Abstract
ABSTRACT High spatial resolution particulate matter measurements are necessary to accurately characterize urban air quality issues. This study investigates how sensors can be used in an urban area to complement existing air quality measurements. A measurement campaign was conducted during winter in Helsinki, Finland, where the performance of a custom-built optical instrument—the Prototype Aerosol Sensor (PAS; uses Shinyei PPD60PV and PPD42NS sensor modules)—and three commercial diffusion charging-based sensors (Pegasor AQ Urban, DiSCmini and Partector) was evaluated against reference instruments. The results showed that the PAS was able to measure the coarse (PM2.5-10; range: 0–400 µg m–3) and fine (PM2.5; range: 0–50 µg m–3) fractions with reasonably high correlations (R2 = 0.87 and 0.77) when compared to a gravimetric monitor. Likewise, the lung deposited surface area (LDSA) concentrations delivered by the three diffusion charging sensors indicated good performance (R2: 0.92–0.97) when compared to LDSA concentrations calculated from the size distribution data of the differential mobility particle sizer. A clear correlation (R2 = 0.77) between the black carbon and Pegasor-measured LDSA concentrations, as well as similar diurnal cycles, was observed, suggesting a common source. The optical sensors were useful for measuring the mass concentrations of coarse local particles. By contrast, the diffusion charging sensors were applicable in urban environments, where ultrafine particles from traffic or other local combustion sources affect air quality.
Highlights
Particulate matter (PM) poses health risks to citizens (Brook et al, 2010; Bernard et al, 2001; Bernstein et al, 2008; Chen et al, 2012)
A field measurement campaign was conducted to demonstrate the viability of the custom built optical Prototype Aerosol Sensor (PAS) as well as of three commercial diffusion charging sensors in an urban traffic environment
The correlations between the mass concentrations measured by the reference instrument and those measured by the PAS were fairly good (R2 = 0.77 and 0.87 for PM2.5 and PM2.5-10, respectively), indicating that this low-cost sensor can be useful in complementary monitoring
Summary
Particulate matter (PM) poses health risks to citizens (Brook et al, 2010; Bernard et al, 2001; Bernstein et al, 2008; Chen et al, 2012). In order to reduce PM exposure, detailed understanding of the spatial and temporal distribution of PM concentrations is required. The development of high resolution air quality monitoring networks is currently constrained mainly by the high cost of the standardized monitoring instruments (Rai et al, 2017). Additional to high unit cost, unfavorable characteristics. The proposal of using low-cost sensors as complementing units in existing air quality monitoring networks has been previously discussed in several studies (Rajasegarar et al, 2014; Heimann et al, 2015; Kumar et al, 2015; Castell et al, 2017). Due to the low cost of a sensor, spatial distribution of sparse air quality monitoring networks could be intensified and expanded in a cost-efficient manner. Compact size and low energy consumption would allow independent and wireless operation in locations where convenient measuring
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
