Validation of In-field Calibration for Low-Cost Sensors Measuring Ambient Particulate Matter in Kolkata, India
By Siddharth Nobell et al., AAQR 23, 230010 (2023)
This work reflects a collaboration between Clean Air Toolbox and partners: startup company Ideation Technology Solutions, the West Bengal Pollution Control Board, and the Indian Statistical Institute. In this open access publication, we demonstrated the use of low-cost sensors to characterize ambient particulate matter pollution in greater Kolkata, West Bengal, India. If low-cost sensors are calibrated in the field by co-location with reference grade monitors, they can provide useful insights into local trends and pollution sources. A low-cost sensor network was deployed by Ideation Technologies in 2018-2019. After calibrating and analyzing the data, we observed strong signatures of regional and secondary air pollution in Kolkata, contrary to expectations that local sources such as traffic would dominate in that large, busy city. These results have inspired new work on air quality modeling and aerosol composition measurements for source apportionment with our partners.