Development of an IOT based industrial air pollution monitoring system

Abstract

Uganda is one of the developing countries with a growing number of industries. However, industrialization comes with challenges and effects on the environment such as pollution which is one of the causes of climate change. The internet of things air pollution monitoring system, using Kakira Sugar Works as a case study, is a system that we have developed to monitor air quality at all times in industrial settings while recording real time results, notifying in case there is breach in acceptable limits. This project helps to ease the work of tracking air quality levels using a wireless network (internet of things) to consequently enable responsible parties such as company environment protection enforcement personnel to take necessary action to combat and keep within acceptable limits. The objective of this project was to develop an internet of things-based air pollution monitoring system with remote monitoring. The methodology entailed developing a system that integrates a microcontroller with; a gas sensor to monitor air quality, a buzzer that triggers an alarm when the air quality goes beyond a certain level, a Wi-Fi module which creates the wireless network, SD card module which houses the SD card used for data storage, display screen and a power supply system. The results realised after testing the prototype show that the main objective along with specific objectives of the project were achieved; with the wifi module providing the webpage platform, the buzzer and LEDs working as the warning systems, the megunolink software doing the statistical and graphical analysis and finally the prototype was tried at KSW with data recorded from three different critical locations at Kakira, that is; at the two chimneys and the inside of the factory, and at all locations the results were found to be within acceptable standards (below 96PPM). These results show that the various measures to control air pollution that Kakira sugar works has in place are effective. The study also shows that the IOT air pollution monitoring system can be used as a warning system should any leakages or faults occur on the air purification systems as abnormal quantities would be recorded thus triggering the alert system. This project can also be used as basis for testing future air quality control and for future use of modern industrial technologies to curb air pollution.