An analysis of the utility of low-cost air quality sensors in monitoring PM 2.5 distribution in Providence, Rhode Island

Keywords: PM 2.5, Providence, air pollution, air quality
Abstract Type: Poster Abstract

Abstract

Low-cost air quality censors have been used to provide accurate localized air quality observations in urban areas across the United States. With various sources of pollution, differing population densities and area layouts, air quality may vary drastically within a city. This phenomenon has been highlighted in Providence, Rhode Island, where the environmental justice neighborhoods of Washington Park, and South Providence experiencing poor air quality conditions because of the I-295 Beltway highway and the industries located in the Port of Providence that produce scrap metal waste, air pollution and water pollution in excess. AirNOW and PurpleAir are low-cost air quality sensors that have been used commonly among city officials, environmental non-profits, citizen scientists and researchers to supplement or collect localized air quality condition observations. By analyzing how AirNOW and PurpleAir sensors monitor the distribution of air pollution (PM 2.5) in Providence, locations where air quality sensors are most needed can be identified. This study will explore the ability of low-cost air quality sensors in monitoring the spatial distribution of air pollution in the neighborhoods of Providence, Rhode Island under an environmental justice lens. The Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) method of spatial interpolation will be used to show the spatial distribution of low-cost air quality sensors, environmental justice neighborhoods, and air pollution collectively.