Smart Air Quality Monitoring System

The Smart Air Quality Monitoring System tracks AQI in real time, auto activates a water pump, when levels exceed a threshold, and sends data to ThingSpeak via ESP-01 for remote monitoring.

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Inspiration

Air pollution is a critical global challenge, especially in urban and industrial zones. Manual monitoring is inefficient, and people are often unaware of hazardous air quality levels until it’s too late. We wanted to create an IoT-based, automated solution that not only tracks AQI in real time but also takes immediate action to reduce pollution.

What it does

The system continuously monitors air quality parameters like AQI, carbon monoxide, and humidity. If AQI exceeds a threshold, it automatically activates a water-sprinkling system to reduce dust and pollutants. Data is sent via the ESP-01 WiFi module to the ThingSpeak IoT platform, where it can be visualized using MATLAB dashboards.

How we built it

Hardware: Arduino Uno, gas sensors (MQ135, MQ7, MQ2), DHT22, motor driver, water pump (LED in prototype), ESP-01 WiFi module.

Software: Arduino IDE for programming, ThingSpeak IoT platform for data logging and visualization.

Integration: Sensors collect data → ESP-01 uploads to ThingSpeak → AQI threshold triggers pump/LED.

Challenges we ran into

Calibrating sensors for accurate AQI measurement.

Ensuring reliable WiFi connectivity with ESP-01.

Managing power consumption for continuous operation.

Designing an affordable, scalable prototype.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Built a working IoT prototype that detects AQI and auto-controls pollution. Sensor calibration and integration with microcontrollers.

Real-time data logging and cloud visualization using ThingSpeak.

Importance of designing practical, user-friendly IoT solutions. Successfully integrated ThingSpeak + MATLAB for live data visualization.

Created a cost-effective, scalable model adaptable for industrial and urban environments.

What we learned

Adding GPS tracking for location-specific AQI reports.

Developing a mobile app for instant alerts and control.

Expanding to solar-powered units for energy efficiency.

Large-scale deployment in construction sites and industrial areas.

What's next for Smart Air Quality Monitoring System

Built With

  • arduinouno
  • c/c++(arduinoide)
  • dht22sensor
  • esp-01wifi
  • matlabapi
  • motordriver
  • mq135/mq7/mq2sensors
  • thingspeakclouddb
  • thingspeakclouddbc/c++(arduinoide)
  • thingspeakiotplatform
  • thingspeakrestapi
  • waterpump(ledprototype)
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