Low-Cost Sensor Networks for Air Quality Tracking on University Campuses

This paper presents the implementation of a low-cost IoT-based air quality monitoring system designed for DSATM campus in Bengaluru. The system integrates ESP8266 Node MCU, MQ135 gas sensors, and DHT11 temperature/humidity sensors to measure pollutants (PM2.5, CO, NO₂) and environmental parameters. Data is transmitted to the Arduino IoT Cloud for real-time visualization, enabling proactive health interventions and environmental management. Field tests demonstrate the system's ability to capture PM2.5 levels averaging 65–85 μg/m³ during peak hours, with a deployment cost of ₹3.8 lakhs for campuswide coverage. The modular design supports scalability, making it suitable for large-scale deployments across academic institutions and urban environments.