Smog monitor shows long-term high accuracy possible with lower cost air quality sensors

Aeroqual, a leader in air monitoring innovation, has today released long-term field test data for its newest product. The AQS 1 measures ozone and PM2.5 in a compact fully-integrated monitor that can be deployed in high numbers to map smog across a wide area.

Now commercially available worldwide, the AQS 1 is aimed at environmental agencies and researchers who want to better understand smog formation and distribution. PM2.5 and ozone are the key ingredients of photochemical smog and their health effects are well documented. To date, mapping smog has been difficult because of the high cost and large size of traditional air monitoring equipment.

The AQS 1 has been in long term field trials over 8 months at test sites in Zhejiang Province, China and Georgia, USA. Data revealed today shows very high correlation with US and China EPA-approved ‘reference’ methods. The AQS 1 ozone showed r² correlation of 95% in Zhejiang Province, China and 97% r² correlation in Georgia, USA. PM2.5 showed r² correlation of 73% in Zhejiang Province, China and 73% r² correlation in Georgia, USA.

Click here for full data from China; for USA test data click here.

The units were not field calibrated over the test period. The only maintenance carried out included one set of inlet filter changes and a flow check. AQS 1 data capture rates were above 99% and significantly higher than the reference instruments at the sites. The test data confirms the AQS 1 can generate accurate data for long periods with unattended operation.

Several recent articles – such as this one published in Nature – have highlighted the variable performance of sensor-based instruments. Long term field tests and open sharing of data are the best way to overcome valid concerns about data quality. The field data from the AQS 1 demonstrates Aeroqual’s commitment to transparency and a strong focus on data quality.

Dr Geoff Henshaw, Aeroqual CTO, says: “Aeroqual is sticking to our ‘measurement first’ approach. With cheap sensor products flooding the market we believe a focus on measurement quality is the best way to demonstrate the ability of such devices to help tackle real world pollution problems.”

Key features of the AQS 1 include:

• 1 ppb real-time detection of ozone using Aeroqual’s patented sensor technology
• Robust light-scattering nephelometer and PM2.5 sharp cut cyclone
• Ability to be field calibrated against Standard Reference Materials
• Extended operating range of -10°C to +45°C
• Cloud-based data acquisition and remote diagnostic software
• Compact and quick to set up (start measuring in <15 minutes)

Learn more on the Aeroqual website