Application of Low-Cost Particulate Matter Sensors for Air Quality Monitoring and Exposure Assessment in Underground Mines: A Review
Abstract
Exposure to mining-induced particulate matter (PM) including coal dust and diesel particulate matter (DPM) causes severe respiratory diseases such as coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) and lung cancer. Limited spatiotemporal resolution of current PM monitors causes miners to be exposed to unknown PM concentrations, with increased overexposure risk. Low-cost PM sensors offer a potential solution to this challenge with their capability in characterizing PM concentrations with high spatiotemporal resolution. However, their application in underground mines has not been explored. With the aim of examining the potential application of low-cost sensors in underground mines, a critical review of the present status of PM sensor research is conducted. The working principles of present PM monitors and low-cost sensors are compared. Sensor error sources are identified, and comprehensive calibration processes are presented to correct them. Evaluation protocols are proposed to evaluate sensor performance prior to deployment, and the potential application of low-cost sensors is discussed.
Recommended Citation
N. A. Amoah et al., "Application of Low-Cost Particulate Matter Sensors for Air Quality Monitoring and Exposure Assessment in Underground Mines: A Review," International Journal of Minerals, Metallurgy and Materials, vol. 29, no. 8, pp. 1475 - 1490, Springer Verlag, Aug 2022.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-021-2378-z
Department(s)
Mining Engineering
Second Department
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
Air Quality; Low-Cost Sensors; Particulate Matter; Sensor Calibration; Underground Mine
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
1869-103X; 1674-4799
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2022 Springer, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Aug 2022
Comments
The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support from Women’s Auxiliary to the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers (WAAIME) of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME) Scholarship Fund for their scholarship to Nana Amoako Amoah during his Ph. D. study.