Validating and comparing highly resolved commercial “off the shelf” pm monitoring sensors with satellite based hybrid models, for improved environmental exposure assessment

Particulate matter is a common health hazard, and under certain conditions, an ecological threat. While many studies were conducted in regard to air pollution and potential effects, this paper serves as a pilot scale investigation into the spatial and temporal variability of particulate matter (PM) pollution in arid urban environments in general, and Beer-Sheva, Israel as a case study. We explore the use of commercially off the shelf (COTS) sensors, which provide an economical solution for spatiotemporal measurements. We started with a comparison process against an A-grade meteorological station, where it was shown that under specific climatic conditions, a number of COTS sensors were able to produce robust agreement (mean R² = 0.93, average SD = 17.5). The second stage examined the COTS sensors that were proven accurate in a mobile measurement campaign. Finally, data collected was compared to a validated satellite prediction model. We present how these tests and COTS sensor-kits could then be used to further explain the continuity and dispersion of particulate matter in similar areas.