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In line with the rapid advancement of global technology, various mobile applications have become available to the public to meet everyday needs. One such need that has gained increasing attention is air quality monitoring.
In response to the growing demand for clear information regarding the functionality and accuracy of low-cost sensor-based air quality monitoring applications, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has taken the initiative through the Centre for Environmental Research and Clean Technology (PRLTB BRIN).
PRLTB BRIN has organised an event regarding “Low-Cost Sensor (LCS) in Air Quality Monitoring.” The event aimed to give the public an in-depth understanding of using low-cost sensors in air quality monitoring. In an era where technology continues to dominate daily life, this knowledge has become increasingly important.
Handy Chandra, Acting Head of the Centre for Environmental Research and Clean Technology, added that there has been a recent increase in air quality monitoring applications with LCS sensor technology that can be placed in various locations. This development has opened up new opportunities for air quality monitoring that covers a larger spatial area, addressing lower complexity and providing real-time monitoring every hour. Consequently, these applications have significantly provided deeper insights into air quality.
At the same time, researcher Kemal Maulana Alhasa from PRLTB BRIN provided further explanations about air quality monitoring applications. Kemal revealed that, typically, the data used by these applications comes from air quality monitoring stations located in specific areas. These applications then process this data in real-time, allowing the public to access the information directly.
However, Kemal emphasised that not all sensors, despite the many advantages of LCS sensors, can provide accurate data. This greatly depends on the location of sensor placement and the capabilities of each sensor. Kemal explained that LCS sensors’ performance in collecting air quality data depends on factors such as sensitivity, range, accuracy, reproducibility, response time, and selectivity.
Furthermore, LCS sensors often experience internal disturbances caused by various elements within the sensor, including dynamic limits, systematic errors, linear responses, and signal deviations. External factors like temperature and humidity also significantly impact the lifespan of LCS sensors.
Kemal concluded, “Although there are many sensors available on the market, data from LCS sensors can only be used as initial parameters indicating poor air quality at a particular location. Therefore, more specific equipment is needed to measure air quality accurately.” Thus, a deeper understanding of the complexities of air quality monitoring applications with LCS sensors has been revealed, strengthening the urgency of reliable and accurate air quality monitoring.
Additionally, Hernani Yulinowati from a university institution provided additional insights into how LCS sensors could support government efforts in controlling air pollution. In closing, Hernani Yulinowati from a university institution provided additional insights into the potential use of LCS sensors to support. In order to improve air quality, these programmes encompass emission profile inventories, motor vehicle emission testing, and PM 2.5 standardisation studies.
Hernani explained that using LCS sensors can be a highly effective solution for the government in expanding real-time and affordable air quality monitoring coverage. With LCS sensor technology, air quality monitoring can become broader, more accurate, and easily accessible to the public. This aligns with the government’s goal to maintain and improve air quality for the public’s well-being.
Hence, LCS sensors benefit individuals and significantly support government initiatives in addressing air pollution issues and maintaining a cleaner and healthier environment. In this way, LCS sensor technology advances public understanding and air quality monitoring, contributing to collective efforts to preserve better air quality in the future.