Field Validation of a Public Health Particulate Matter (PHPM) Low-Cost PM2.5 Monitor and Commercial Sensors with Light Scattering Technology

Low-cost PM2.5 sensors are the key to creating high-resolution monitoring networks for localized reporting and increased public awareness. A low-cost PM2.5 sensor using light-scattering technology Public Health Particulate Matter (PHPM) was developed and validated against measurements from a commercial device that reports real-time aerosol concentration and also collects gravimetric samples (DustTrak DRX Aerosol Monitor 8533). Linear regression of measurements from a controlled indoor site and three ambient air sites found that the novel PM2.5 sensor correlated well with the measured PM2.5 concentrations (r≥0.90) at the three ambient air locations with PM2.5 concentrations ranging from 48 to 602 μg/m3 measured at 30-minute intervals. The correlation was lower (r=0.71) at the chamber, which used incense as a particulate matter source. The PHPM data of PM2.5 concentrations was using multiply with 2.33. The hope is that the PHPM device can provide an additional tool for participatory in community and increased public awareness about PM2.5 in Thailand. This PHPM device is more suitable for ambient air than the chamber. The PHPM device is inexpensive, portable, and can be charged with a power bank.