Improving Low-Cost Optical PM Sensor Accuracy in Humid Conditions via Aerosol Liquid Water Estimation Using U.S. EPA CSN Data.

ABSTRACT: High ambient relative humidity (RH) poses a substantial challenge to the accuracy of low-cost optical sensors used for measuring the fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) concentration. In this study, we developed a novel, practical, and feasible framework for mechanistically correcting low-cost PM_2.5 sensor measurements under high-humidity conditions by quantitatively separating aerosol liquid water mass (ALW) using the widely available EPA Chemical Speciation Network (CSN) data set, after accounting for the necessary optical calibration procedures that affect sensor performance at elevated RH. We introduced two key correction processes for a low-cost optical PM_2.5 measurement system comprising a nephelometer and an optical particle counter: (1) optical calibrat

SUBMITTER: Guo Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12910586 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature