Pollutant Detection Drone (PDD)

Introduction: A pollutant detection drone is a machine that checks Air quality and temperature. This
PDD detected data from a height of 180 feet to a ground station. The report will be collected and reached
through suitable transmitters, microcontrollers, and communication modules for the task, emphasizing
affordability and efficiency. We substitute many sensors that help us collect data and set GPS through a
microcontroller. We also use a transmitter that works about 180 feet (Lower troposphere).
Pollutant detection drones are a big step forward in monitoring the environment. These small and efficient
devices can find and measure harmful things in the air, like fine particles (PM2.5, PM10) and gases such
as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and VOCs (volatile organic
compounds).
The drones are carefully built with a lightweight frame made from strong materials and easy to move.
They have advanced sensors, onboard computers, and high-quality cameras to gather accurate air quality
information instantly.
These drones can fly on their own up to 180 feet high, use solar power to extend their battery life, and
send data through Wi-Fi or mobile networks (4G/5G). They are a cheaper and greener option compared to
traditional aircraft. By providing clear and detailed local air quality data, these drones help act against air
pollution and protect public health.

Structure
The structure of a pollutant detection drone typically includes the following components:
1. Airframe
 Made of lightweight materials like carbon fiber to ensure durability and mobility.
 Aerodynamic design to enhance flight efficiency and stability in various weather conditions.
2. Propulsion System
 Includes electric motors powered by lithium-polymer (Li-Po) batteries.
 Propellers are designed for low noise and high efficiency.
3. Sensors
 Gas Sensors: Detect specific pollutants such as CO2, NOx, SO2, and volatile organic
compounds (VOCs).
 Particulate Matter (PM) Sensors: Measure fine particles (PM2.5 and PM10).
 Weather Sensors: Measure temperature, humidity, and wind speed to contextualize pollution
data.
4. Onboard Computer:
 High-performance processors for data collection, analysis, and storage.

 Supports real-time data processing and autonomous decision-making.

5. Communication System:
 Equipped with GPS for navigation and geotagging.
 Uses wireless communication (e.g., Wi-Fi, 4G/5G) to transmit data to ground stations.
6. Power Supply:
 A rechargeable battery system with options for solar-assisted charging to extend flight
duration.
Common Air Pollutants
Air pollutants are classified into two main types: primary pollutants (directly emitted) and secondary
pollutants (formed through chemical reactions in the atmosphere).
1. Particulate Matter (PM):
 PM10: Particles with a diameter ≤10 micrometers (e.g., dust, pollen).
 PM2.5: Fine particles with a diameter ≤2.5 micrometers (e.g., soot, smoke).
 Sources: Combustion processes, construction, agriculture, natural sources (e.g., wildfires).
 Harmful Effects: Penetrates the respiratory system; PM2.5 can enter the bloodstream, causing
respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
2. Nitrogen Oxides (NOₓ):
 Includes nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and nitric oxide (NO).
 Sources: Vehicle exhaust, power plants, industrial processes.
 Height: Approximately initially its layer started from 164.04 to 984.25 feet.
 Harmful Effects: Irritates respiratory system; contributes to smog and acid rain.
3. Sulfur oxide (SOx):
 Sources: Burning of fossil fuels, Vehicle emissions, Volcanic eruptions, and Industrial processes.
 Height: Approximately initially its layer started from 164.04–984.25 feet
 Harmful Effects: Health impacts, Acid rain, Air pollution, and Corrosion.
4. Carbon oxide (COx):
 Sources: Combustion of fossil fuels, Biomass burning, Industrial processes, and Natural
processes.
 Height: Approximately initially its layer started from 98.4–984.3 feet.
 Harmful Effects: Health Impact, Environmental Impact, and Air Quality.
5. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs):
 Includes benzene, toluene, formaldehyde, etc.
 Sources: Paints, solvents, vehicle emissions, industrial activities.
 Height: Approximately initially its layer started from 0 to 32.81 feet.
 Harmful Effects: Causes headaches, dizziness, and long-term effects such as cancer; some VOCs
form ozone in the presence of sunlight.
7. Ammonia (NH₃):
 Sources: Agriculture (fertilizers, livestock waste), industrial emissions.
 Height: Approximately initially its layer started from 3.282 to 32.808 feet.
 Harmful Effects: Reacts with other compounds to form secondary PM; irritates eyes and throat.
8. Heavy Metals:
 Includes lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic.
 Sources: Industrial emissions, waste incineration, mining.
 Height: Approximately initially its layer started from 32.808 to 164.045 feet.
 Harmful Effects: Toxic to the nervous system, kidneys, and other organs.
9. Methane (CH₄):
 Sources: Agriculture (livestock), natural gas leaks, wetlands.
 Height: Approximately initially its layer started from 0 to 16.404 feet.
 Harmful Effects: Potent greenhouse gas contributes to ozone formation.
Harmful Pollutants
The degree of harm depends on the pollutant's concentration, exposure duration, and individual
susceptibility. Here are the most harmful contaminants to human health which are very common
nowadays:
 PM2.5: Causes severe respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and is linked to premature death.
  NO₂: Aggravates asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory diseases.
 CO: Dangerous at high concentrations; interferes with oxygen transport in the blood.
 Lead and Mercury: Neurotoxins cause developmental and cognitive issues, especially in
children.
 SO₂: Causes respiratory problems and contributes to acid rain.
Air Quality:
Air quality refers to the condition or cleanliness of the air we breathe. It is determined by the
concentration of various pollutants in the air, which can affect human health, the environment, and overall
well-being. Good air quality implies that the air is relatively free of pollutants, whereas poor air quality
indicates harmful levels of contaminants.
Monitoring Air Quality: Air quality is often measured using the Air Quality Index (AQI), which
quantifies the concentration of major pollutants and rates air quality on a scale:
 0–50: Good
 51–100: Moderate
 101–150: Unhealthy for sensitive groups
 151–200: Unhealthy
 201–300: Very unhealthy
 301+: Hazardous
Improving air quality involves reducing emissions from transportation, industry, agriculture, and
energy production, along with promoting clean energy and sustainable practices.
Calculation of Monitoring Air Quality:
Here we calculate the AQI value of the given data that here the air is harmful or healthy for us which
are given below.
Given Data:
 Pollutant Concentration (C): 45 µg/m³ (PM2.5 concentration in the air).

2. Identify the Breakpoints:

 The PM2.5 concentration is 45 µg/m³, so we look for the AQI range where the concentration
falls.
 From the table, 45 µg/m³ falls into the 101–150 range.
 Clow=35.5µg/m³ and C high=55.4µg/m³
 I low=101 and I high=150
3. Apply the AQI Formula:
  The formula for AQI calculation is:
I hign −I low
I= ( C−C low ) + I lOW
Chign −Clow
Putting the value in the above formula.
150−101
I =¿ ( 45−35.5 )+ 101
55.4−35.4
49
I= 9.5+101
19.9
I =2.46 × 9.5+101
I =23.37+101=124.37
Result:
The calculated AQI for PM2.5 is 124.
AQI = 124
Hence, we concluded from the above calculation that the air quality is "Unhealthy for Sensitive
Groups", which suggests that people with respiratory issues (such as asthma or heart disease) should
limit prolonged outdoor exertion.

Recommended Components:
1. Sensors:
To measure AQI and pollutants:
 Particulate Matter Sensor:
o PMS5003 or SDS011 (for PM2.5 and PM10 detection).

 Gas Sensors:
o MQ-135 (for CO2, NH3, NOx, etc.).

 Weather Sensors:
o BME280 (for temperature, humidity, and pressure).

2. Microcontroller:
A microcontroller will collect data from sensors and handle its transmission.

Microcontroller Key Features

ESP32 Dual-core, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, 240 MHz

Arduino Nano Compact, affordable, easy to program

STM32 Blue Pill High-performance, affordable, real-time processing

Wi-Fi Networks for Drone Communication

A secure Wi-Fi network allows drones to communicate with a ground station or base through wireless
connections. To ensure safety and prevent unauthorized access, several security measures can be used to
protect communication.
Key Features of Secure Wi-Fi Networks:
1. Encryption:
o WPA3 Encryption: The latest and most secure Wi-Fi encryption standard that protects
data from being intercepted.
o End-to-End Encryption: Ensures that data transmitted between the drone and ground
station is encrypted, making it unreadable to anyone who might intercept it.
2. Authentication:
o Strong Passwords: Using strong passwords for the Wi-Fi network and devices to prevent
unauthorized access.
o Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adding an extra layer of security by requiring
more than one form of authentication (e.g., a password and a code sent to a phone).
3. Firewalls:
o Firewalls can be set up to block unwanted incoming and outgoing traffic, protecting the
Wi-Fi network from malicious attempts to breach the connection.
4. Virtual Private Network (VPN):
o A VPN encrypts all the communication between the drone and the base station over the
Wi-Fi network, adding an extra layer of security.
5. Network Monitoring:
o Continuously monitoring the network for unusual activity can help detect and respond to
potential security threats quickly.
Advantages:
 High-Speed Communication: Wi-Fi provides fast and efficient data transmission, ideal for real-
time pollutant data.
 Easy Setup: Wi-Fi networks are widely available and easy to set up in areas with existing
infrastructure.
 Cost-Effective: Compared to other communication methods like satellite systems, Wi-Fi is a low-
cost solution.
Limitations:
 Limited Range: Wi-Fi is best suited for short-range communication (typically within a few
kilometers).
 Vulnerabilities: If not properly secured, Wi-Fi networks can be vulnerable to hacking and
interference.
Best Practices for Secure Wi-Fi Communication:
 Use WPA3 encryption for maximum security.
 Always password-protect the Wi-Fi network.
 Set up a VPN to encrypt traffic between devices.
 Enable firewalls and continuously monitor network activity for potential threats.

Possibilities
HOW THEY ARE POSSIBLE?
Assembly Steps:
 Attach Motors and Propellers: Fix the motors to the drone frame and attach the propellers.
 Install the Flight Controller: Connect the flight controller to the motors and sensors to control
the drone's flight.
 Install Air Quality Sensors: Attach the pollutant detection sensors (PM2.5, CO2, etc.) securely
on the drone frame.
 Connect Power Source: Attach the battery to power the drone, ensuring the voltage and current
match the requirements of the components.
 Set Up Communication System: Install and configure the communication system (Wi-Fi, RF, or
cellular) to ensure data can be transmitted to the ground station.
 Configure Software: Program the flight controller and sensor software to collect and send the air
quality data, and ensure the drone is capable of autonomous flight if needed.
How are they better than other large weather jets or Aircrafts?
Pollutant detection drones are better than large weather jets or other aircraft for monitoring air
quality because they are cost-effective, flexible, real-time, mobile, and safe. Drones can provide
concrete, localized data about pollutants, making them an ideal tool for targeted environmental
monitoring. They also have a much smaller environmental impact and require fewer resources to
operate compared to large aircraft.
4o mini
Reference:
https://www.pranaair.com/air-quality-monitor/air-drone/