Scientific Research

Scientific research is at the center of air quality management. Each of its components must be supported by scientific research to provide solid foundations for informed action. This chapter reviews the scientific achievements, challenges, needs, and gaps in the field throughout Southeast Asia. Efforts have focused on understanding the patterns, trends, and impact of particle pollution caused by biomass burningBiomass burning. Several studies have investigated the particles’ chemical composition and physical properties, as well as their origin and effects on public health. A growing number of studies have also focused on other aspects of air quality in large cities such as Manila, Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore, but little research has been undertaken outside them. Many relevant topics have received little or no attention, including atmospheric chemistry, climate change's impacts on air quality and vice versa, boundary layer meteorology, emergent and persistent pollutants, toxicologyToxicology, and ecosystem damage, among others. Similarly, there is a need to develop monitoring and analysis methods that are tailored to Southeast Asia, as well as chemical-transport models and air quality multisystem analysis to download regional air quality forecasts and satellite products that can be used for air quality regulatory and warning purposes.