Analysis of Roadside PM Concentrations Using Low-Cost Air Quality Monitoring Systems in South Korea

Particulate matter (PM) is a Group 1 carcinogen and a significant environmental and public health concern globally. In South Korea, concerns over the reliability of conventional air quality monitoring stations, often installed at heights above 10 meters, have led to the deployment of low-cost air quality monitoring systems positioned closer to human breathing zones (2–3 meters). This study uses data from these systems, focusing on a case study in Anyang City, to analyze PM and PM-2.5 concentrations at roadside (bus stops) and riverside/park locations.

To ensure data reliability, the top 10% and bottom 10% of extreme values were excluded, and the remaining 80% of the dataset was analyzed. The results reveal significantly higher PM and PM-2.5 concentrations at roadside locations, emphasizing the need for mitigation strategies to address public health risks. This study also proposes policy recommendations to reduce PM exposure at roadside locations, demonstrating the applicability of such approaches to urban environments in South Korea and beyond.

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by Particulate Matter Management Specialized Graduate Program through the Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute (KEITI) funded by the Ministry of Environment (MOE).