Citation:

Reece, S., R. Williams, M. Colon, D. Southgate, E. Huertas, M. OShea, A. Iglesias, AND P. Sheridan. Spatial-Temporal Analysis of PM2.5 and NO2 Concentrations Collected Using Low-Cost Sensors in Peñuelas, Puerto Rico. Sensors. MDPI, Basel, Switzerland, 18(12):4314, (2018). https://doi.org/10.3390/s18124314

Impact/Purpose:

Low cost sensor systems designed by the EPA were used to investigate the spatial-temporal variability of PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide concentrations as part of a citizen science research effort in Puerto Rico. Local citizen scientists received training on the use and deployment of the sensors and deployed the systems for a period of approximately 6 months. The sensor systems provided data useful for determining the value of low cost sensor performance under coastal environmental conditions as well as a survey of the ambient air quality.

Description:

A citizen science led effort conducted between October 2016 -February 2017 collected real-time measurements of the particulate matter size fraction 2.5 micron (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) across eight locations in an area of Puerto Rico (Tallaboa-Encarnación, Peñuelas) with little historical data on pollutant spatial variability. Pollutant concentrations were measured at 5-minute intervals using the EPA developed Citizen Science Air Monitor (CSAM), a package of low-cost (<$2,500) original equipment manufacturer (OEM) sensors. In addition to the CSAMs, meteorological parameters (wind speed, wind directions, temperature, relative humidity) were obtained from four collocated Vantage Vue weather stations.

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