Thailand Installs 100 AI e-Nose Sensors to Track PM2.5 Sources

NSTDA begins nationwide field tests using nanotech devices to identify pollution origins and strengthen targeted air quality enforcement policies efforts.

The National Science Agency of Thailand has started conducting field tests on AI-enabled sensors aiming to identify the sources of hazardous PM2.5 air quality/pollution. Officials believe this will lead to better enforcement and better air quality policies.

The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) has deployed 100 prototype “electronic nose," or e-Nose, devices throughout Thailand’s pollution hotspots. The National Nanotechnology Center (Nanotec) created these sensors using nanotechnology to identify the unique fingerprints left behind by airborne particles of varying natures.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) refers to particles that are less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter and can penetrate deep into the lung and eventually into the bloodstream; they're connected to severe health risks. In Thailand, they frequently encounter serious seasonal haze due to crop burning, vehicle emissions, industrial activity and smoke drift from neighboring countries; the levels are often higher than the recommended levels.

According to Nanotec's director Uracha Raktanontchai, the goal is to identify the source of PM2.5 versus just reporting its concentrations in order for the government to implement more targeted interventions. "Fine particulate pollution is a national challenge, so it must be addressed at the source rather than with just monitoring," Raktanontchai said.

Sensors that replicate biological olfaction are uniquely developed to integrate arrays of nanoscale chemical detectors (chemical sensors) with both AI and mathematical modeling to enable the analysis of real-time sensor data via a mobile application. A series of agricultural test cases has also demonstrated that the sensor systems successfully distinguish (separate) air pollution resulting from the burning of nearby sugarcane and the chemical reactions of fertilizer.

The Thailand Electricity Generating Authority has conducted testing of the sensors at the Mae Moh Lignite Mine in the province of Lampang to differentiate between on-site versus external dust in order to decrease conflict with surrounding communities. This program is part of the broader goal of Thailand to translate nanotechnology research into practical tools for long-term management of sustainable air quality.