Real-Time Air Quality Monitoring: A Smart IoT System Using Low-Cost Sensors and 3-D Printing

Abstract

This project developed a portable air quality station housed in a 3D-printed enclosure, designed to streamline data sampling and minimize material use in laboratory settings. With health concerns related to specific gases and particulates, especially for vulnerable populations such as asthmatics and children, this innovation has significant potential for improving public health. The importance of indoor ventilation has been underscored by COVID-19, which is primarily transmitted through airborne particles, highlighting the need for efficient monitoring and risk reduction strategies. The station utilizes open-source Python software, with a Raspberry Pi as the core data collection and storage unit, interfacing with various sensors via GPIO, serial, and I2C connections. The modular design of the device allows users to customize measurements and focus on specific pollutants. Validation through end-user testing confirmed the system’s effectiveness and usability in practical settings. The portable setup offers a cost-effective solution for building air quality networks that address the needs of vulnerable groups. The module demonstrated a high reliability rate of 95.30% in detecting common pollutants, validated through CO2 monitoring in classrooms (with a 90.47% reliability compared to commercial devices) and outdoor air quality assessments (with an 85.63% reliability rate.