Autonomous Network of Low-Cost PM2.5 and Ozone Sensors to Study Spatial Distribution and Exposure in Underserved Agricultural Communities in California

Akshay Kumar, Daniel Polinski, Casey Quinn, Sheryl Magzamen, Nayamin Martinez, Genevieve Amsalem, SHANTANU JATHAR, Colorado State University

     Abstract Number: 561
     Working Group: Identifying and Addressing Disparate Health and Social Impacts of Exposure to Aerosols and Other Contaminants across Continents, Communities, and Microenvironments

Abstract
Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and ozone (O₃) are criteria pollutants that are rarely measured in rural and remote environments, even in regions of the Global North. Hence, the spatial distribution and exposure to PM_2.5 and O₃ in these regions, many of which are populated by small, underserved, and disadvantaged communities, remains poorly understood. In this work, we will build, calibrate, and deploy a network of 12 autonomous, low-cost, and solar-powered air quality monitoring units (VOZbox) in the San Joaquin Valley (SJV) of California . Each VOZbox includes the following components: (i) two light scattering PM_2.5 sensors (Plantower PMS5003T and Sensirion SPS30); (ii) a heated metal oxide O₃ sensor (Aeroqual SM50), mounted inside a custom radiation shield; (iii) a global positioning system (GPS) sensor and an environmental sensor to measure temperature and relative humidity; (iv) a power system that consisted of a 30 W solar panel, 108 Wh lithium-ion battery, and charge controller; and (v) a Particle Boron microcontroller to acquire, process, and transmit data to the Cloud. All 12 VOZboxes will initially be co-located with a reference monitor in Fresno, California for about a week to develop unit-specific calibrations. These will then be deployed in 11 unique locations in Fresno, Kings, and Tulare Counties in SJV, which are host to many agricultural communities. Results from this study will be available in near real-time over the Cloud. PM_2.5 and O₃ data from this network deployment will be used to study (i) diel and spatial patterns in PM_2.5 and O₃ and (ii) exposure to these pollutants in these sparsely populated regions relative to the urban corridor between Fresno and Bakersfield, California.