“Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for Environmental Monitoring and Research: A Review of Current Trends” by Carlos Ruiz-Sarmiento et al.:

  • Review highlights the versatility of UAVs in environmental monitoring, including their ability to capture high-resolution spatial data for air quality parameters.
  • Discusses advancements in sensor technology, particularly miniaturization and integration of sensors onto UAV platforms, enabling real-time monitoring of pollutants.
  • Examines the challenges associated with data processing and interpretation, emphasizing the importance of integrating UAV data with ground-based measurements for accurate assessment of air quality.

Te specific pollutants tracked using UAVs for air quality monitoring include:

UAVs equipped with CO2 sensors are utilized to monitor emissions from industrial activities, urban areas, and natural sources such as forests.

Monitoring CO levels helps assess the combustion efficiency of vehicles, industrial processes, and biomass burning, providing insights into air quality and public health risks.

Detection of SO2 emissions is crucial for monitoring industrial facilities, power plants, and volcanic activities, aiding in pollution control and early warning systems.

UAV-based sensors measure PM concentrations in the atmosphere, which include fine particles (PM2.5) and coarse particles (PM10), providing information on air quality and potential health impacts.