Abstract
Inexpensive aerosol sensors have been considered as a complementary option to address the issue of expensive but low spatial coverage air quality monitoring networks. However, the accuracy and response characteristics of these sensors is poorly documented. In this study, inexpensive Shinyei PPD42NS and PPD60PV sensors were evaluated using a novel laboratory evaluation method. A continuously changing monodisperse size distribution of particles was generated using a Vibrating Orifice Aerosol Generator. Furthermore, the laboratory results were validated in a field experiment. The laboratory tests showed that both of the sensors responded to particulate mass (PM) concentration stimulus, rather than number concentration. The highest detection efficiency for the PPD42NS was within particle size range of 2.5–4 µm, and the respective optimal size range for the PPD60PV was 0.7–1 µm. The field test yielded high PM correlations (R2 = 0.962 and R2 = 0.986) for viable detection ranges of 1.6–5 and 0.3–1.6 µm, when compared to a medium cost optical dust monitor. As the size distribution of atmospheric particles tends to be bimodal, it is likely that indicatively valid results could be obtained for the PM10–2.5 size fraction (particulate mass in size range 2.5–10 µm) with the PPD42NS sensor. Respectively, the PPD60PV could possibly be used to measure the PM2.5 size fraction (particulate mass in size below 2.5 µm).
Highlights
Mapping of spatial distribution of particulate matter (PM) concentrations requires high resolution monitoring networks
As the size distribution of atmospheric particles tends to be bimodal, it is likely that indicatively valid results could be obtained for the PM10–2.5 size fraction with the
2008/50/EC of the European Union proposes two different uncertainty levels for particulate mass (PM) monitoring devices; 25% for continuous and 50% for indicative monitoring devices [1]. It is worth considering if PM concentrations could be measured with cheaper and more versatile methods, which would still adhere to the indicative measurement uncertainty limit
Summary
Mapping of spatial distribution of particulate matter (PM) concentrations requires high resolution monitoring networks. 2008/50/EC of the European Union proposes two different uncertainty levels for PM monitoring devices; 25% for continuous and 50% for indicative monitoring devices [1] According to this directive, it is worth considering if PM concentrations could be measured with cheaper and more versatile methods, which would still adhere to the indicative measurement uncertainty limit. The generated light scattering signal is filtered and amplified by the electronics, and an analogue voltage or pulse width modulation is used to interpret the measured conditions This simple design can be achieved with a relatively few number of parts, which presumably is the main reason for the inexpensiveness. Resulting from the simple design, majority of the aftermarket sensors have low power consumption and are handheld regarding their physical size This makes them attractive applications for monitoring networks [10]
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