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Instrumental monitoring of air pollution from power generators with AI-based data analysis: methodology and risk assessment

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Category: Content №3 2026

Last Updated on 26 June 2026

Published on 30 November -0001

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Authors:

A. V. Pavlychenko, orcid.org/0000-0003-4652-9180, Dnipro University of Technology, Dnipro, Ukraine, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Yu. V. Buchavyi, orcid.org/0000-0003-3282-2810, Dnipro University of Technology, Dnipro, Ukraine, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

P. K. Lomazov*, orcid.org/0009-0007-7129-1334, Dnipro University of Technology, Dnipro, Ukraine, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

* Corresponding author e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

повний текст / full article

Naukovyi Visnyk Natsionalnoho Hirnychoho Universytetu. 2026, (3): 105 - 114

https://doi.org/10.33271/nvngu/2026-3/105

Abstract:

Purpose. To instrumentally assess the impact of electric generators on ambient air quality and acoustic load in the central part of the city of Dnipro, as well as to test elements of artificial intelligence for the analysis of the spatial distribution of pollutants.

Methodology. A series of field measurements of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NO_х), particulate matter (PM), and noise levels were conducted at fixed monitoring points along Dmytro Yavornytskyi Avenue under background conditions and during generator operation. Data processing included statistical analysis, normalization of indicators, and clustering using machine learning techniques to identify spatial patterns and variations in pollutant concentrations and acoustic levels.

Findings. The study identified the formation of localized zones of elevated air pollution and increased acoustic load in the immediate vicinity of operating generators. During generator operation, increased concentrations of CO, NO_х, and PM, as well as higher noise levels, were recorded compared to background conditions. AI-based analysis enabled the differentiation of zones with varying degrees of environmental risk within the investigated urban area.

Originality. For the first time, an integrated methodology has been developed and tested for assessing cumulative environmental risk in conditions of extremely high density of autonomous power sources (up to 24 units per 1 km of building frontage) within the specific topography of a ‘street canyon’. The originality lies in the identified patterns of formation of local pollution ‘hotspots’, where PM_2.5 concentrations exceed EEA international standards by 12–15 times. A new approach is proposed to verifying anthropogenic pollution loads using a k-means clustering algorithm, which allows the contribution of individual sources to be distinguished from the city-wide background with a level of accuracy unattainable by fixed monitoring stations.

Practical value. The results obtained can be used to develop recommendations for the placement of electric generators in urban environments and to improve local environmental monitoring systems in emergency power supply conditions. Based on the established dispersion patterns (1.5‒2 times decrease in concentrations at a distance of 4‒6 meters), it is recommended to establish a minimum distance of generators from pedestrian breathing lines and building entrances of at least 5 meters, as well as the mandatory use of vertical exhaust pipes with a height of more than 2.5 meters for the release of gases beyond the surface layer.

Keywords: generator, air quality, noise, urban areas, artificial intelligence, environmental safety

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