Precision and Accuracy Analysis of PM<sub>2.5</sub> Light-Scattering Sensor: Field and Laboratory Experiments
The widely used low-cost particulate matter (PM) sensors in Thailand, such as the DustBoy, require performance improvements to ensure their data align with the established standards set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). This study evaluates the accuracy and reliability of the DustB...
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MDPI AG
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Atmosphere |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4433/16/1/76 |
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| author | Hisam Samae Phuchiwan Suriyawong Artit Yawootti Worradorn Phairuang Sate Sampattagul |
| author_facet | Hisam Samae Phuchiwan Suriyawong Artit Yawootti Worradorn Phairuang Sate Sampattagul |
| author_sort | Hisam Samae |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The widely used low-cost particulate matter (PM) sensors in Thailand, such as the DustBoy, require performance improvements to ensure their data align with the established standards set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). This study evaluates the accuracy and reliability of the DustBoy, a commonly used PM<sub>2.5</sub> monitoring device in Thailand. A comparative analysis was conducted between the DustBoy and the US EPA’s Federal Reference Method (FRM) and Federal Equivalent Method (FEM). The research involved both laboratory and field testing, where the DustBoy’s performance was analyzed at various particulate matter concentration levels and environmental conditions. The study demonstrated that the DustBoy readings diverged from those of standard monitors at higher PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentrations; however, a positive correlation between the devices remained evident. Below 100 µg/m<sup>3</sup>, the DustBoy overestimated PM concentrations compared to the FRM devices but underestimated them compared to the FEM devices. At higher concentrations, the DustBoy showed a significant overestimation, although the data trends aligned with those of standard devices. The sensor performance was also affected by factors such as the sensor age and device model. Corrections were developed to adjust the DustBoy readings to match the reference devices more closely, enhancing the accuracy post-adjustment. These corrections will refine the DustBoy’s public data reporting and serve as guidelines for other low-cost sensors in Thailand. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-8705f5bb61fa49d78903e79f2cf2079d |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2073-4433 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| series | Atmosphere |
| spelling | doaj-art-8705f5bb61fa49d78903e79f2cf2079d2025-01-24T13:21:56ZengMDPI AGAtmosphere2073-44332025-01-011617610.3390/atmos16010076Precision and Accuracy Analysis of PM<sub>2.5</sub> Light-Scattering Sensor: Field and Laboratory ExperimentsHisam Samae0Phuchiwan Suriyawong1Artit Yawootti2Worradorn Phairuang3Sate Sampattagul4Research Unit for Energy Economics & Ecological Management, Multidisciplinary Research Institute, Chiang Mai University, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, ThailandResearch Unit for Energy Economics & Ecological Management, Multidisciplinary Research Institute, Chiang Mai University, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, ThailandFaculty of Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology LANNA, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, ThailandDepartment of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, ThailandDepartment of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai University, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, ThailandThe widely used low-cost particulate matter (PM) sensors in Thailand, such as the DustBoy, require performance improvements to ensure their data align with the established standards set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). This study evaluates the accuracy and reliability of the DustBoy, a commonly used PM<sub>2.5</sub> monitoring device in Thailand. A comparative analysis was conducted between the DustBoy and the US EPA’s Federal Reference Method (FRM) and Federal Equivalent Method (FEM). The research involved both laboratory and field testing, where the DustBoy’s performance was analyzed at various particulate matter concentration levels and environmental conditions. The study demonstrated that the DustBoy readings diverged from those of standard monitors at higher PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentrations; however, a positive correlation between the devices remained evident. Below 100 µg/m<sup>3</sup>, the DustBoy overestimated PM concentrations compared to the FRM devices but underestimated them compared to the FEM devices. At higher concentrations, the DustBoy showed a significant overestimation, although the data trends aligned with those of standard devices. The sensor performance was also affected by factors such as the sensor age and device model. Corrections were developed to adjust the DustBoy readings to match the reference devices more closely, enhancing the accuracy post-adjustment. These corrections will refine the DustBoy’s public data reporting and serve as guidelines for other low-cost sensors in Thailand.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4433/16/1/76low-cost sensorDustBoyPM monitoringair qualityfine particulate matter |
| spellingShingle | Hisam Samae Phuchiwan Suriyawong Artit Yawootti Worradorn Phairuang Sate Sampattagul Precision and Accuracy Analysis of PM<sub>2.5</sub> Light-Scattering Sensor: Field and Laboratory Experiments Atmosphere low-cost sensor DustBoy PM monitoring air quality fine particulate matter |
| title | Precision and Accuracy Analysis of PM<sub>2.5</sub> Light-Scattering Sensor: Field and Laboratory Experiments |
| title_full | Precision and Accuracy Analysis of PM<sub>2.5</sub> Light-Scattering Sensor: Field and Laboratory Experiments |
| title_fullStr | Precision and Accuracy Analysis of PM<sub>2.5</sub> Light-Scattering Sensor: Field and Laboratory Experiments |
| title_full_unstemmed | Precision and Accuracy Analysis of PM<sub>2.5</sub> Light-Scattering Sensor: Field and Laboratory Experiments |
| title_short | Precision and Accuracy Analysis of PM<sub>2.5</sub> Light-Scattering Sensor: Field and Laboratory Experiments |
| title_sort | precision and accuracy analysis of pm sub 2 5 sub light scattering sensor field and laboratory experiments |
| topic | low-cost sensor DustBoy PM monitoring air quality fine particulate matter |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4433/16/1/76 |
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