This low-cost micro device detects the acidity of airborne particles to monitor air quality and promote workplace, public, and environmental health. Monitoring airborne particle acidity is crucial for avoiding the adverse health and environmental effects of certain acidic compounds, such as sulfuric acid. Mining, chemical manufacturing, landfilling, and other industries experience poor air conditions due the release of excess toxic airborne compounds. While conventional air quality monitoring systems can detect dangerous levels of acidity in the air, they are unable to measure the acidity of samples still in aerosol form and identify the specific chemicals present in a single step, making rapid monitoring difficult.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed an air quality monitoring device that can measure the acidity of ambient aerosol samples and identify harmful airborne compounds. One-step analysis directly determines the pH of airborne particles, facilitating fast and efficient detection of toxic compounds. The device uses inexpensive components and supports online connectivity and control via a smartphone app.
Micro device that rapidly detects and measures acidic compounds in the air to enable enhanced and specific on-site air quality monitoring
The airborne acidity sensor utilizes a low-cost pump to collect air particle samples in a filter containing color indicators. The indicators induce color changes in the filter according to the particles’ acidity. A light-emitting diode (LED) allows a charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor, or alternatively, a smartphone camera, to capture images of the color changes. From the colors in these images, a built-in program code or smartphone app digitally determines the proportions of acidic compounds in the air sample.
