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The U.S. EPA wildland fire sensor challenge: Performance and evaluation of solver submitted multi-pollutant sensor
Matthew S Landis1, Russell W Long1, Jonathan Krug1
1US EPA, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
Atmospheric Environment (Oxford, England : 1994)
|April 23, 2021
Summary
New sensors can now measure wildland fire air pollution, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and ozone (O3). Calibrations improved accuracy to 75-83%, showing potential for real-time wildfire monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Atmospheric Chemistry
- Sensor Technology
Background:
- Wildland fires release significant air pollution, endangering nearby populations and downwind communities.
- Current air quality monitoring for wildfires is hindered by cost, complexity, and accuracy limitations.
- Emerging technologies like miniaturized sensors and wireless communication offer new real-time monitoring possibilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To advance wildland fire air measurement technology for easier deployment, high concentration events, and harsh conditions.
- To encourage global innovation in developing sensor prototypes for key wildfire pollutants.
- To evaluate the performance of novel sensor systems against established methods.
Main Methods:
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and federal partners sponsored the Wildland Fire Sensor Challenge.
- Ten international solvers submitted sensor prototypes measuring fine particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and ozone (O3).
- Sensor systems were evaluated for accuracy, precision, linearity, and operability, comparing raw data with EPA-calibrated results.
Main Results:
- Winner sensor accuracies for PM2.5 ranged from 22-32% initially.
- EPA regression calibrations significantly improved PM2.5 sensor accuracies to 75-83% for wildfire smoke conditions.
- Three challenge winners were announced, demonstrating promising sensor performance.
Conclusions:
- Novel sensor systems show potential for accurate, real-time air quality monitoring during wildland fire events.
- Calibration with wildfire smoke specific data is crucial for improving sensor accuracy.
- Advancements in sensor technology can enhance the safety of first responders and affected populations.
