Developing of Low-Cost Air Pollution Sensor-Measurements with the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Poland.

Sławomir Pochwała,Arkadiusz Gardecki,Stanisław Anweiler,Piotr Lewandowski,Viola Somogyi

doi:10.3390/s20123582

Sławomir Pochwała, Arkadiusz Gardecki + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/s20123582

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Abstract

This article presents the capabilities and selected measurement results from the newly developed low-cost air pollution measurement system mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The system is designed and manufactured by the authors and is intended to facilitate, accelerate, and ensure the safety of operators when measuring air pollutants. It allows the creation of three-dimensional models and measurement visualizations, thanks to which it is possible to observe the location of leakage of substances and the direction of air pollution spread by various types of substances. Based on these models, it is possible to create area audits and strategies for the elimination of pollution sources. Thanks to the usage of a multi-socket microprocessor system, the combination of nine different air quality sensors can be installed in a very small device. The possibility of simultaneously measuring several different substances has been achieved at a very low cost for building the sensor unit: 70 EUR. The very small size of this device makes it easy and safe to mount it on a small drone (UAV). Because of this device, many harmful chemical compounds such as ammonia, hexane, benzene, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide, as well as flammable substances such as hydrogen and methane, can be detected. Additionally, a very important function is the ability to perform measurements of PM2.5 and PM10 suspended particulates. Thanks to the use of UAV, the measurement is carried out remotely by the operator, which allows us to avoid the direct exposure of humans to harmful factors. A big advantage is the quick measurement of large spaces, at different heights above the ground, in different weather conditions. Because of the three-dimensional positioning from GPS receiver, users can plot points and use colors reflecting a concentration of measured features to better visualize the air pollution. A human-friendly data output can be used to determine the mostly hazardous regions of the sampled area.

Highlights

The Earth itself introduces a certain amount of pollution into the atmosphere as a result of various natural phenomena, but human activities are adding to this pollution by releasing more dangerous tiny particles and gases into the Earth’s atmosphere [1]
The pursuit of sustainable development gradually introduces more and more problems related to climate change [5,6]
It contributes to global warming along with degradation in human health, ecosystem health, and local and global sustainable development [7]

Summary

Introduction

The Earth itself introduces a certain amount of pollution into the atmosphere as a result of various natural phenomena, but human activities are adding to this pollution by releasing more dangerous tiny particles (aerosols) and gases into the Earth’s atmosphere [1]. The growing global consumption of energy and goods accelerates the depletion of non-renewable resources and increases environmental pollution [3]. The pursuit of sustainable development gradually introduces more and more problems related to climate change [5,6]. Air pollution caused by energy generation and consumption is both a global and local issue. It contributes to global warming along with degradation in human health, ecosystem health, and local and global sustainable development [7]. Its effect is amplified by terrain shape and profile. This is a vital issue, especially for industrialized urban conglomerates [8]

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