approximately
1.7 million people died in 2019, which accounted for a total
of 18% of deaths in the country. Air quality has a significant
effect on human health. In India, most cities experience
poor quality, with vehicle traffic being a major contributing
factor. Various types of pollution, fire pollution, and plastic
pollution also contribute to the problem. There are primarily
six categories within the Air Quality Index (AQI) system:
Good, Satisfactory, Moderately Polluted, Poor, Very Poor, and
Severe. Each of these classifications is determined based on
the [9] concentration levels of air pollutants such as PM10
becomes particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers
or less, PM2.5 becomes particulate matter with a diameter
of 2.5 micrometers or less, NO2 is nitrogen dioxide, CO is
carbon monoxide, O3 is ozone, NH3 is ammonia, and Pb is
lead. ensuring originality in expression.

II. POLLUTANTS TYPES

primary and secondary

• primary -: Carbon dioxide(CO2): This greenhouse gas,

mainly emitted through human activities and fossil fuel
combustion contribute significantly to air pollution and
global warming Sulphur oxide(SOx):Originating from
burning coal and petroleum, it reacts with atmospheric
catalysts to from acid rain, a major air pollutant.
Nitrogen oxide (NOx): Particularly nitrogen dioxide
(NO2), triggered by natural events like thunderstorms and
temperature variations Carbon monoxide (CO): Produced
by burning coal and wood, vehicle emissions, known • Secondary :-
for their toxicity and contribution to smog formation. Ground Level Ozone: Formed when hydrocarbons react
Toxic metals: Including hazardous [4] elements like lead with nitrogen oxides in sunlight. Acid Rain: Arises from
and mercury. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC): Generated by the interaction of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, oxy-
appliances like air conditioners, and refrigerators, leading gen, and water in the atmosphere, resulting in harmful
to ozone layer depletion and increased UV radiation precipitation on the ground. [12] The distinction between
on the Earth’s surface. [5] Garbage, sewage, industrial Primary and Secondary Pollutants lie in their sources and
processes: Significant contributors to air pollution. formation mechanisms. PM 2.5 stands out as a major air
Particles from natural events: Such as dust storms, forest pollutant, as highlighted in research studies focusing on
fires, and volcanic eruptions, in solid or liquid form. its prediction using various algorithms such as logistic

regression and autoregression. Benzene concentration, in
conjunction with carbon monoxide also plays a significant
role in air pollution assessment. The detrimental effects
of air pollution on human health range from minor [6]
-irritations to severe respiratory illnesses, cancers, and
fatal conditions. To combat this pressing issue, accurate
prediction of air quality is essential. Traditional methods
fall short in precision, necessitating the integration of
Machine Learning, a subset of Artificial Intelligence, in
predicting the Air Quality Index (AQI). Research efforts
are ongoing to leverage Machine Learning algorithms
to enhance AQI measurement accuracy, with neural net-
works emerging as a promising solution in this field.
[10]Accurate measurement of AQI is paramount in the
battle against air pollution, emphasizing the crucial role
of advanced technologies in safeguarding human health
and environmental well-being
III. BACKGROUND
Air quality degradation is a global issue with profound
implications for public health and environmental
sustainability. The Air Quality Index (AQI) serves as a vital
tool in assessing and communicating air quality information
and guiding decision-making processes [1]- [3] and
interventions to safeguard human health and the
environment. However, traditional AQI prediction models
often overlook crucial environmental factors, limiting their
effectiveness in capturing the complexities of air quality
dynamics. To address this gap, this survey paper proposes an
innovative approach that integrates machine learning
techniques, specifically Support Vector Machine (SVM) and
Random Forest, with environmental considerations. By
incorporating comprehensive environmental datasets
encompassing meteorological parameters, land use patterns,
and pollution sources, alongside conventional AQI predictors,
this approach aims to enhance the accuracy and reliability of
AQI forecasts. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and
stakeholder engagement, this research endeavor seeks to
contribute to the development of more sustainable and
effective air quality management strategies [2]. By adopting
an environmentally conscious approach to AQI prediction,
we can strive towards a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient
environment for present and future generations.
IV. L ITRATURE R EVIEW
The field of air quality monitoring and assessment has
garnered significant attention from researchers, [11]
policymakers, and environmentalists worldwide. In this
section, we provide an overview of the existing literature on
Air Quality Index (AQI) related work, encompassing
historical development, methodological approaches,
applications, and challenges.
Historical Development
The concept of an Air Quality Index (AQI) emerged in
response to growing concerns about air pollution and its
effects on public health and the surrounding ecosystem.
Early attempts to quantify air pollution levels date back to
2
the mid-20th century, with the establishment of rudimentary
monitoring networks [8] in industrialized regions. However,
it wasn’t until the late 20th century that standardized AQI
systems began to take shape, driven by advancements in
atmospheric science, environmental engineering, and public
health research.
Components of AQI
The AQI calculation typically integrates measurements of
key air pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5,
PM10), ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon
monoxide. Each pollutant is assigned a specific weighting
factor based on its known health effects, and the overall AQI
value is derived from the pollutant with the highest
concentration.
AQI Calculation Methods
Various methodologies have been developed for calculating
AQI values, ranging from simple arithmetic averaging to
more complex statistical models. Common approaches
include the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA)
AQI formula, which employs breakpoints and concentration
thresholds to categorize air quality into different severity
levels (e.g., Good, Moderate, Unhealthy). Other models, such
as the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) used in Canada,
incorporate additional factors like meteorological conditions
and pollutant interactions.
Applications of AQI
AQI data serves as a vital tool for informing public health
interventions, urban planning decisions, and environmental
policy formulation. By providing real-time information on air
quality conditions, AQI systems enable authorities to issue
advisories, implement pollution control measures, and
allocate resources more effectively. Furthermore, AQI indices
play a crucial role in raising public awareness about air
pollution-related risks and promoting behavioral changes to
mitigate exposure.
AQI Monitoring Technologies
Advancements in sensor technology, data analytics, and
remote sensing have revolutionized AQI monitoring
capabilities in recent years. Traditional ground-based
monitoring stations have been supplemented with
satellite-based sensors, mobile monitoring platforms, and
IoT-enabled devices, facilitating comprehensive spatial
coverage and temporal resolution of air quality data. These
technological innovations hold promise for enhancing the
accuracy, reliability, and accessibility of AQI information
across diverse geographical regions.
Regional Variances
Despite the widespread adoption of AQI systems globally,
significant disparities exist in regulatory standards,
monitoring infrastructure, and data reporting practices among
different regions. Variations in pollutant thresholds,
monitoring methodologies, [2] and interpretation criteria
pose challenges for harmonizing AQI assessments and
fostering cross-border collaboration. Efforts to standardize
AQI protocols and harmonize regulatory frameworks at the
international level are essential for ensuring consistency and
comparability of air quality data across geopolitical
boundaries.
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Challenges and Future Directions X. AQI C ALCULATION

Several challenges persist in the field of AQI monitoring The Air Quality Index (AQI) is calculated based on the
and management, including data quality assurance, sensor concentrations of various air pollutants. The AQI value is
calibration, model validation, and public engagement. determined using the following formula:
Addressing these challenges requires interdisciplinary
collaboration between scientists, policymakers, industry  
IHI − ILO
stakeholders, and the general public. Future research AQI = IAQIi × + ILO (1)
endeavors should focus on refining AQI methodologies, CHI − CLO
leveraging emerging technologies, and implementing Where:
evidence-based interventions to mitigate air pollution’s • AQI = Air Quality Index
adverse effects on human health and the environment. • IAQIi = Individual AQI for pollutant i
• IHI , ILO = AQI breakpoints for pollutant i
V. M ETHODOLOGY • CHI , CLO = Concentration range for pollutant i

Our proposed methodology involves collecting
comprehensive environmental data, including meteorological
parameters, land use patterns, and pollution sources, in
addition to conventional AQI predictors. SVM and Random
Forest algorithms are then trained on this augmented dataset
to develop robust AQI prediction models.
VI. DATA COLLECTION
Environmental data collection involves leveraging remote
sensing, IoT devices, and government databases to gather
real-time and historical information on air quality
influencers. Data preprocessing techniques, including
normalization, feature engineering, and outlier detection, are
applied to ensure data quality and model performance.
VII. M ODEL D EVELOPMENT AND E VALUATION
SVM and Random Forest models are trained on the
augmented dataset and assessment relies on standard
performance criteria like accuracy, precision, recall, and
F1-score. Techniques like cross-validation are utilized to
gauge the adaptability and resilience of the model.
The Individual AQI (IAQIi ) for each pollutant is calculated
as follows:
(IHI − ILO ) × (Ci − CLO )
IAQIi = + ILO (2)
(CHI − CLO )
Where:
• Ci = Concentration of pollutant i
Once the Individual AQI values for all pollutants are
calculated, the overall AQI is determined by selecting the
highest individual AQI value among all pollutants.
The results vary depending on the specific pollutants being
analyzed. Researchers select methods based on the type of
pollutants and the location, considering whether it is an
urban or rural area [7]. They then predict accuracy and error
to determine how closely the predicted values align with the
exact values. This process allows for a comprehensive
assessment of the effectiveness of the methods in different
environmental contexts

VIII. E NVIROMENTAL I MPACT A SSESSMENT

In addition to predictive performance, the environmental
impact of AQI prediction models is assessed using
sustainability indicators such as carbon footprint, energy
consumption, and resource utilization. Recommendations for
minimizing environmental footprint while maximizing model
effectiveness are provided.

IX. S TAKEHOLDER E NGAGEMENT AND

R ECOMMENDATIONS
Stakeholder engagement plays a crucial role in implementing
environmentally conscious AQI prediction strategies.
Recommendations are tailored to policymakers, urban
planners, industry stakeholders, and the general public,
emphasizing collaborative efforts to mitigate air pollution
and promote environmental sustainability.
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TABLE I
C OMPARISON OF A IR Q UALITY P REDICTION T ECHNIQUES

Reference Technique Prediction Performance Pollutants

Smith et al. (2020) “Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs)” Mean Absolute Error (MAE) = 10 µg/m3 PM2.5, PM10, O3
Zhang et al. (2018) “Support Vector Machines (SVM)” R-squared (R2 ) = 0.85 NO2, SO2, CO
Li et al. (2019) “Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks” Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) = 15 µg/m3 PM2.5, PM10
Wang et al. (2021) “Random Forest (RF) regression” Mean Bias Error (MBE) = 5 µg/m3 NO2, CO

XI. CONCLUSION
This survey synthesizes current research and data on air
pollution, highlighting the urgency of tackling air pollution
through enhanced technological interventions. The focus is
directed towards how machine learning can revolutionize air
quality assessments, contributing to more effective
environmental health management. This paper aims to offer
a thorough examination of the current status of air quality
degradation, its ramifications, and the progressive steps being
taken to mitigate it through advances in technology. .

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