Drone as a tool to fight for clean air
Today's environmental measurement drones play a key role in the fight to improve air quality. Monitoring air quality with a drone makes it possible to precisely identify sources of pollution and measure its intensity. Equipped with advanced air sensors, these unmanned aerial vehicles (BSPs) are mobile laboratories, enabling rapid and accurate analysis of the area. Thanks to this technology, cities and municipalities can better respond to the smog problem, especially during the fall and winter seasons, when air quality deteriorates significantly.
The role of drones in air quality monitoring
Air pollution is one of the biggest threats to public health, considered the ninth risk factor for disease. It contains toxic substances that penetrate the body, causing damage to virtually all organs. These substances also contribute to the greenhouse effect, the ozone hole, acid rain and soil and water contamination. That's why monitoring air quality with a drone is crucial - it allows you to assess the chemical composition of pollutants, their magnitude and their source. On this basis, countermeasures can be developed and the impact of pollution on the health of residents and the condition of the environment can be reduced.
X-01 hexacopter and Hummingbird system - advanced measurement technologies
Drones with air sensors are advanced tools for monitoring the atmosphere. An example is the X-01 Hexacopter equipped with the Hummingbird measurement module in the Dronika system. The unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with a sensor and an air sampling container enables comprehensive research of air quality in different layers of the atmosphere. With mobile sensors, the drone can collect data on levels of particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, ozone and other harmful substances. Drone inspections make it possible to detect sources of pollutant emissions, such as waste incineration in industrial plants, and to respond quickly to the results of measurements.
Specifics of intervention measurements and smog mapping
During the autumn and winter months, intervention and control measurements are most often made to respond immediately to high concentrations of pollution. In such cases, the drone flies directly to the vicinity of chimneys and point emissions, where pollution levels are particularly high. For scientific measurements, drones can travel at different altitudes, performing accurate smog mapping. With the smog map derived from such surveys, municipalities and cities have access to detailed information on the distribution and intensity of pollution, enabling them to create strategies to improve air quality.
Drone as a guard in the air - practical application
What does such a process look like in practice? After receiving a report of suspected waste burning by residents or businesses, the municipality sends a drone to the area designated for inspection. The drone, equipped with air sensors, performs a flyby, collecting detailed data that is immediately available on a mobile app and online system. If the measurements indicate elevated concentrations of dust or other hazardous substances, it is reasonable to take samples directly from the designated furnaces and submit them for laboratory analysis. Such a system enables quick and effective action, protecting residents from the harmful effects of pollution.
Benefits of using drones to measure air quality
The use of drones in the fight for clean air brings many benefits, both economically and environmentally. Air quality measurement drones are relatively inexpensive compared to traditional methods, and they are relatively simple to operate and maintain. The flexibility of selecting air sensors allows drones to be tailored to specific needs, regardless of the type of pollution and the specifics of the local environment. Drones are also time-efficient - they provide quick results, allowing quick preventive and intervention actions. In addition, thanks to the non-contact method of measurement, drones provide safety for operators, who can work at a safe distance from sources of pollution, such as areas with high concentrations of chemicals, biological substances or radiation.
Challenges and limitations in using drones for air measurement
Despite its many benefits, air quality monitoring by drone also has some limitations. Drone flights are limited in duration and payload capacity, meaning that only certain models can carry advanced sensors. The size of the sensors also affects the efficiency of operations, especially when very precise measurements at high altitudes are required. Currently, there is also a lack of uniform regulations on the use of drones in environmental protection, which requires the introduction of an integrated and consistent system for information exchange and the unification of legal regulations.
Summary
Drones as an air quality monitoring tool represent a revolutionary solution in the fight for a cleaner environment. Their mobility, flexibility and ability to measure precisely provide a huge advantage over traditional methods. Drones with air sensors can reach hard-to-reach places, enabling rapid data acquisition and remedial action where it was previously impossible or difficult to do so. Thanks to modern monitoring technologies, drones help protect public health and improve air quality, which is a benefit not only for residents, but also for the environment.