Newcastle University develops wireless air quality monitor

The MESSAGE (Mobile Environmental Sensing System Across a Grid Environment) solution was developed by researchers at Newcastle University to collect real-time, minute-by-minute, metre-by-metre data on traffic pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) as well as noise and climate conditions.

In use, sensors called ’motes’ are scattered around busy road junctions where they continuously monitor the level of roadside pollution. This data is then fed back to a central computer system and can be accessed in real time via the web.

Demonstrated for the first time in Gateshead last year, the sensors are now being commercially produced by a newly formed north-east company called EnviroWatch.

Developed by Prof Bayan Sharif and senior lecturer Jeff Neasham, based in the university’s School of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, the sensors will enable transport scientists to better understand the links between traffic flow – in particular congestion – and pollution or noise levels.

Neasham said: ’The aim of this project was to improve our understanding of how pollution accumulates and disperses in our cities and ultimately to inform new traffic management plans that will improve urban air quality and transform the way we travel.