The future of air quality monitoring: advancing low-cost sensor technology

The role of low-cost sensors in air quality monitoring

Traditional air quality monitoring relies on large, expensive, and infrastructure-heavy reference stations.

While these systems provide highly accurate data, their costs and logistical requirements limit the number of monitoring sites. This makes it difficult to capture the full complexity of air pollution. Particularly in developing regions.

Low-cost sensors offer a promising alternative.

These portable, affordable devices enable denser monitoring networks. They provide high-resolution spatial and temporal data.

However, their accuracy and reliability can vary, making standardization and validation critical.

Developing a code of practice

Recognizing the need for a structured approach, NPL worked with DEFRA and the British Standards Institution (BSI) to develop PAS 4023, a code of practice for low-cost air quality sensors.

This guide provides practical recommendations on sensor selection, deployment, and quality assurance. It ensures that data collected from these sensors meets scientifically robust standards.

One of the key takeaways from the lecture is the importance of calibration.

The experts demonstrated how colocating sensors with reference stations can correct discrepancies and improve accuracy.

They also highlighted the role of traceability - ensuring that sensor data can be compared reliably across different locations and timeframes.

Challenges and future directions

Despite their benefits, low-cost sensors still face challenges. These include signal drift over time, sensitivity to environmental conditions, and variability between different sensors.

The lecture explores ongoing research into improving calibration methods, such as network-wide corrections and machine learning approaches.

The discussion also touched on the evolving regulatory landscape.

While PAS 4023 provides an essential framework, further work is needed to integrate low-cost sensors into official air quality monitoring networks.

The eventual goal is to develop standardized procedures. These will allow sensors to complement - rather than replace - traditional reference stations.

Why watch the lecture?

For those involved in environmental monitoring, public health, or smart city initiatives, this lecture is an invaluable resource.

It provides a comprehensive overview of the state of low-cost air quality sensors, their potential, and the steps needed to ensure reliable data collection.

Watch the full lecture on demand to gain deeper insights into the science behind sensor technology, best practices for deployment, and the future of air quality monitoring.

Whether you're a researcher, policymaker, or industry professional, this session will equip you with the knowledge to harness low-cost sensors effectively.