FINAL SEMESTER PROJECT REPORT

Project Title: Outdoor Air Quality Monitor

Project By: Ubaid Ahmed

Supervised By: Sir Abid Hussain

Submitted To: Sir Abid Hussain

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Contents
Abstract................................................................................................................................................... 5

1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 6

1.1 Background and Motivation ....................................................................................................... 6

1.2 Importance of Air Quality Monitoring ......................................................................................... 7

1.3 Air Quality Management in Pakistan ........................................................................................... 8

1.4 Types of Monitors Selling In Pakistan : ...................................................................................... 10

1.5 Recent Initiatives and Trends .................................................................................................... 10

1.6 Challenges and Opportunities................................................................................................... 11

1.7 Project Objectives .................................................................................................................... 11

1.8 Scope and Limitations .............................................................................................................. 11

Report Structure: ............................................................................................................................... 12

2. Literature Review ........................................................................................................................... 12

2.1 History of Air Quality Monitoring ............................................................................................. 12

2.2 Traditional Monitoring Systems ................................................................................................ 12

2.3 Emergence of Low-Cost Monitors ............................................................................................. 12

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 2.4 Sensor Technologies Used ........................................................................................................ 13

2.4.1 NDIR Sensors ................................................................................................................... 13

2.4.2 Optical Particle Counters .................................................................................................. 13

2.5 Research and Development ...................................................................................................... 13

2.6 Future Trends........................................................................................................................... 13

2.7 Summary ................................................................................................................................. 14

3. Hardware Components and Design ................................................................................................. 14

3.1 PMS5003 Particulate Matter Sensor.......................................................................................... 14

Key Features: .................................................................................................................................. 14

Working Principle: .......................................................................................................................... 14

3.2 Senseair S8 CO₂ Sensor ............................................................................................................. 15

Key Features: .................................................................................................................................. 15

Working Principle: .......................................................................................................................... 16

3.3 ESP32 WROOM32 Microcontroller ............................................................................................ 17

Key Features: .................................................................................................................................. 17

Working Principle: .......................................................................................................................... 18

4. Software Design and Arduino IDE .................................................................................................... 19

4.1 Development Environment....................................................................................................... 19

4.2 Sensor Integration.................................................................................................................... 19

4.3 Data Processing and Display ..................................................................................................... 20

4.4 Web Server Interface................................................................................................................ 20

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 4.5 Full Code:................................................................................................................................. 20

5. System Implementation .................................................................................................................. 20

5.1 Hardware Assembly ................................................................................................................. 20

5.2 Circuit Diagram ........................................................................................................................ 21

5.3 Software Deployment .............................................................................................................. 23

5.4 Webpage and Wi-Fi Access ....................................................................................................... 23

6. Results and Discussion .................................................................................................................... 23

6.1 Field Testing ............................................................................................................................. 23

6.2 Data Reliability ........................................................................................................................ 26

6.3 Challenges Faced...................................................................................................................... 26

6.4 Advantages of the System ........................................................................................................ 26

6.5 Limitations............................................................................................................................... 26

7. Conclusion and Future Work ........................................................................................................... 26

7.1 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................... 26

7.2 Future Work ............................................................................................................................ 27

8. References ..................................................................................................................................... 27

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Abstract
This report presents the design and development of a low-cost, real-time

outdoor air quality monitoring system. The system measures key pollutants,

including PM1.0, PM2.5, PM10, and CO₂, using a PMS5003 particulate matter

sensor and a Senseair S8 CO₂ sensor. An ESP32 WROOM32 microcontroller

processes the sensor data and hosts a local web server, enabling users to view

air quality readings via Wi-Fi in real time. Developed using the Arduino IDE,

the project emphasizes accessibility, affordability, and educational value. Field

tests in urban environments showed that the system could detect significant

variations in pollutant levels with reasonable accuracy. While not a replacement

for industrial-grade equipment, the system demonstrates the potential of lowcost

electronics in promoting environmental awareness and community-driven

monitoring solutions.

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1. Introduction
1.1 Background and Motivation
Air pollution is one of the most critical environmental challenges worldwide.

Rapid urbanization and industrial growth have significantly increased the

presence of harmful air pollutants, leading to severe health risks and

environmental degradation. According to the World Health Organization

(WHO), air pollution is responsible for approximately 7 million premature

deaths annually. In countries like Pakistan, industrial emissions, vehicle

exhaust, and inadequate waste management contribute substantially to

deteriorating air quality. Cities such as Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad

frequently report AQI values in the hazardous range.

This project aims to develop a cost-effective, accurate, and easily deployable

outdoor air quality monitoring system using readily available components and

open-source tools. It is designed for educational, environmental, and research

applications, offering real-time measurements of key pollutants such as PM1.0,

PM2.5, PM10, and CO₂.

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 1.2 Importance of Air Quality Monitoring
Air quality monitoring plays a vital role in:
• Detecting and quantifying airborne pollutants
• Evaluating public health risks
• Informing urban planning and environmental policy
• Raising awareness about environmental conditions
Accurate and accessible data empower communities and decision-makers to

take action against air pollution.

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1.3 Air Quality Management in Pakistan
• Current Situation:
Pakistan suffers from severe air pollution causing about 235,000
premature deaths annually, mainly due to PM2.5 and ozone from vehicles,

crop burning, industry, and household fuels.

• Policies and Governance:

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 In 2023, Pakistan launched the National Clean Air Policy (NCAP) and

Punjab Clean Air Plan (PbCAP) aiming to revise emission standards and

reduce pollution. However, these policies face criticism for relaxed

standards, weak legal backing, insufficient emission reduction focus, and

ignoring transboundary pollution. The Punjab Environmental Protection

Act 2023 enforces stricter bans on substandard fuels, polluting vehicles,

and open burning.

• Recommended Improvements:
Enhance nationwide air quality monitoring, tighten standards to

international levels, develop dynamic multi-level action plans, and adopt

emission load reduction strategies addressing local and cross-border

pollution.

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1.4 Types of Monitors Selling In Pakistan :
Device/Brand Pollutants Measured Features Applications

ECOMSMART PM1, PM2.5, PM10, Real-time, remote Smart cities,

(Ecomesure) O3, NOx, SO2, VOCs, control, GPS, industry, roads
CO2, others solar/battery powered

Device/Brand Pollutants Measured Features Applications

AQM 65 O3, NO2, CO, SO2, Near-reference, compact, Urban/industrial

VOCs, PM1, PM2.5, networked monitoring
noise, weather

Analytical Industrial SO2, NOx, CO, O3, Customizable, real-time Roadside, citywide,
Solutions (AIS) PM10, PM2.5, VOCs, & gravimetric industrial
BTEX, others

Portable Meters PM2.5, PM10, CO2, Affordable, portable Homes, schools,

(Uni-T, Lutron, TES) VOCs, gases (varies) spot checks

• Key Features:
Multi-pollutant detection, real-time data with remote access, GPS mapping, flexible

power options, and compliance with international standards.

• Market and Pricing:

Devices range from affordable handheld units (~Rs. 20,000) to advanced networked

stations (~Rs. 350,000+), serving government, industry, and research sectors.

1.5 Recent Initiatives and Trends

• Punjab’s $300 million World Bank-supported Clean Air Program (PCAP)

targets a 35% PM2.5 reduction by 2035 through electric buses, crop

burning controls, expanded monitoring, and fuel testing labs.

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 • Stricter enforcement against polluting vehicles and promotion of electric

motorcycles.

• Expansion of regulatory-grade monitoring networks in major cities like

Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad.

• Growing collaboration between government, private sector, and civil

society to modernize air quality governance and infrastructure.

1.6 Challenges and Opportunities

• Challenges:
Weak enforcement, fragmented standards, limited legal authority, insufficient

monitoring coverage, and high pollution in urban/industrial hotspots.

• Opportunities:
Adopt advanced multi-parameter monitors, strengthen regulatory frameworks,

integrate air quality data with smart city and health initiatives, and foster publicprivate

partnerships to enhance monitoring and mitigation efforts.

1.7 Project Objectives

• Develop a low-cost air quality monitoring device using PMS5003 and Senseair
S8 sensors
• Integrate sensors with the ESP32 WROOM32 microcontroller
• Program the system using the Arduino IDE
• Host a local webpage to display real-time data
• Store recent data to analyze short-term trends

1.8 Scope and Limitations

Scope:
• Monitor key outdoor air pollutants: CO₂, PM1.0, PM2.5, PM10
• Provide real-time data via Wi-Fi-enabled ESP32
• Display data on a locally hosted web page

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 Limitations:
• Not calibrated for hazardous or industrial environments
• Does not include cloud connectivity (subject to future work)
• Limited data storage capabilities

Report Structure:
The report comprises chapters covering literature review, system design
(hardware and software), implementation, results, conclusion, and future work.

Each section provides insights into the development and functioning of the

monitoring system.

2. Literature Review
2.1 History of Air Quality Monitoring
Air quality monitoring emerged in the mid-20th century in response to growing

pollution in industrial cities. Initially, it involved manual sampling and

laboratory analysis. With technological advances, automated real-time

monitoring became possible. Laws like the U.S. Clean Air Act (1970) further

accelerated the development of precise monitoring systems.

2.2 Traditional Monitoring Systems

Conventional systems use high-grade analyzers to detect gases like NO₂, SO₂,
CO, and O₃, and to measure particulate matter. These systems offer high

accuracy but are expensive and stationary, making them impractical for

widespread use in developing regions.

2.3 Emergence of Low-Cost Monitors

Recent technological progress has led to the availability of low-cost sensors

such as optical particle counters and NDIR CO₂ sensors. While they lack the

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 precision of laboratory-grade devices, they offer a scalable and affordable

method to gather actionable environmental data.

2.4 Sensor Technologies Used

2.4.1 NDIR Sensors
NDIR (Non-Dispersive Infrared) sensors, like the Senseair S8, detect carbon

dioxide by measuring IR light absorption by CO₂ molecules. These sensors are

valued for their low power consumption and high reliability, making them

suitable for indoor and outdoor applications.

2.4.2 Optical Particle Counters

The PMS5003 is an optical particle counter that uses laser scattering to detect

PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10. It draws air through a laser beam and measures the

scattered light to estimate particulate concentration. It is compact, responsive,

and well-suited to low-cost monitoring applications.

2.5 Research and Development

Many research initiatives and open-source projects have demonstrated the utility

of low-cost air monitoring systems:

• Luftdaten Project (Germany): Crowdsourced particulate data using SDS011

sensors

• OpenAQ: Aggregates air quality data globally for public access

• MIT CityAir: Mobile air quality sensors used for urban data visualization

2.6 Future Trends

Future developments will likely include:
• More compact and power-efficient sensors
• Enhanced calibration algorithms

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• Integration with IoT and cloud analytics
• Mobile deployment (e.g., on drones or vehicles)
• Use of AI and machine learning for predictive analysis

2.7 Summary
The field of low-cost air quality monitoring is evolving rapidly, driven by

innovations in sensor technology and data communication. This project

contributes to that evolution by implementing commercially available sensors

and a microcontroller to create a web-enabled monitoring system.

3. Hardware Components and Design

3.1 PMS5003 Particulate Matter Sensor
The PMS5003 sensor, developed by Plantower, detects PM1.0, PM2.5, and

PM10 concentrations in real time using laser scattering. As air is drawn through

the sensor, particles scatter a laser beam. A photodetector measures this

scattered light to determine particle concentration in µg/m³.

Key Features:
• Measures PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10
• UART communication (3.3V)
• Compact size and low power use
• Fast response and good sensitivity

Working Principle:
It senses particulates of various sizes (PM1, PM2. 5, PM10) from sources like

smoke, dust, pollen, metal and organic particles, and more. Plantower PMS5003

is a laser dust sensor. Sensor uses laser light scattering principle to measure

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 value of dust particles suspended in the air

3.2 Senseair S8 CO₂ Sensor

The Senseair S8 is a CO₂ sensor that utilizes NDIR technology for accurate CO₂

detection. It emits infrared light and measures how much is absorbed by CO₂

molecules in the sampled air.

Key Features:
• Accuracy: ±(30 ppm + 3% of reading)
• Range: 400 to 5000 ppm
• UART digital output
• Long operating life

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Working Principle:
The SenseAir S8 CO2 sensor uses non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) technology to

measure CO2 levels in the air. It works by shining infrared light through a

sample of air and detecting the amount of light absorbed by CO2 molecules.

The more CO2 present, the less infrared light is transmitted, allowing the sensor

to determine the CO2 concentration.

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 3.3 ESP32 WROOM32 Microcontroller
The ESP32 WROOM32 is a dual-core microcontroller with integrated Wi-Fi

and Bluetooth. It acts as the system’s central unit, managing sensor

communication, data processing, and web interface.

Key Features:
• Dual-core 32-bit processor
• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 520 KB SRAM, 4 MB Flash memory

• Multiple interfaces: UART, I2C, SPI

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Working Principle:
• Powered by 3.3V supply
• Runs user program stored in flash memory
• Reads inputs from sensors using GPIO, ADC, or communication

protocols (I2C, SPI, UART)

• Controls outputs like LEDs, motors, and relays through GPIO and PWM
Connects to Wi-Fi to send or receive data over the internet
• Supports Bluetooth (Classic and BLE) for wireless communication with

nearby devices

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 • Communicates with cloud platforms like Firebase, AWS, or Blynk using
MQTT or HTTP
• Can enter sleep modes to reduce power consumption
• Commonly used in IoT, smart home, and automation projects

4. Software Design and Arduino IDE

4.1 Development Environment
The project was developed using the Arduino IDE due to its simplicity,

extensive library support, and compatibility with the ESP32 platform. The

ESP32 board package and relevant sensor libraries were installed via the
Arduino Boards Manager and Library Manager, respectively.

4.2 Sensor Integration

Sensor data acquisition was achieved through UART communication. Both the

PMS5003 and Senseair S8 sensors were connected to the ESP32's UART pins.

Libraries specific to each sensor were used to simplify data parsing and error

handling.

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4.3 Data Processing and Display
After data acquisition, the ESP32 processes and formats the data for display.
The values are updated periodically and converted into user-friendly units

(µg/m³ and ppm). The formatted values are then embedded into an HTML

template hosted by the ESP32.

4.4 Web Server Interface

A lightweight web server was implemented on the ESP32 using the
ESPAsyncWebServer library. Upon connecting to the ESP32's Wi-Fi hotspot,

users can access the real-time air quality data through a browser.

4.5 Full Code:

https://gist.github.com/ubaid12348

5. System Implementation
5.1 Hardware Assembly
The hardware will mounted inside a weather-resistant enclosure with proper

ventilation for accurate air sampling. The PMS5003 sensor will positioned to

ensure unobstructed airflow, while the Senseair S8 will placed with sufficient

clearance to minimize heat interference from other components. The ESP32 will

centrally mounted and connected to both sensors using jumper wires and UART

communication lines. Power will supplied through a USB cable connected to a

5V power adapter.

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 5.2 Circuit Diagram
The connections were made as follows:
PMS5003
• VCC to 5V (via a regulator)
• GND to ESP32 GND
• TX to ESP32 RX
• RX to ESP32 TX

Senseair S8
• VCC to 5V
• GND to ESP32 GND
• TX to ESP32 RX2
• RX to ESP32 TX2

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 5.3 Software Deployment
The firmware was uploaded to the ESP32 using the Arduino IDE. Key libraries

included:

• SoftwareSerial for UART communication

• ESPAsyncWebServer for hosting the webpage
• WiFi.h for access point setup
5.4 Webpage and Wi-Fi Access
Once powered on, the ESP32 creates a local Wi-Fi access point (e.g.,
“AirQualityMonitor”). Users connect via their smartphone or laptop and

navigate to a preset IP in my case ( 172.16.1.123) to view the air quality

data in real time.

6. Results and Discussion

6.1 Field Testing
The system was tested outdoors in both residential and roadside environments

in Lahore. Over several days, it recorded varying levels of PM2.5 and CO₂,

showing clear spikes during high traffic hours and dust events. The average CO₂

level in residential areas remained below 700 ppm, while roadside testing

showed levels exceeding 1000 ppm. PM2.5 concentrations were consistently

higher near construction zones.

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Figure 1 Inside Lab_Factory

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Figure 2 Outside Lab_Factory

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 6.2 Data Reliability
Although the sensors are not laboratory-grade, the readings followed expected

environmental patterns and aligned reasonably with local air quality reports.

Calibration against a known reference unit showed deviations within ±10%,

which is acceptable for community-level awareness and education.

6.3 Challenges Faced

6.4 Advantages of the System
• Low cost and easy replication
• Real-time, wireless data viewing
• Adaptable to indoor or outdoor use
• Useful for awareness campaigns and academic use

6.5 Limitations
• No long-term data logging
• No cloud integration (can be added in future)
• Lacks temperature/humidity compensation

7. Conclusion and Future Work

7.1 Conclusion
This project successfully demonstrates the design and implementation of a

lowcost outdoor air quality monitoring system using the PMS5003 and Senseair

S8 sensors with an ESP32 microcontroller. The system provides real-time data

PM1.0, PM2.5, PM10, and CO₂ levels through a locally hosted web interface

accessible over Wi-Fi. It serves as a scalable and educational tool to increase

awareness about air quality and its impact on public health, especially in

pollution-prone regions like Pakistan.

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 7.2 Future Work
Several improvements and extensions are possible:

• Cloud Integration: Enable long-term data storage and remote access via

cloud services.

• Mobile App Interface: Develop a smartphone app for improved usability.

• Additional Sensors: Integrate temperature, humidity, and VOC sensors for a

more complete picture.

• Battery and Solar Power: Make the system suitable for off-grid and remote

installations.

• AI-based Analysis: Incorporate machine learning to detect pollution patterns

and provide alerts.

8. References
1. World Health Organization (WHO) – Air pollution fact sheets and statistics.
2. Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) reports and data.
3. OpenAQ – Open global air quality data.
4. Senseair S8 Technical Documentation.
5. Plantower PMS5003 Datasheet.
6. Luftdaten Project https://luftdaten.info
7. Arduino IDE Documentation – https://www.arduino.cc/en/Guide
8. MIT CityAir Project.
9. Live Air Quality Index Reports – https://aqicn.org
10.News coverage on Lahore/Karachi smog crises – Dawn, The Express Tribune.
11.IQAir Global and Pakistan-specific air quality statistics
– https://www.iqair.com/pakistan
12.CO2 Meter:https://www.co2meter.com/CO2levelChart

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