Using Low-Cost Sensors for Measuring and Monitoring Particulate Matter with a Focus on Fine and Ultrafine Particles

The paper deals with the measurement of individual size components of particulate matter focusing on typical particle size, mass, and number concentrations primarily in the city of Kosice (Slovak republic) and the surrounding countryside. The deployment of the sensor IPS-7100 in the 2nd half of December 2022 allowed us to measure the particles smaller than the detection limit of other low-cost optical sensors-namely SPS30 and SEN54. The results show that although the mass concentration of ultrafine particles is negligible in comparison to fine and coarse particles, in terms of number concentration ultrafine particles make up the dominant component of particulate matter, which stands as a warning from the health point of view.

Automated summary

The paper explores the measurement of different size components of particulate matter, focusing on typical particle size, mass, and number concentrations in Kosice and its surrounding areas in Slovakia. By deploying the IPS-7100 sensor in late December 2022, particles smaller than the detection limit of other low-cost optical sensors, namely SPS30 and SEN54, could now be measured. The results indicate that while the mass concentration of ultrafine particles is insignificant compared to fine and coarse particles, ultrafine particles dominate in terms of number concentration, posing a health concern.