Analyzing Urban Air Quality Perceptions: Integrating Socio-Demographic Patterns with Sensor-Based Measurements Using Regression Model and Multidimensional Scaling

Cristina Veres, Ioan-Bogdan Bacos (), Maria Tănase and Manuela Rozalia Gabor
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Cristina Veres: Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures of Târgu Mureș, Nicolae Iorga Street, 1, 540088 Targu Mures, Romania
Ioan-Bogdan Bacos: Doctoral School, I.O.S.U.D, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
Maria Tănase: Mechanical Engineering Department, Petroleum-Gas University of Ploiesti, 100680 Ploiesti, Romania
Manuela Rozalia Gabor: Doctoral School, I.O.S.U.D, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 2, 1-28

Abstract: In this study, the urban air quality perceptions are explored in the metropolitan area of Târgu Mureș, Romania, emphasizing the interaction between socio-demographic factors, air quality measures, and industrial activity. The research addresses the need to understand how public perceptions align with objective air quality data and industrial influences, aiming to support sustainable urban planning. Data were gathered through a structured survey of 321 respondents and complemented by air quality measurements, including PM 2.5 and PM 10 , and industrial production data. Statistical analyses, such as regression models and multidimensional scaling (PROXSCAL), were applied to identify patterns and relationships between socio-demographic characteristics, perceived air quality, and environmental factors. The results reveal significant links between demographic factors (e.g., age, awareness of local initiatives) and perceptions of air quality, alongside a nuanced interaction between air quality indicators and industrial activity. Respondents frequently identified traffic and industrial emissions as major contributors to air pollution, which was corroborated by sensor data trends. The findings underline the importance of integrating public perceptions with empirical data to design targeted policies and foster community engagement. This comprehensive approach provides actionable insights for improving urban air quality and advancing sustainable practices in mid-sized cities like Târgu Mureș.

Keywords: urban air quality; socio-demographic analysis; multidimensional scaling; perceptions of pollution; industrial activity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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