Real-Time Monitoring of Air Pollution and Detection of Illegal Emissions Using Advanced Scanning LiDAR Technology

Air pollution is a persistent environmental and public health challenge, particularly in industrial areas characterized by diverse and diffuse emission sources. This study demonstrates the application of an advanced scanning LiDAR system for real-time monitoring of particulate matter (PM_2.5, PM₁₀) and the detection of illegal emissions in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. The system employs advanced remote sensing technology, enabling 360° atmospheric scans within a 5 km radius at 30-minute intervals, with a spatial resolution of 30 meters.

During its deployment in the Sihwa National Industrial Complex, home to over 978 industrial facilities, the LiDAR system identified 192 potential illegal emission sources. Subsequent investigations confirmed 22 violations of environmental regulations, resulting in regulatory actions such as facility shutdowns and legal proceedings. The deployment led to a measurable improvement in air quality, evidenced by a reduction of 2.4 μg/m³ in PM_2.5 levels during the operational period.

The integration of LiDAR data with complementary environmental datasets enabled precise spatiotemporal analyses, enhancing the efficiency of regulatory enforcement and fostering effective inter-agency collaboration. The results underscore the system’s potential to overcome limitations of conventional point-source monitoring, offering an innovative tool for large-scale industrial air pollution management.

This study highlights the scalability and precision of scanning LiDAR technology as a critical asset for real-time air quality monitoring and regulatory compliance. The findings advocate for broader adoption of this technology in industrial settings globally, emphasizing its ability to address complex environmental challenges and promote sustainable industrial practices.

Acknowledgement: This research was supported by a grant (2023-MOIS-20024324) of Ministry-Cooperation R&D Program of Disaster-Safety funded by Ministry of Interior and Safety (MOIS, Korea) and Climate & Environment Division Scientific Environment Surveillance Team in Gyeonggi-do Province, Korea.