A Portable Device for Methane Measurement Using a Low-Cost Semiconductor Sensor: Development, Calibration and...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Sensor Technology
• Greenhouse Gas Monitoring

Background:

• Methane is a potent greenhouse gas and ozone precursor, with most sources linked to human activities.
• Traditional methane monitoring uses expensive gas analyzers, necessitating development of cost-effective alternatives.
• Low-cost gas sensors for methane measurement require further development for reliable performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and assess a low-cost platform for measuring low concentrations of methane.
• To evaluate the platform's performance in distinct environmental settings: a small ruminant barn and a wastewater treatment plant.
• To improve sensor performance through environmental data correction and active ventilation.

Main Methods:

• A low-cost platform utilizing a Figaro TGS2600 metal oxide semiconductor methane sensor was developed.
• The platform underwent multi-point calibration and was tested in a small ruminant barn.
• In a wastewater treatment plant, the system was co-located with a Gasera One Pulse multi-gas analyzer for comparative calibration and validation.
• Temperature, relative humidity, and active ventilation were employed to correct sensor readings and enhance performance.

Main Results:

• The developed system successfully measured low methane concentrations, capturing reliable spatial and temporal patterns in both tested environments.
• The low-cost system exhibited performance comparable to a high-end multi-gas analyzer at the wastewater treatment plant.
• The sensor demonstrated good performance across various environmental conditions, indicating its utility for screening purposes.

Conclusions:

• The developed low-cost methane monitoring platform is a viable and cost-effective alternative for detecting low methane concentrations.
• The system shows promise as a screening tool for environmental monitoring, offering reliable data under diverse conditions.
• Further development can enhance the accuracy and applicability of low-cost sensors for greenhouse gas monitoring.