Air Quality Microsensors: An Essential Resource for Environmental Monitoring

October 8, 2024
Air quality micro-sensors: an essential resource for environmental monitoring

Table of contents

Over the last decade, advancements in air quality microsensor technology have revolutionised the way atmospheric pollution is measured and analysed. These devices have gained importance not only due to their affordability and accessibility but also because of their ability to complement and extend the official air quality monitoringControlling air quality is an essential task in order to enjoy optimal environmental conditions for healthy human development and to keep the environment i...
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networksAir quality monitoring networks consist of an organised system of monitoring stations distributed across various locations to measure and assess air pollut...
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, which have traditionally been more expensive and complex to implement.

Advantages of Microsensors in Outdoor Air Quality Measurement

With their compact design and versatility, microsensors enable continuous real-time monitoring of key pollutants such as NO2, PM10, PM2.5, and VOCs, among others. Some of the key advantages include:

  • Lower Costs: Technological advancements have made these devices more affordable, facilitating the creation of more extensive monitoring networks.
  • Ease of Deployment: Being lighter and easier to install than traditional stations, microsensors are an attractive option for both urban and rural settings, as well as industrial locations, ports, and construction sites.
  • Flexibility for Measurement Campaigns: Microsensors can be used for both temporary and permanent studies, making them ideal for urban or industrial projects where reference stations are either difficult or costly to implement.

These devices have also enabled monitoring in areas that were previously hard to reach, such as rural locations or regions far from urban centres lacking network coverage.

IoT device for air quality monitoring

IoT device for air quality monitoring

Challenges and Technological Improvements of Microsensors

Despite their many advantages, early microsensors faced challenges that limited their adoption, particularly in outdoor environments:

  • Weather Conditions: The absence of heated air lines in some sensors impacted the accuracy of measurements, as climatic conditions could interfere with the data collected.
  • Communication Complexity: In remote or rural areas, the lack of wireless communications hindered real-time data transmission.
  • Calibration Issues: The lack of reference data, sensor degradation, or irregular maintenance protocols led to deviations in measurements over time.
  • Detection Limits: Early microsensors struggled to detect low concentrations of certain pollutants, such as NO₂.

However, a new generation of microsensors has overcome many of these challenges. Nowadays, these sensors are more accurate, less susceptible to weather instability, and easier to deploy across various outdoor environments. Additionally, advances in air metrology technology have allowed for the integration of more complex algorithms that improve the quality and accuracy of the collected data.

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Complement to Official Monitoring Networks

While microsensors provide indicative measurements, they cannot fully replace traditional monitoring stations in terms of precision. However, their capacity to complement official networks is undeniable. Before starting a measurement campaign, it is advisable to compare microsensors with reference stations to ensure the quality and consistency of the data, whenever possible. Alternatively, it’s recommended to use sensors that have demonstrated their accuracy and reliability through various co-location studies with reference stations, or that have been evaluated by independent organisations.

For instance, in Paris, microsensors have been installed to continuously measure PM10 and PM2.5 particles at Place de la Concorde, with comparisons carried out at the Airparif station on the Champs-Élysées. This combination of technologies ensures better data interpretation, particularly in high-traffic areas or urban development projects. Similarly, it is relatively easy to access inter-comparative studies between various manufacturers and reference stations, as offered by organisations like AQ-Spec (Air Quality SensorMeasuring air quality is essential for improving human and environmental health. Changes in the natural composition of the air we breathe are common in ind...
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Performance Evaluation Center), Airparif (responsible for air quality monitoring in the Paris region), Sedema (Mexico City’s Environmental Secretariat), Ricardo (a global consultancy offering strategic, environmental, and engineering solutions), NILU (Norwegian Institute of Air Research), or the US EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency), among others.

Practical and Future Applications of Microsensors

Microsensors have proven to be useful in a wide range of applications:

  • Monitoring Around Industrial Plants, Construction Sites, or Mines: These sensors are used to measure emissions during production processes or critical phases of construction, such as demolition or earthmoving.
  • Urban Development Projects: Their portability makes them an excellent option for monitoring in areas where traditional stations would be difficult to implement or where a higher spatial resolution of measurements is required.
  • Monitoring Air Quality at Temporary Events: During specific campaigns at events or in areas with high pollution levels, microsensors allow for real-time data collection to enable quick decision-making.

With growing interest in IoT devices, the use of microsensors is also expanding at both citizen and industrial levels, providing a more detailed and widespread real-time view of air quality.

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The Future of Microsensors

As microsensors continue to improve, their adoption in outdoor air quality monitoring is increasing. However, the lack of standardisation and regulatory recognition remains a challenge. Initiatives like Airparif’s “AIRLAB Microsensor Challenge,” the MCERTS certification, or the INERIS/LNE certification project are driving the development of these devices. At the same time, their growing use is fostering the creation of standards that will allow for more widespread and reliable application.

In conclusion, air quality microsensors have evolved significantly, establishing themselves as an essential tool for environmental monitoring. Their ability to complement official networks and offer more economical and flexible solutions, combined with the high reliability of their data, points to a promising future for global air quality control.