Protótipo com sensores embarcados em RPA/drone para coleta de dados da qualidade do ar

Abstract

Air pollution is a global concern that impacts human health, ecosystems and the Earth’s climate, originating from anthropogenic activities and natural processes. A lethal gas in high concentrations, carbon monoxide (CO) stands out as one of the most harmful pollutants to the environment, as it compromises the transport of oxygen (O2) through the blood and causes severe symptoms such as headache, nausea, mental confusion and, in extreme cases, death. The main sources of CO emissions include the burning of fossil fuels, biomass and industrial processes, the control of which is challenging and transcends national borders, as it requires continuous monitoring and regulation. In this context, it is essential to measure CO concentration, especially in public spaces, due to the undetectability of this gas by the human senses, which increases the risk of poisoning, despite the fact that CO detection equipment is generally expensive to purchase and operate. So, this study aimed to address the proposal for assembling a prototype CO meter, at affordable costs and easy to operate in controlled environments (laboratories) and uncontrolled environments (field at ground level and vertical profiles). To this end, a prototype was created, with a digital sensor and controlled CO concentration emission, to evaluate the accuracy of this equipment in the laboratory; it was also tested in an open environment, in a location with high CO concentration (public transport bus station, next to streets with heavy traffic), at ground level; and in three strategically chosen points for measurement in vertical profile, using Remotely Pilote Aircraft (RPA)/drone. The results obtained in the laboratory showed that the equipment is promising, due to its 99% of accuracy with the concentrations tested, which allowed a linear adjustment to convert the digital measurement into CO concentration reading. The field measurements were efficient and consistent with the conditions of each tested location, that is, in the points with more sources of CO dispersion, there were higher concentrations of the gas. In addition, the maximum values were compared with Resolution No. 491 of National Environmental Council (CONAMA) (Brazil, 2018), in order to demonstrate that, for the days and times of measurement, the CO concentration was in compliance with the maximum recommended. Finally, although in incipient experiments, the prototype proved to be effective for the purpose of this work.