Smart Air Quality Monitor
Project Report
Prepared by:
Ramiza Rahman Bhuiyan
Student ID: 2211697042
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE)
North South University (NSU)
Submission Date:
December 9, 2024
Abstract
This paper presents a smart air quality monitor to detect environmental pollutants and
alert users when concentrations exceed acceptable thresholds. The system integrates
hardware and software components, including a microcontroller, sensors, and a mobile
app, to provide real-time air quality data and notifications.
1 Introduction
Air quality is a critical aspect of public health. This project aims to create a smart
air quality monitoring system that continuously detects pollutants such as CO2 and
alerts users via WiFi notifications when pollution levels exceed safe limits. The system
incorporates a smartphone app to display real-time air quality data for better monitoring.
2 Objectives
The objectives of this project are the following.
• Real-time monitoring of temperature, humidity, and harmful gas levels.
• Alerts for pollutant levels exceeding thresholds.
• IoT-based data visualization and remote monitoring.
• Performance optimization using task scheduling and memory management.
3 Rationale
Air pollution harms health and the environment, but traditional monitoring systems
are expensive and have limited coverage. This project focuses on creating a low-cost,
portable solution that uses operating system techniques for efficient task and resource
management, making it easier for people and communities to monitor local air quality.
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4 Background Studies
This project is based on environmental monitoring, IoT systems, and sensor technology
research. Studies highlight the increasing use of IoT in environmental applications due to
its scalability and cost-effectiveness. Operating systems are crucial for managing resources
and enabling real-time data processing, with real-time operating systems (RTOS) proving
effective in embedded systems for efficient task scheduling.
5 Technology Used
5.1 Hardware Components
ESP8266 NodeMCU , DHT11 Sensor , MQ-135 Gas Sensor, Power Supply
5.2 Software Components
Blynk IoT Platform , Arduino ID, FreeRTOS
6 Methodology
6.1 Hardware Setup
Constructed a circuit using ESP8266, DHT11, MQ135, breadboard, and jumper wires to
gather environmental data.
6.2 Microcontroller Programming:
Programmed ESP8266 via Arduino IDE for sensor data collection, Wi-Fi transmission,
and alerts for unsafe pollutant levels. Data was sent to a server for email and app
notifications.
6.3 Developing the Interface
Created a mobile app for real-time air quality metrics, integrated with the microcontroller
for a user-friendly experience.
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6.4 Testing and Calibration
Conducted thorough testing and calibration to ensure accurate readings and reliable
performance.
6.5 Deployment
Deployed the system in a real-world environment with securely packaged components for
continuous monitoring.
7 Workkflow
• Sensors send data to the ESP8266.
• FreeRTOS manages data processing, transmission, and LED updates.
• Data is visualized and monitored on the Blynk IoT platform.
• Alerts are triggered for threshold violations.
8 Diagram
The following diagram illustrates the hardware setup of the Smart Air Quality Monitor:
Figure 1: Hardware setup of the Smart Air Quality Monitor.
9 Results
• Detected real-time CO2 levels.
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• Triggered alerts when thresholds were exceeded.
• Optimized task management and resource use with low latency.
• Effortless Real-time air quality data display on the Blynk platform.
10 Budget
The total budget for the project was 932.7 BDT, as detailed below:
ESP8266: 293.7 BDT, MQ135: 169 BDT, DHT11: 175 BDT, Bulb: 5 BDT, Resis-
tor: 5 BDT, Breadboard: 250 BDT, Wires: 35 BDT
11 Discussions
We encountered issues like inaccurate sensor readings, power supply instability, and real-
time data syncing. Environmental factors affected sensors like the MQ135 and DHT11,
while power fluctuations disrupted the ESP8266 and sensors. Real-time data synchro-
nization was challenging due to network latency and Wi-Fi connectivity issues.
12 Conclusion
This project demonstrates a cost-effective and efficient solution for monitoring air quality.
The real-time capabilities of the system and the user-friendly interface make it a valuable
tool to address air pollution concerns.
References
[1] L. Atzori, A. Iera, and G. Morabito, “The internet of things: A survey,” Computer
Networks, vol. 54, no. 15, pp. 2787–2805, Oct. 2010.
[2] H. Chen, W. Liu, and J. Ye, “Air quality monitoring system based on IoT,” Int. J.
Environ. Res. Public Health, vol. 17, no. 6, pp. 1984–1994, Mar. 2020.
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[3] D. M. Han and J. H. Lim, “Smart home energy management system using
IEEE 802.15.4 and ZigBee,” IEEE Trans. Consumer Electron., vol. 56, no. 3, pp.
1403–1410, Aug. 2010.
[4] J. Smith and E. Johnson, “Real-time air quality monitoring using IoT technology,”
International Journal of Environmental Monitoring, vol. 15, no. 3, pp. 123–130,
2024.
[5] T. T. Shameer. (2023) ”How to monitor air quality — air quality monitoring system.”
[Online]. Available: [Link] Accessed:
Dec. 8, 2024.