Issue 10, 2007

An inexpensive light-scattering particle monitor: field validation

Abstract

We have developed a small, light, passive, inexpensive, datalogging particle monitor called the “UCB” (University of California Berkeley particle monitor). Following previously published laboratory assessments, we present here results of tests of its performance in field settings at high particle concentrations. We demonstrate the mass sensitivity of the UCB in relation to gravimetric filter-based PM2.5 mass estimates as well as commercial light-scattering instruments co-located in field chamber tests and in kitchens of wood-burning households. The coefficient of variation of the unadjusted UCB mass response in relation to gravimetric estimates was 15%. Although requiring adjustment for differences in sensitivity, inter-monitor performance was consistently high (r2 > 0.99). Moreover, the UCB can consistently estimate PM2.5 mass concentrations in wood-burning kitchens (Pearson r2 = 0.89; N = 99), with good agreement between duplicate measures (Pearson r2 = 0.94; N = 88). In addition, with appropriate cleaning of the sensing chamber, UCB mass sensitivity does not decrease with time when used intensively in open woodfire kitchens, demonstrating the significant potential of this monitor.

Graphical abstract: An inexpensive light-scattering particle monitor: field validation

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
29 Jan 2007
Accepted
20 Jun 2007
First published
20 Jul 2007

J. Environ. Monit., 2007,9, 1099-1106

An inexpensive light-scattering particle monitor: field validation

Z. Chowdhury, R. D. Edwards, M. Johnson, K. Naumoff Shields, T. Allen, E. Canuz and K. R. Smith, J. Environ. Monit., 2007, 9, 1099 DOI: 10.1039/B709329M

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