Evaluating indoor air quality and natural ventilation: Evidence from the University of Kufa

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation of indoor air quality in an educational building operating under natural ventilation conditions, using the College of Dentistry at the University of Kufa as a case study. The assessment of the indoor air environment was carried out based on a set of quantitatively interpretable metrics, including carbon dioxide and volatile organic compound concentrations, as well as air temperature and relative humidity. Measurements were conducted in spaces with different functional purposes using a spatially distributed arrangement of control points, which allowed accounting for the spatial heterogeneity of indoor air parameters. The results demonstrate a pronounced dependence of indoor air quality characteristics on room function and operational load. Lecture halls are characterized by elevated carbon dioxide concentrations, laboratory spaces exhibit increased levels of volatile organic compounds, whereas computer classrooms display less favorable microclimatic conditions. The obtained findings indicate the limited effectiveness of natural ventilation in maintaining acceptable indoor air quality under real operational scenarios in educational buildings located in regions with hot climatic conditions.