Thailand’s National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) is rolling out a network of "electronic nose" sensors to track the sources of hazardous PM2.5 fine particle pollution. This new approach aims to provide real-time data that will help authorities tackle the country’s long-standing air pollution issue at its origin.

The project, developed by NSTDA’s National Nanotechnology Center (Nanotec), is deploying 100 prototype devices in pollution hotspots across the country. The sensors will monitor PM2.5, fine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, posing significant health risks.

e-Nose Technology for Precise Pollution Tracking

The e-Nose sensors use an array of chemical detectors to mimic the human sense of smell but with the ability to identify gases and compounds that are invisible to the naked eye. These sensors are adapted from their original commercial use in food quality control and fragrance testing to be used for environmental monitoring.

Each pollution source, such as biomass burning or industrial emissions, has a distinct chemical "signature," making it possible to pinpoint the exact cause of the pollution. For example, smoke from crop residue burning chemically differs from traffic emissions or industrial pollution, allowing for precise identification of the source.

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Pilot Project and Early Results

The pilot project will deploy the sensors across various sites, including rice paddies, corn fields, fruit orchards, natural forests, and open reference areas. AI and mathematical models will process the data in real time, offering mobile app-based insights into the pollution levels.

Initial tests in agricultural areas have already shown that the sensors can differentiate between smoke from nearby sugarcane burning and chemical reactions from fertiliser use. This capability will help authorities intervene more precisely, targeting enforcement actions or outreach to farmers instead of relying on broad inspections.

Support from Industry and Authorities

Thailand’s Electricity Generating Authority (EGAT), which operates the Mae Moh lignite mine, is among the industrial partners testing the e-Nose system. The technology helps distinguish dust generated within the mining site from pollution originating from other sources, reducing disputes with surrounding communities.

Accurate data is crucial for effective regulation, according to Sakda Tridech, director of the Air and Noise Quality Innovation Division at the Pollution Control Department. He stressed that precise monitoring would help build a national database to guide enforcement, legal measures, and long-term air-quality policies.

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Long-Term Impact on Air Quality Management

Thailand regularly experiences severe seasonal haze, driven by agricultural burning, traffic, industry, and cross-border smoke, especially during the dry season. The deployment of these advanced sensors is part of a broader push to transform laboratory innovations into practical tools for improving air quality management nationwide.

The NSTDA plans to discuss the technology and other clean-air strategies at its annual conference in April. Officials hope to scale the system for use in major urban areas to address pollution effectively.

Recent monitoring shows that air pollution levels often exceed the government’s safety thresholds, especially in parts of the capital, Bangkok. As of mid-February, PM2.5 concentrations in certain districts surpassed the government standard of 37.5 micrograms per cubic meter, reaching levels deemed harmful to health. The new sensor system could play a pivotal role in reducing this environmental hazard and improving public health across Thailand.

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