Air Quality Monitor

Introduction: Particulate Matter (PM) is the suspended microscopic aerosol (solid or liquid) particles present in the air. PM 10 and PM2.5 are smaller than 10 micrometers and 2.5 micrometers in diameter respectively, out of which PM2.5 is respirable. To put things into perspective, PM 2.5 is almost 1/30th of the size of a human hair! These include dust, dirt, and smoke.

Sources: Its particles originate from both natural and human activities. – Primary: Industrial processes, combustion, agricultural activities, construction and demolition, unpaved roads, windblown dust, smokestacks, and forest fires. – Secondary: Other air pollutants, like NOx, SOx, and VOCs act as precursors for the formation of PM in the atmosphere.

Introduction: CO2 is released naturally in the environment because it is a greenhouse gas. It's an essential part of photosynthesis. As it helps in producing food and energy for plants. However outdoor CO2 concentration is increasing because of the industrial revolution.

Sources: – The principal causes are deforestation and the burning of all fossil fuels such as coal. – Decomposition, ocean release, and respiration are the natural sources.

Introduction: Nitrogen Dioxide is a chemical compound of oxidation of nitric oxide. It has harmful effects on the entire environment. It can be colorless to brown and in liquid form. NO2 is released into the atmosphere from various resources.

Sources: – Combustion sources are mostly responsible for the release of nitrogen dioxide. Vehicular emissions are its principal outdoor source. Power plants, industrial boilers, and diesel-powered heavy construction equipment are some other sources of this gas. – Natural sources include volcanoes and bacteria.

Introduction: Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) is a chemical compound of sulfur and oxygen. It is a colorless, soluble gas with a characteristic pungent smell. And It is highly reactive. Because it can react with other pollutants in the air to form fine particulate matter.

Sources: – Fossil fuels burning, such as coal, oil, and diesel, release SO2. With it, power plants, metal processing plants, and Tranportations that function with diesel engines are the main sources (old buses and trucks, locomotives, ships, and off-road diesel). – Natural sources include geothermal activity. Such as energy from natural pools and hot springs.

Introduction: Ozone (O3) forms by three oxygen atoms composing. It is a preventive layer between the earth and the sun. But direct exposure to living things is much more harmful. The sources on the earth's surface are not directly emitted. It forms because of some gas reactions.

Sources: – The photochemical reaction between oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emits O3. – O3 is also released from power plants, vehicles, refineries, and chemical industries. Gases react with the unlight's presence and form ozone in the atmosphere.

Introduction: Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a dangerous gas. It is also an odorless, tasteless, colorless pollutant. The gas is emitted into the atmosphere because of fuel combustion. Such as natural gas, oil, coal, wood.

Sources: – Natural sources are forest fires, volcanic eruptions, and gases released from coal mines. – Fireplaces gas and wood burning, Vehicles, parking lots, and basement parking lots are the human-induced factors.

Introduction: CO2 is released naturally in the environment because it is a greenhouse gas. It's an essential part of photosynthesis. As it helps in producing food and energy for plants. However outdoor CO2 concentration is increasing because of the industrial revolution.

Sources: – Anthropogenic sources: production of cement, deforestation, fossil fuel, coal, oil, and natural gas burning – Natural sources: ocean release, decomposition, respiration

Introduction: Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring organic compound with the formula CH₂O. The pure compound is a pungent-smelling colorless gas that polymerizes spontaneously into paraformaldehyde. Hence it is stored as an aqueous solution.

Sources: – Sources of formaldehyde in the home include building materials, smoking, household products, and the use of un-vented, fuel-burning appliances, like gas stoves or kerosene space heaters.

Introduction: We use a lot of chemicals that vaporize upon exposure to air. Such compounds are called volatile compounds.

Sources: – Released through everyday household products like vinegar, nail polish, varnish, deodorants, etc. – Substances like Benzene, Ethanol, etc. can be found in paints, cleaners, detergents, sanitizers, kerosene, petrol, and polishes.

Introduction: Ozone (O3) forms by three oxygen atoms composing. It is a preventive layer between the earth and the sun. But direct exposure to living things is much more harmful. The sources on the earth's surface are not directly emitted. It forms because of some gas reactions.

Sources: – Activities like cooking, combustion, and cigarette smoking.

Introduction: Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a dangerous gas. It is also an odorless, tasteless, colorless pollutant. The gas is emitted into the atmosphere because of fuel combustion. Such as natural gas, oil, coal, wood.

Sources: – Gas stoves, kerosene, furnace leakage, car exhaust, space heaters