Open-source Internet of Things (IoT)-based air pollution monitoring system with protective case for tropical environments

Abstract

In recent years, the escalation of industrial activities has significantly increased natural resource pollution, with air pollution becoming a major cause of diseases affecting living organisms. To address this critical environmental challenge, this study proposes a comprehensive air pollution monitoring system utilizing advanced technological instruments based on the Internet of Things (IoT). The system’s primary objective is to provide precise, rapid, and efficient measurements, enabling detailed examinations of pollutant behaviors and facilitating data dissemination. The system includes a monitoring station equipped with sensors to measure ambient temperature, relative humidity, and concentrations of pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), suspended particles (PM2.5, PM10), and ozone (O3). Additionally, it captures meteorological variables like wind speed, wind direction, and precipitation, allowing a nuanced analysis of their correlation with air pollutants. The collected data are transmitted via the Internet and visualized on a user-friendly platform accessible from any internet-enabled device. A protective case, designed with SolidWorks CAD software and fabricated using 3D printing, was validated through simulations for extreme conditions to ensures the system’s robustness in tropical climates. The cost-effective, low-energy system offers a scalable solution for monitoring air pollution, advancing understanding of pollutant behaviors, and supporting environmental management.