CHITETEZO IoT-Based Air Pollution Monitoring System in Malawi using Raspberry Pi

Abstract

Air pollution is a mounting concern in Malawi, especially in urban areas where particulate matter pollution consistently surpasses the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended guidelines of 10 µg/m³ for PM2.5. This severe air pollution, exacerbated by the use of solid fuels for cooking in rural regions, has led to respiratory ailments and poses a significant threat to public health. To tackle this problem, a solution named "CHITETEZO" has been introduced. CHITETEZO is an IoT-based air pollution monitoring system that employs a Raspberry Pi 3 microprocessor and an MQ-135 gas sensor to detect harmful gases such as Carbon Monoxide, Particulate Matter, Nitrogen Monoxide, Ozone, and Smoke. It also integrates a backup MQ-2 gas sensor and a DHT22 sensor to measure temperature and humidity. The system provides alerts using a buzzer and a light-emitting diode (LCD) when hazardous gases are detected. The results of CHITETEZO's implementation have been promising. It offers accurate and timely air quality information, emphasizing affordability and accessibility. Data is transmitted wirelessly to web dashboards, mobile applications, and ThinkSpeaks platforms for storage, visualization, and analysis. This enables government agencies, researchers, and the public to access real-time air quality data conveniently. The CHITETEZO system has been successfully deployed in various indoor settings, including hospitals, offices, households, classrooms, and laboratories. It holds the potential to address the air pollution issue in Malawi by providing actionable data for stakeholders and raising public awareness about pollution sources and cleaner practices.