Analysis of the Academic Performance of the Students of Tertiary Level on Consumption of Excess CO2: A Case Study on Advanced Technological Institute of Batticaloa

Clean breathing plays a huge role in our healthy well-being. When we inhale polluted air, it causes numerous unhealthy conditions for people. Indoor air is polluted by several factors, in which carbon dioxide (CO₂) plays a huge role. CO₂ and bio-effluents are natural products of human metabolism, but high CO₂ levels can result in unhealthy symptoms such as sore throat, irritated nose/sinus, combined mucous membranes, tight chest, wheezing, and low performance in academic activities. In a closed room where most people sleep (especially middle- and poor-class families) on the floor without using a bed, there is a high possibility of inhaling a high amount of CO₂. Ventilation is important to expel indoor-generated pollutants from indoor air or reduce their concentration to satisfactory levels. But ventilation and excess CO₂ are significant challenges to those who are middle-class and poor. The purpose of this study is to suggest a bearable ventilation solution to the students who are suffering from respiratory diseases due to excessive CO₂ and help them achieve good academic performance. For this research study, a stratified sampling method is used to analyze the collected data. Advanced Technological Institute (ATI) Batticaloa, functioning under the Sri Lanka Advanced Technological Institute (SLIATE), is the geographical boundary for this research study. The population for this study includes the students who had low academic performance in the Advanced Technological Institute (ATI) Batticaloa. Initially, the simple random sampling method is applied for selecting 100 samples from the proposed population using secondary data (results published by the Exam Department-SLIATE). Then, 30 samples were selected among 100 samples for our study based on the following criteria using a closed questionnaire: Students should have pulmonary disease; families in which more than three occupants are sleeping together; the bedrooms of their families have very little or no ventilation. Thereafter, an automated ventilation system was fixed inside their bedrooms. The academic performance of the same students was re-examined after ensuring that their health was properly maintained. The analysis of exam results indicated an overall improvement in students' post-test GPA (Grade Point Average) compared to their pre-test GPA, with varying degrees of improvement among individual students. Statistical analysis using the paired t-test confirmed a statistically significant mean difference in GPA, supporting the hypothesis that the Purifying indoor air polluted by excess CO₂ does have a positive effect on students’ academic performance. The study concludes that the purification of indoor air polluted by excess CO₂ has a positive impact on students' academic performance. By reducing CO₂ concentration and improving indoor air quality, students' focus, activeness, and overall academic performance can be enhanced. The study highlights the significance of affordable and accessible ventilation solutions in creating healthier and more conducive learning environments.