Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1932
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1932
30 Oct 2024
 | 30 Oct 2024
Status: this preprint is open for discussion and under review for Atmospheric Measurement Techniques (AMT).

Sustaining Low-Cost PM2.5 Monitoring Networks in South Asia: Technical Challenges and Solutions

Talha Saeed, Muhammad Mahad Khaliq, Michael Howard Bergin, Prakash V. Bhave, Noora Khaleel, Enna Mool, Mahesh Senarathna, Shahid Uz Zaman, Shatabdi Roy, Abdus Salam, Jas Raj Subba, and Fahim Khokhar

Abstract. The need to monitor South Asia's air quality stems from its significant negative effects on human and environmental health. Traditional, regulatory-grade air quality monitoring systems have proven costly to operate and very difficult to maintain in most South Asian countries. Low-cost sensor (LCS) networks have been touted as a viable alternative, but the challenges to sustain them have not been evaluated or thoroughly documented. the acceptance of such monitors, in particular by regulatory agencies, across South Asian countries is still lacking. Lack of acceptance is due to prevailing myths (especially, in the regulatory circles of South Asia) about their accuracy, precision, consistency, dependability, maintenance, and calibration concerns. The present study attempts to fill that knowledge gap while also providing practical solutions to enhance the longevity of LCS, perhaps adding years to their lives. Specifically, this study describes strategies and maintenance plans for operating large networks of TSI BlueSky (8143) Sensors across South Asia, with a focus on problems caused by power outages, power surges, weather conditions, and continued exposure to high amounts of dust and pollution. The article provides further support that incorporating LCS networks into the regulatory framework can facilitate the enforcement of environmental regulations and legislation against polluters. The goal is to develop a more reliable and long-lasting air quality monitoring system that will assist South Asian countries to reduce air pollution-related health hazards and consequent socio-economic disruptions.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this preprint. The responsibility to include appropriate place names lies with the authors.
Talha Saeed, Muhammad Mahad Khaliq, Michael Howard Bergin, Prakash V. Bhave, Noora Khaleel, Enna Mool, Mahesh Senarathna, Shahid Uz Zaman, Shatabdi Roy, Abdus Salam, Jas Raj Subba, and Fahim Khokhar

Status: open (until 05 Dec 2024)

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  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-1932', Anonymous Referee #1, 05 Nov 2024 reply
Talha Saeed, Muhammad Mahad Khaliq, Michael Howard Bergin, Prakash V. Bhave, Noora Khaleel, Enna Mool, Mahesh Senarathna, Shahid Uz Zaman, Shatabdi Roy, Abdus Salam, Jas Raj Subba, and Fahim Khokhar
Talha Saeed, Muhammad Mahad Khaliq, Michael Howard Bergin, Prakash V. Bhave, Noora Khaleel, Enna Mool, Mahesh Senarathna, Shahid Uz Zaman, Shatabdi Roy, Abdus Salam, Jas Raj Subba, and Fahim Khokhar

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Short summary
1. LCS network is a realistic solution for South Asian air quality monitoring. 2. LCS-related problems can be fixed with routine maintenance and debugging. 3. The lifetime of LCS can be extended by many years with timely diagnostics and maintenance.