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Comparison of the field performances of multiple low-cost particulate matter sensors in an urban area

Comparison of the field performances of multiple low-cost particulate matter sensors in an urban area
Comparison of the field performances of multiple low-cost particulate matter sensors in an urban area
Introduction: Exposure to particulate matter (PM) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Understanding personal exposure requires higher spatial resolution than provided by a small number of reference stations. “Low-cost” PM sensors may provide an opportunity to improve spatial resolution of PM monitoring, but there are uncertainties regarding the reliability of their data. The aim of this work was to characterise the in-field performance of four models of low-cost PM sensor.

Methods: Six air quality monitoring boxes, each containing one of each of four models of PM sensor (Plantower PMS5003, Plantower PMS7003, Alphasense OPC-N2 and Honeywell HPMA115S0), and temperature and relative humidity sensors, were installed at three locations at each of two schools in Southampton between February and September 2018. Sensor performance was assessed by comparing reported PM concentrations (1Hz, n=500,000 readings per individual sensor) between sensors within the same box, across sites, and with a background reference station. Effects of PM concentration and meteorological factors on sensor performance are discussed.

Results: PM10/PM2.5 correlation varied between sensor models, suggesting different methods of determination. Agreement of sensor readings with background reference concentrations varied with levels of background pollution, relative humidity, months and wind direction.

Conclusions: We have observed substantial variation between models of sensors and suitable agreement between the sensors but also with the reference station. Improved understanding of factors influencing sensor performance will inform interpretation of data from deployment of further monitors as part of a forthcoming city-wide PM-monitoring network
Bulot, Florentin
47870de2-3ba2-4425-b07a-16ce48ee3956
Bulot, Florentin
47870de2-3ba2-4425-b07a-16ce48ee3956

Bulot, Florentin (2018) Comparison of the field performances of multiple low-cost particulate matter sensors in an urban area. MAA 2018 - Developments in Air Quality: Current Issues and New Technologies, The Royal Society of Chemistry Burlington House, London, United Kingdom. 11 - 12 Dec 2018.

Record type: Conference or Workshop Item (Poster)

Abstract

Introduction: Exposure to particulate matter (PM) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Understanding personal exposure requires higher spatial resolution than provided by a small number of reference stations. “Low-cost” PM sensors may provide an opportunity to improve spatial resolution of PM monitoring, but there are uncertainties regarding the reliability of their data. The aim of this work was to characterise the in-field performance of four models of low-cost PM sensor.

Methods: Six air quality monitoring boxes, each containing one of each of four models of PM sensor (Plantower PMS5003, Plantower PMS7003, Alphasense OPC-N2 and Honeywell HPMA115S0), and temperature and relative humidity sensors, were installed at three locations at each of two schools in Southampton between February and September 2018. Sensor performance was assessed by comparing reported PM concentrations (1Hz, n=500,000 readings per individual sensor) between sensors within the same box, across sites, and with a background reference station. Effects of PM concentration and meteorological factors on sensor performance are discussed.

Results: PM10/PM2.5 correlation varied between sensor models, suggesting different methods of determination. Agreement of sensor readings with background reference concentrations varied with levels of background pollution, relative humidity, months and wind direction.

Conclusions: We have observed substantial variation between models of sensors and suitable agreement between the sensors but also with the reference station. Improved understanding of factors influencing sensor performance will inform interpretation of data from deployment of further monitors as part of a forthcoming city-wide PM-monitoring network

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More information

Published date: 11 December 2018
Venue - Dates: MAA 2018 - Developments in Air Quality: Current Issues and New Technologies, The Royal Society of Chemistry Burlington House, London, United Kingdom, 2018-12-11 - 2018-12-12

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Local EPrints ID: 433060
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/433060
PURE UUID: 3843ee99-285c-4eb3-a4ab-5c915a4016f5

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Date deposited: 07 Aug 2019 16:30
Last modified: 22 Jul 2022 22:57

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Author: Florentin Bulot

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