Low-Cost Sensors for Air Quality Monitoring - the Current State of the Technology and a Use Overview

Abstract

In recent years the monitoring of air quality using cheap sensors has become an interesting alternative to conventional analytical techniques. Apart from vast price differences conventional techniques need to be performed by the trained personnel of commercial or research laboratories. Sensors capable of measuring dust, ozone, nitrogen and sulphur oxides, or other air pollutants are relatively simple electronic devices, which are comparable in size to a mobile phone. They provide the general public with the possibility to monitor air quality which can contribute to various projects that differ in regional scale, commercial funding or community-base. In connection with the low price of sensors arises the question of the quality of measured data. This issue is addressed by a number of studies focused on comparing the sensor data with the data of reference measurements. Sensory measurement is influenced by the monitored analyte, type and design of the particular sensor, as well as by the measurement conditions. Currently sensor networks serve as an additional source of information to the network of air quality monitoring stations, where the density of the network provides concentration trends in the area that may exceed specific measured values of pollutant concentrations and low uncertainty of reference measurements. The constant development of all types of sensors is leading to improvements and the difference in data quality between sensors and conventional monitoring techniques may be reduced.

Can Air Quality Gas Sensors Be Used for Emission Monitoring of Small-Scale Local Air Pollution Sources? Pilot Test Evaluation

“…Therefore, at higher dilution (factors 1000× and 100×), the correlation of NO sensors and reference method can be assessed as very good. The behavior of NO sensors in emission measurements resembles the behavior of NO 2 sensors in emission measurement: the individual concentration values are dispersed, but the averaged values are usable [4]. The Alphasense NO-B4 sensor could be applicable for flue gas measurement.…”

“…The aim was to outline the basic features of such a device using low-cost sensors (LCSs) that are the same as or similar to those used in ambient or indoor air quality monitoring. The employment of LCSs in air quality monitoring started the so-called citizen science-driven interest of laymen in air quality monitoring [4]. LCS-based instruments are available both as commercial products and do-it-yourself plans (overview presented in [4]).…”

“…The employment of LCSs in air quality monitoring started the so-called citizen science-driven interest of laymen in air quality monitoring [4]. LCS-based instruments are available both as commercial products and do-it-yourself plans (overview presented in [4]). Thus, it remains to be seen whether an assumption can be drawn that if (at least some) boiler users obtained a low-cost exhaust quality tool, it may lead to increased awareness of exhaust quality, which subsequently could mean an improved control of the combustion process, more effective use of the heaters, and an improvement of air quality as a long-term goal.…”

Air quality management status and needs of countries in South Asia and Southeast Asia

“…Common techniques used in the LCS are summarised byBucek, Maršolek, and Bılek (2021). , the Philippines, and the Maldives, where the population is scattered and live on many islands, these countries may choose to establish the number of AAQMS based on the population size living on a specific island rather than based on the whole coun-…”