Air pollutant monitoring using gas

and PM sensors. (Synopsis)

PRESENTED BY :
1. Sanskruti Gaikwad.
2. Archana Patil.
3. Ayesha shaikh.
4. Tanvi Gaikwad.

Abstract:
This project deals with identifying air pollutant concentration and
displaying on LED and also on control room monitor. The further
advancement can be made by using dedicated cloud (In this project
the communication can be made via Bluetooth and cellphone).

Objectives:
1. To research and select suitable low-cost gas and PM sensors:
Identify and understand how to use sensors like MQ series (for
CO, NH₃, etc.) and PMS5003 or SDS011 (for PM2.5/PM10).
2. To develop a microcontroller-based monitoring system:
Interface the selected sensors with a microcontroller (e.g.,
Arduino, ESP32, or Raspberry Pi) for data acquisition.
3. To collect and log real-time air pollutant data:
Continuously monitor and record data such as CO, CO₂, PM2.5,
and PM10 levels.
4. To analyze and interpret the sensor data:
Convert raw sensor values into meaningful concentrations
(µg/m³ or ppm), and classify air quality using standard AQI
metrics.
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5. To display air quality information in real time:

Use an LCD screen or web/mobile interface to display the air
quality data to users.
6. To implement data logging and storage:
Store sensor readings locally (SD card) or online (e.g., via cloud
database or Google Sheets using Wi-Fi).
7. To test the device in different environments:
Evaluate the system by measuring air quality in different areas
(e.g., near traffic, indoors, or industrial zones) and compare
results.
8. To prepare documentation and user guidelines:
Document the design process, hardware/software used,
challenges faced, and final outcomes, with a user manual for
basic operation.

Components:
Hardware components:-
 Arduino Uno / Mega – Easier to start with, but limited
memory

Air quality sensors:-

 MQ-7 – Carbon monoxide (CO)
 MQ-2 – Smoke, LPG, CO, and methane
 DHT22- Shows how humidity or temperature impacts
pollutant levels (e.g., PM increases during high humidity).

Particulate Matter (PM) Sensors:-

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 PM2.5 Sensor: Detects fine airborne particles (≤2.5 μm) to

assess harmful pollutants that affect respiratory health.

 PM10 Sensor: Measures larger dust and particulate matter

(≤10 μm) to monitor general air quality and dust levels.

Display components:-
o LED- Compact, good for basic display.

Software requirements:-
 Arduino IDE – For coding microcontroller logic

Block diagram:-
+-------------------+
| Power Supply |
| (Battery/USB/Adapter)
+--------+----------+
|
v
+----------------------+
| Microcontroller | <-- ESP32 / Arduino
+---------+------------+
|
+--------------+-----------------------------+
| | | |
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v v v v
+--------+ +-----------+ +----------+ +-----------+
| Gas | | PM Sensor | | DHT22 | | Display |
| Sensor | | (PM2.5/10)| | Temp/Hum | | (OLED/LCD)|
+--------+ +-----------+ +----------+ +-----------+
|
v
+---------------+
| Optional: |
| Wi-Fi / Cloud |
| Data Upload |
+---------------+

Working procedure:-
1. Power Supply Initialization
The system is powered by a USB adapter, battery, or power bank,
providing the required voltage (typically 5V or 3.3V) to the
microcontroller and sensors.
2. Sensor Initialization
The microcontroller (ESP32 or Arduino) initializes the connected
sensors:
 MQ-2 sensor for detecting combustible gases and smoke such
as LPG, methane, and hydrogen.
 MQ-7 sensor for detecting carbon monoxide (CO) levels.
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 DHT22 sensor for measuring ambient temperature and relative

humidity.
3. Data Acquisition
At regular intervals (e.g., every 2 seconds), the microcontroller reads
data from each sensor:
 The MQ-2 and MQ-7 sensors provide analog voltage outputs
proportional to the concentration of gases detected. These
signals are read and converted into approximate gas
concentrations (in ppm) using calibration data.
 The DHT22 sensor provides digital readings for temperature
(°C) and humidity (% RH).
4. Data Processing and Calibration
 The microcontroller converts raw analog signals from MQ
sensors into gas concentration values using calibration curves or
formulas.
 Temperature and humidity data from the DHT22 are used to
understand environmental conditions that may affect gas
sensor accuracy.
 Optionally, sensor readings are cross-checked to improve
reliability.
5. Data Display and Alerts
 The processed data (gas concentrations, temperature, and
humidity) are displayed on an LCD or OLED screen in real-time
for user monitoring.
 If gas concentrations exceed safe thresholds (e.g., high CO
detected by MQ-7), the system can activate warning indicators
like LEDs or buzzers.
6. Data Logging and Remote Monitoring (Optional)
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 Sensor data can be logged locally on an SD card or transmitted

wirelessly via Wi-Fi (if using ESP32) to a cloud platform for
remote access and analysis.
7. Continuous Monitoring
 The system continuously monitors air quality by repeating the
above steps in a loop, providing real-time data and alerts to
users.

Code logic:-
1. Start
2. Initialize System
 Set up serial communication for debugging/output.
 Initialize sensors:
o MQ-2 and MQ-7 (analog inputs)
o DHT22 (digital input)
 Initialize display (LCD/OLED) if used.
 Initialize any output devices (LEDs, buzzer) for alerts.
3. Read Sensors
 Read analog value from MQ-2 sensor → convert to gas
concentration (e.g., LPG, smoke).
 Read analog value from MQ-7 sensor → convert to CO
concentration.
 Read temperature and humidity data from DHT22 sensor.
4. Process Data
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 Convert MQ sensor raw analog values to ppm using calibration

curves or formulas.
 Use temperature and humidity readings to apply any
compensation if needed.
 Check if gas concentrations exceed predefined safety
thresholds.
5. Display Data
 Show gas concentrations (MQ-2 and MQ-7) on the display.
 Show temperature and humidity on the display.
6. Trigger Alerts
 If any gas concentration exceeds safe limits, turn on LED or
buzzer.
 Otherwise, keep alerts off.
7. Data Logging/Transmission (Optional)
 Store data locally or send to cloud for remote monitoring.
8. Delay
 Wait for a short time (e.g., 2 seconds) before next reading.
9. Repeat Steps 3-8 (Continuous monitoring loop).

Applications:-
1. Indoor Air Quality Monitoring
Detect harmful gases like carbon monoxide and smoke inside
homes, offices, and public buildings to improve health and safety.
2. Industrial Safety
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Monitor flammable gas leaks and toxic gases in factories,

workshops, and chemical plants to prevent accidents.
3. Environmental Pollution Assessment
Measure air pollution levels in urban areas or near traffic zones
to study pollution trends and impacts.
4. Smart Home Integration
Integrate with home automation systems to trigger ventilation,
alarms, or air purifiers based on pollutant levels.

Advantages:-
1. Low Cost
Uses affordable sensors and components, making it accessible
for widespread use.
2. Real-Time Monitoring
Provides continuous, real-time data on air pollutants,
temperature, and humidity.
3. Portable and Compact
Small size allows easy deployment indoors or outdoors.
4. Multi-Parameter Measurement
Simultaneously monitors multiple gases (like CO, smoke) along
with temperature and humidity.

Limitations:-
1. Limited Sensor Accuracy
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o MQ-series sensors are less precise compared to industrial-

grade sensors and require frequent calibration.
2. Cross-Sensitivity
o MQ sensors can respond to multiple gases, making it
difficult to identify specific pollutants accurately.
3. Environmental Influences
o Sensor readings may be affected by temperature,
humidity, and airflow variations.
4. Calibration Complexity
o Proper calibration requires controlled gas samples and can
be time-consuming.
5. Power Consumption
o Continuous monitoring and sensor heating may consume
significant power, limiting battery life.
6. Limited Range of Pollutants
o Detects only certain gases; other harmful pollutants may
not be monitored.

Output:-
The Air Pollutant Monitoring System continuously displays real-time
environmental data, including:
 Gas Concentrations:
o MQ-2 sensor detects combustible gases and smoke,
displaying approximate levels in parts per million (ppm).
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o MQ-7 sensor monitors carbon monoxide (CO)

concentration in ppm.
 Particulate Matter Levels:
o PM2.5 and PM10 sensors measure fine and coarse
particulate matter concentrations (in µg/m³), which are
critical indicators of air pollution affecting respiratory
health.
 Temperature and Humidity:
o The DHT22 sensor provides ambient temperature (°C) and
relative humidity (%) readings, which help in interpreting
air quality data accurately.
 Visual Alerts:
o When gas or particulate matter levels exceed safe
thresholds, warning LEDs or buzzers activate to notify the
user immediately.
 Data Logging (Optional):
o Recorded sensor data can be stored locally or uploaded to
cloud platforms for remote monitoring and analysis.
The output is presented on an LCD/OLED screen, enabling easy and
instant interpretation of air quality.

Conclusion:-
The project successfully demonstrates the design and
implementation of a comprehensive, low-cost air pollutant
monitoring system using MQ-2, MQ-7, PM2.5, PM10, and DHT22
sensors. It effectively measures hazardous gases such as carbon
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monoxide and combustible gases, fine and coarse particulate matter,

as well as environmental temperature and humidity.
This multi-parameter monitoring approach provides valuable, real-
time insights into air quality, making it useful for indoor safety,
industrial environments, and environmental pollution assessment.
Although sensor calibration and cross-sensitivity issues present
challenges, the system forms a solid foundation for affordable air
quality monitoring with potential for further enhancements.