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PM2.5 concentration is measured using both traditional and new technologies. The conventional gravimetric method is the reference standard, but it is slow and expensive. Newer, more efficient techniques include Optical Spectroscopy, Laser Scattering, and the Beta Attenuation Monitor (BAM). These new technologies are more affordable and provide real-time measurements, which is crucial since PM2.5 pollution caused approximately 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide in 2019. Companies like Ambee combine satellite remote imagery and low-cost on-ground sensors with AI to give granular, city-wide air quality data.
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Air quality impacts both our health and the environment, making it a topic of significant concern and study. Air pollution, caused by various natural and human activities, has become a pressing global issue, and understanding it in depth is vital in safeguarding our planet and ensuring a healthier future for generations to come. One of the major contributing factors to poor air quality is PM2.5.
Particulate Matter (PM) is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. PM2.5 is a type of PM that is 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter. These particles are so small that they can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause various health problems, including respiratory infections, heart disease, and cancer.
Outdoor air pollution, including PM2.5, was responsible for approximately 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide in 2019. With more than 90% of the world’s population living in places where the WHO air quality guidelines levels were not met, it is now more important than ever to measure PM2.5 and other pollutants.
Some benefits include–
In this blog, we will cover the different methods of measuring PM2.5 and discuss why it is now more important than ever to involve modern technologies in this process.
The conventional way of measuring PM2.5 is to use a reference method called the gravimetric method. This method involves collecting PM2.5 particles on a filter and then weighing the filter to determine the concentration of PM2.5. The gravimetric method is accurate but it is also tedious, time-consuming, and expensive, making it an inefficient method.
In recent years, several new technologies have been developed for measuring PM2.5. These technologies are more affordable and more accessible to use than the gravimetric method.
One of the most promising new technologies for measuring PM2.5 is optical spectroscopy. Optical spectroscopy uses light to measure the size and concentration of PM2.5 particles. Optical spectroscopy is accurate and fast, and it can be used to measure PM2.5 in real time.
Another promising new technology for measuring PM2.5 is laser scattering. Laser scattering uses a laser beam to measure the size and concentration of PM2.5 particles. Laser scattering is accurate and fast, and it can be used to measure PM2.5 in real time.
The Beta Attenuation Monitor (BAM) is a widely used method for measuring airborne particulate matter (PM) concentrations, specifically focusing on PM2.5 and PM10. The BAM measurement method is based on the principle of beta attenuation, which involves the attenuation (reduction) of beta radiation as it passes through a filter loaded with particulate matter.
The beta radiation source used in the BAM is typically a radioactive isotope, such as promethium-147 (Pm-147), which emits beta particles.
The BAM method provides continuous real-time measurements of PM2.5 concentrations, allowing for near-instantaneous data availability. It is widely used and recognized as a standard method for regulatory compliance monitoring and research purposes.
One of the most interesting modern methods is particulate testing. Particulate testing is the process of measuring the concentration of particulate matter in a given environment. Particulate matter is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air. It can be generated from various sources, including combustion, industrial processes, and natural sources such as dust and pollen.
Several different methods for particulate testing include:
Newer methods for particulate testing include:
The choice of particulate testing method depends on many factors, including the size of the particles to be measured, the concentration of particulate matter in the air, and the desired accuracy of the results.
There are a number of benefits to using new technologies to measure PM2.5.
Traditional methods for tracking air pollution have remained the same since the 1900s, which can be seen as outdated and inefficient. These methods are not scalable and only cover a minimal portion of a city, leaving the majority unmonitored. Despite these limitations, governments are compelled to utilize this technology due to a need for alternatives.
At Ambee, we combine data from on-ground sensors, remote imagery from satellites, and other sources. Our proprietary models measure, process, and analyze data from over a dozen sources, processing many terabytes of data every day.
We also provide sensors to monitor city-wide air quality and emission levels. These devices use use low-cost sensors for continuous AQ monitoring. These sensors work on the Non-Dispersive Infra-Red (NDIR) principle, widely accepted as the industry standard at this level. Ambee’s sensors are extremely reliable, as proven in tests and real-world scenarios, with uptime for all the devices at approximately 98.8%.
Learn more about Ambee’s IoT-Enabled sensor network here.
To derive meaningful insights, we employ our proprietary artificial intelligence and sophisticated data science and analytics methodologies. By harnessing the power of these technologies, we can generate air quality data at a granular level, precisely pinpointing air pollution information down to individual zip codes.
This enables us to provide a comprehensive and accurate representation of air quality, empowering governments and communities to make informed decisions and take necessary actions to address air pollution issues.
We use globally valid data that follows US EPA standards to provide relevant recommendations.
As we know, new technologies are revolutionizing how we measure PM2.5 due to their affordability and ease of use. As a result, they are making it possible for more people to measure PM2.5, which can help to improve air quality monitoring and protect public health.
The help of technologies like air quality sensors and a combination of different methods to generate one highly accurate dataset to measure PMs is the best way forward for the betterment of human and planetary health. This can help reduce outdoor air pollution and initiate indoor air quality measurement for a safer future.
