Case Study: Air Quality Monitoring System Using Arduino
Introduction
Air pollution is becoming a bigger issue, especially in cities and industrial areas, and it’s
affecting our health and the environment. Keeping an eye on air quality in real-time can help
everyone, from individuals to authorities, take the right steps to stay safe. In this case study,
we’ll look at how a school used an Air Quality Monitoring System built with Arduino and gas
sensors to create a healthier space for students and staff.
Background Information:
Many schools are situated near busy streets or industrial areas, where pollution from cars and
factories can really hurt air quality. Poor air quality can lead to respiratory problems,
allergies, and even make it hard for students to focus. The traditional air monitoring systems
out there can be pretty pricey and aren’t usually an option for smaller schools.
This project aimed to create a budget-friendly and reliable air quality monitoring system that
keeps tabs on pollution levels and sends out alerts when things get bad.
Problem Statement:
A lot of schools don’t have an affordable way to monitor air pollution. Being around
pollutants like carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and tiny particles (PM2.5)
can seriously affect health. Without real-time monitoring, students and teachers might be
exposed to harmful air conditions without even knowing it.
What’s needed is a cost-effective system that can:
- Detect harmful gases and tiny particles.
- Send out real-time air quality alerts.
- Help school officials take preventive actions.
Objectives
Create a system that constantly monitors air pollution levels.
Use low-cost gas sensors to track pollutants.
Provide real-time alerts when pollution levels go above safe limits.
Show air quality data on an LCD screen and send notifications through IoT.
Methodology
Choosing and Installing Sensors
MQ-135 Gas Sensor: Detects harmful gases like CO₂, NH₃, and benzene.
MQ-7 Sensor: Monitors carbon monoxide (CO) levels.
DHT11 Sensor: Measures temperature and humidity, which affect air quality.
LCD Display & LED Indicators: Provides real-time air quality updates with visual alerts.
Data Processing & Alert Mechanism
- The Arduino Uno gathers data from the sensors.
- An LCD display and LED indicators show real-time air quality.
- A Wi-Fi Module (ESP8266) sends data to a mobile app or cloud for remote
monitoring.
- A buzzer alert system goes off when pollution hits dangerous levels.
Integration of Visual & Digital Alerts
- Color-coded LED notifications: Green means good, yellow means moderate, and red means
poor.
- Mobile app notifications keep school administrators in the loop.
Working Principle:
The system continuously checks the air for pollutants using gas sensors. The Arduino
microcontroller processes these readings and figures out the Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.
1. Data Collection: Sensors pick up pollutants and send signals to the Arduino.
2. Processing & Analysis: The Arduino processes this data and checks it against safe limits.
3. Real-Time Alerts: If pollution exceeds safe levels, the system activates:
- LED and LCD warnings
- Buzzer sound alert
- Mobile notification through IoT
4. Preventive Measures: School officials can respond by limiting outdoor activities or using
air purifiers.
Sensors Used and Why ?
MQ-135: Detects carbon dioxide (CO₂), ammonia (NH₃), benzene, and smoke.
MQ-7: Measures carbon monoxide (CO) levels.
DHT11: Monitors temperature and humidity.
ESP8266 Wi-Fi Module: Sends air quality data to a mobile app for remote monitoring.
LCD Display & LED Indicators: Provides real-time air quality updates with visual alerts.
Analysis and Findings:
- The system effectively distinguished between clean and polluted air.
- Instant alerts were triggered when pollution levels spiked.
- Students and staff were informed when air quality dropped to unsafe levels.
- Real-time monitoring allowed school authorities to take quick action, like limiting outdoor
activities.
Discussion
This Air Quality Monitoring System fills the gap between pricey professional air monitors
and the need for affordable air quality tracking. With Arduino and low-cost sensors, schools
and small communities can now keep an eye on air pollution effectively.
By providing real-time alerts, this system helps protect kids from being exposed to poor air
quality for too long, reducing the risks of respiratory issues.
Advantages of This System:
Cost-Effective: Uses budget-friendly hardware components.
User-Friendly: Simple LCD and LED indicators make it easy to understand.
Real-Time Alerts: Helps prevent prolonged exposure to bad air quality.
Scalability: Can be integrated with smart city solutions.
Recommendations:
- Connect to a mobile app for remote monitoring.
- Use AI-based data analysis to predict air pollution trends.
- Integrate with ventilation systems for automatic air purification.
- Expand coverage by installing multiple units in different school zones.
Conclusion:
The Air Quality Monitoring System using Arduino has made a real difference in improving
air safety on the school campus. By providing real-time pollution alerts, it ensures that
students and teachers aren’t unknowingly exposed to harmful air conditions.
This system is a cost-effective and scalable solution that schools, offices, and urban areas can
implement to keep track of pollution and protect public health.
