Particulate Matter Monitoring: Importance and Techniques
Air pollution is a major environmental problem in many parts
of the world, and one of the primary contributors to air pollution is
particulate matter. Particulate matter (PM) refers to a mixture of solid and
liquid particles that are suspended in the air, including dust, smoke, and
other tiny particles. These particles are harmful to human health and the
environment, and as a result, monitoring PM levels has become increasingly
important. In this essay, we will discuss the importance of particulate matter
monitoring, as well as some of the techniques used to monitor PM levels.
Importance of
Particulate Matter Monitoring
The importance of particulate matter monitoring cannot be
overstated. Particulate matter can cause a wide range of health problems,
including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and even cancer. Children,
the elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions are particularly
vulnerable to the effects of PM. In addition to human health, particulate
matter can also have a negative impact on the environment, including soil and
water pollution, damage to crops, and harm to wildlife.
Particulate matter monitoring is essential for several
reasons. First, it allows us to understand the levels of PM in the air, which
can help us develop strategies to reduce exposure and improve public health.
Second, monitoring PM levels can help us identify sources of pollution, which
can lead to targeted interventions to reduce emissions. Finally, particulate
matter monitoring can help us evaluate the effectiveness of pollution control
measures and track progress over time.
Techniques for
Particulate Matter Monitoring
Several techniques are used for particulate matter
monitoring, including manual sampling and automated monitoring. Manual sampling
involves collecting samples of air using filters, which are then analyzed in a
laboratory to determine the concentration of PM. This method is time-consuming
and can be expensive, but it provides highly accurate data.
Automated monitoring, on the other hand, involves the use of
electronic sensors that can measure PM levels in real-time. These sensors can
be installed in fixed locations or on mobile platforms, such as cars or drones,
to monitor PM levels in different areas. Automated monitoring is faster and
more cost-effective than manual sampling, but the data may be less accurate due
to variations in the sensors and the environment.
Another technique for particulate matter monitoring is
satellite-based remote sensing. This method uses satellites to measure the
reflectance of light from the earth's surface, which can provide information
about the concentration of PM in the air. Satellite-based remote sensing is
useful for monitoring PM levels over large areas, but it may not provide the
same level of accuracy as other methods.
Particulate Matter Monitoring Market Dynamics
DRIVERS in
Particulate Matter Monitoring Market
The market for particulate matter monitoring is driven by
various factors. One of the significant drivers is the increasing focus on
ambient air quality monitoring, which is deemed crucial in several countries
worldwide. Many cities are now considering integrating air quality sensors into
their infrastructures, particularly those with advanced civic technology
environments or those planning major infrastructure upgrades.
Cities with "Smart City" agendas and advanced data
management capabilities can measure ambient air quality, weather, traffic,
noise, and other factors using multipurpose sensors. With rising awareness of
the detrimental effects of high levels of pollution, people living in heavily
polluted towns and cities are recognizing the importance of monitoring these
particles to maintain environmental and human health.
For instance, PM2.5 is the most concerning particulate matter
in London, and it has been linked to numerous fatalities. In addition to its
health impacts, particulate matter can cause environmental and material damage,
including reduced visibility (haze), damage to sensitive forests and crops, and
the acidification of lakes and streams.
Open fires, wood burning, and coal-fueled stoves are among
the primary contributors to particulate matter emissions in countries such as
the UK and across Europe. The need to monitor ambient air quality periodically
is, therefore, becoming increasingly necessary. The demand for particulate
matter sensors in ambient air monitoring is expected to rise due to these
factors, creating lucrative opportunities for market players.
RESTRAINTS in
Particulate Matter Monitoring Market
One of the major challenges in particulate matter monitoring
is the high cost associated with advanced technology and the inability of
traditional monitoring solutions to provide real-time monitoring. Particulate
matter sensors detect the density of particles by analyzing changes in air
properties as they pass through the sensor unit. However, unlike gas sensors
that can identify different pollutants, particulate matter sensors cannot
precisely determine the composition of pollutants. Despite this limitation, they
can detect particles of varying sizes.
Most low-cost particulate matter sensors currently use light
scattering technology, but other laboratory-grade instruments can provide
greater accuracy. However, such instruments are expensive and bulky, making
them impractical for everyday use. Gravimetric methods, considered the most
accurate way of measuring mass concentration, also have practical limitations
and are typically used only by government organizations.
Another technology, beta-attenuation, can provide the mass
concentration of particulate matter. However, it has limitations in that it is
a non-continuous monitoring technology and can collect only a limited number of
readings. Additionally, it is costly, which limits its use in the market.
Therefore, despite the availability of different monitoring solutions, the high
cost and limited real-time monitoring capabilities of traditional methods
continue to be a restraint in the effective monitoring of particulate matter.
OPPORTUNITIES in
Particulate Matter Monitoring Market
The global demand for indoor air quality monitoring is on
the rise due to the potential health risks associated with particulate matter.
Exposure to particulate matter can cause numerous health problems such as
aggravated asthma, decreased lung function, irregular heartbeats, and even
premature death in individuals with pre-existing heart or lung conditions. Some
of the most harmful particles are invisible to the naked eye and can easily
enter the bloodstream and lungs, leading to acute and chronic health effects.
The impact of particulate matter on health is influenced by factors such as
pre-existing conditions, the type of particulate matter, and other
environmental factors.
In addition to the health risks, exposure to particulate
matter can cause unpleasant symptoms such as nose, eye, and throat irritation,
fatigue, and dizziness. It can also lead to the development of cardiovascular
diseases and certain types of cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to measure and
monitor particulate matter levels in both commercial and residential buildings.
Indoor air quality sensors, also known as particulate matter
sensors, are being used to measure particle sizes such as PM1, PM2.5, PM4, and
PM10. These sensors provide clear insights into the building's indoor air
quality and enable prompt action to be taken to improve air quality. With the
growing awareness of the health risks associated with particulate matter, the
demand for indoor air quality monitoring is expected to increase further in the
future.
CHALLENGES in
Particulate Matter Monitoring Market
One of the major challenges faced by the particulate matter
monitoring market is the delay in implementing monitoring solutions in
developing countries. Despite the ongoing technological advancements in monitoring
instruments and technologies, governments in some regions of the world are not
prioritizing the deployment of particulate matter monitors, especially in Asia
Pacific, South America, and Africa.
In contrast to the increasing implementation of particulate
matter monitors in European and North American countries, the absence or delay
in implementing stringent government regulations in developing countries is
hindering the growth prospects for particulate matter monitoring products.
Although governments worldwide are gradually focusing on controlling this
pollutant and deploying particulate matter monitors as required by industries,
developing countries are not aggressively adopting these measures.
Therefore, the lack of strict government regulations in
developing countries is a significant challenge for the particulate matter
monitoring market. However, with increasing awareness of the detrimental
effects of high levels of pollution, governments in these regions may begin to
implement more stringent regulations and accelerate the deployment of
particulate matter monitors, thereby creating potential growth opportunities
for the market players.
The market for air quality monitoring systems is experiencing
significant revenue growth due to the rapid advancement in technology. Air
quality monitoring systems are designed to measure and forecast changes in air
pollution in various locations, including cities and industrial sites. Airborne
particulate matter, particularly PM2.5 particles, can have significant negative
impacts on human health by entering the respiratory system deeply and
depositing on the surface of deeper lung sections, leading to lung inflammation
and tissue damage.
Companies like Aeroqual offer numerous products such as the
AQS series that are specifically designed for studying and monitoring air
quality. The monitoring of particulate matter is used to provide data on air
quality to regulatory programs, helping them assess whether a region has met
the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Rapid industrialization in
developing countries, coupled with the growing awareness of the detrimental
effects of air pollution on human health, is expected to drive revenue growth
in the particulate matter monitoring market.
Greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the burning of
fossil fuels are one of several factors contributing to air pollution, which is
closely related to the climate and ecosystems of the planet. To reduce the
burden of disease linked to air pollution, several short and long-term
mitigation policies have been enacted to decrease air pollution levels and
improve the health of individuals. PM2.5 is present in smoke from fires as well
as emissions from factories, power plants, and automobiles, and numerous
factors affect the amount of non-exhaust particulate matter generated by a
vehicle.
Light electric vehicles are thought to emit 10-15% less
PM2.5 compared to conventional automobiles, while heavier electric vehicles
produce 2-6% higher PM2.5 compared to identical conventional vehicles. As a
result, demand for particulate matter monitoring is expected to increase,
especially in developing countries, during the forecast period.
Particulate Matter Monitoring Market Segment Overview
The global particulate matter monitoring market is divided
into two product types: indoor monitoring and outdoor monitoring. The outdoor
monitoring segment is projected to have a higher revenue share during the
forecast period. The surge in air pollutants such as particulate matter due to
energy, transportation, and infrastructure development has increased the demand
for sensors to detect particulate matter. Companies like Prana Air offer
installation services for PM sensors, such as the PAS-OUT-01, an industrial-grade,
digital laser sensor calibrated for PM10 and PM2.5 individually. The rising
demand for particulate matter monitoring outdoors is driving revenue growth in
the segment.
The global particulate matter monitoring market is also
segmented based on technology: light scattering, beta-attenuation, gravimetric,
and opacity. The light scattering segment accounted for the largest revenue
share in 2021 due to improved precision in particulate matter emission
measurement in coal-fired power plants to comply with stricter environmental
standards. Portable monitors that continuously detect the temporal evolution of
the aerosol mass concentration are expected to drive revenue growth in the
segment.
Based on particle size, the global particulate matter
monitoring market is segmented into PM1, PM2.5, PM4, and PM10. PM2.5, which can
erode and irritate the alveolar wall and affect lung function, has been linked
to a 35% increase in lung cancer mortality among 2.2 million adults worldwide
when air concentrations increase by 10 µg/m3. This has increased awareness and
demand for particulate matter monitoring and is expected to drive the revenue
growth of the segment.
The beta-attenuation technology is a prominent segment in
the particulate matter monitoring market and is expected to witness significant
growth during the forecast period. This technology is widely used to detect
PM2.5 and PM10, which are monitored by most air pollution regulatory agencies.
It operates by absorbing beta radiation emitted by solid particles extracted
from airflow.
Despite its effectiveness, beta-attenuation technology is
relatively expensive compared to other technologies such as light scattering
and opacity, which can affect the growth rate of this segment in the global
particulate matter monitoring market. However, major players in the market,
such as Met One Instruments Inc. (now part of ACOEM Group), Thermo Fisher
Scientific, Inc., and ACOEM Group, continue to integrate this technology into
particulate matter sensors/devices/instruments.
The oil & gas application segment is another important
segment in the particulate matter monitoring market and is expected to grow
significantly during the forecast period. The production process in the oil
& gas industry releases several pollutants, including nitrogen oxides,
carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, total volatile organic
compounds (tVOCs), particulate matter, and hydrogen sulfide.
The industry relies heavily on particulate matter monitoring
instruments/sensors to identify particulate matter emissions and particle size.
The release of particulate matter is affected by factors such as dust-catching
equipment, burner design, fuel type, equipment maintenance, and oxygen
concentration. Air pollutant sources in the oil & gas industry include
process heaters, tail gas units, Fluidized Catalytic Cracking (FCC)
regenerators, flares and boilers, storage facilities, and equipment leaks.
Therefore, the market for particulate matter monitoring instruments/sensors in
the oil & gas industry is expected to grow significantly during the
forecast period.
The global particulate matter monitoring market is segmented
by application into power generation, oil & gas, chemical &
petrochemical, indoor and outdoor air monitoring, and healthcare. The power
generation segment is expected to hold the largest revenue share over the
forecast period, as it is the largest emitter of particulate matter globally.
Power generation contributes significantly to PM2.5 air pollution, with
biomass, municipal and industrial waste, coal, natural gas, and petroleum
accounting for around 70% of all electricity generated during the forecast
period. The burning of these fuels releases a significant amount of particulate
matter into the air, making it essential to install particulate matter monitoring
systems in power plants to prevent air pollution, which is expected to drive
revenue growth of the segment.
The Asia Pacific market is expected to witness the highest
CAGR during the forecast period, with China, India, Japan, and South Korea being
key countries in the region. The demand for particulate matter monitoring
solutions is expected to grow rapidly in the developing countries of Asia
Pacific. Meanwhile, the North American market is expected to hold the largest
revenue share during the forecast period. The rapid technological advancements
in air quality monitoring systems and growing awareness among people about the
rapid increase in air pollution are driving revenue growth in this region.
Additionally, strong government regulations are further driving revenue growth
of the market. The Clean Air Act has significantly reduced the United States
emissions of some key air pollutants, and PM2.5 concentrations across the
nation have decreased over time, supporting market revenue growth in the countries
of this region.
During the forecast period, it is anticipated that the
European market will experience a higher rate of revenue growth. The region's
growing awareness of ambient air quality and the implementation of stringent
government regulations are expected to make a significant contribution to the
market's revenue growth. The EU Air Quality Directives aim to preserve human
health, plants, and natural ecosystems by setting limits and goal levels for
air pollutants. Under the European Green Deal's Zero Pollution Action Plan, the
European Commission has established a 2030 target of reducing premature deaths
caused by fine particulate matter (PM2.5) by at least 60% compared to 2010
levels. Since 2000, the percentage of people exposed to levels exceeding EU
guidelines for most pollutants, particularly fine particles (PM2.5) and NO2,
has decreased, which is expected to drive market revenue growth in the region.
In the Asia Pacific region, rapid industrial growth and an
increasing prevalence of respiratory diseases have led to growing awareness and
adoption of particulate matter monitoring systems. In China, fast urbanization,
industrial expansion, and the rise in the number of motor vehicles have made
particulate matter an increasingly serious environmental issue. This has led to
a growing demand for particulate matter monitoring systems. Similarly, India is
also focusing on reducing particulate matter and monitoring control,
particularly in industries such as mining, construction, and raw materials used
in stone refining, crushing, and cement industries that generate dust
particles. Activities like drilling, crushing, and sand filtering are major
sources of dust pollution, leading to an increase in the number of dust
monitors across the country. For instance, in 2019, Surat city (India)
implemented a pilot emissions trading scheme to measure particulate matter
pollution, indicating the growing demand for particulate matter monitoring in
the region.
Dominating Companies in Particulate Matter Monitoring Market
- AMETEK
- SIEMENS
- THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC, INC.
- HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
- HORIBA, LTD.
- ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
- SICK AG
- SPECTRIS PLC
- TELEDYNE TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED
- TESTO SE & CO. KGAA
- TSI INCORPORATED
- ACOEM GROUP
- AEROQUAL LIMITED
- AIRMODUS OY
- DEKATI LTD.
- DURAG HOLDING AG (GRIMM)
- NANEOS
- OPSIS AB
- PALAS GMBH
- SENSIDYNE, LP
- SENSIRION AG
- TERA GROUP
Recent Developments in Particulate Matter Monitoring Market
- In 2020, the global air monitoring equipment manufacturer
TSI acquired the assets of the startup Quest Environmental & Safety
Products, Inc. Quest Environmental was a manufacturer of environmental
monitoring equipment, including particulate matter monitors. With this
acquisition, TSI has expanded its portfolio of environmental monitoring
solutions.
- In 2019, the air quality monitoring technology company
Aeroqual merged with the environmental instrumentation company Specto
Technology. This merger brought together two companies with complementary
expertise in air quality monitoring and environmental instrumentation,
including particulate matter monitoring.
- In 2019, the technology company ams AG announced a
partnership with the air quality monitoring company TTP Ventus. The partnership
aimed to develop a new generation of compact, high-performance gas and
particulate matter sensors that could be used in a range of environmental
monitoring applications.
- In 2018, the air quality monitoring company Aclima partnered
with Google to map air quality in cities using Google Street View cars equipped
with Aclima's environmental sensors. The sensors could detect particulate
matter, as well as other pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide,
and methane.
- Aeroqual, a New Zealand-based air quality monitoring
company, was acquired by Swedish-based Tikkurila Group in 2020. The acquisition
is expected to expand Tikkurila's product portfolio and enable the company to
offer a complete air quality monitoring solution to its customers.
- In 2020, 3M completed the acquisition of Acelity, Inc., a
leading provider of wound care and specialty surgical products. While this
acquisition may not seem directly related to particulate matter monitoring, 3M
is a major player in the market and this acquisition is part of the company's
broader strategy to expand its healthcare business.
- In 2019, TSI Incorporated, a leading manufacturer of
precision measurement instruments and systems, acquired MSP Corporation, a
company specializing in particle size analysis and aerosol instrumentation. The
acquisition is expected to strengthen TSI's position in the particulate matter
monitoring market and expand its product offerings.
- In 2018, Honeywell announced a partnership with Carnegie
Mellon University to develop a new air quality monitoring system. The system
uses Honeywell's advanced sensor technology and combines it with Carnegie
Mellon's air quality modeling expertise to provide real-time air quality data
to cities and citizens.
- In 2018, Teledyne Technologies Incorporated acquired the gas
and flame detection business of 3M for $230 million. While this acquisition is
not focused specifically on particulate matter monitoring, it is part of
Teledyne's broader strategy to expand its environmental monitoring
capabilities.
Particulate matter monitoring is essential for protecting
public health and the environment. Monitoring PM levels allows us to understand
the extent of the problem, identify sources of pollution, and develop
strategies to reduce exposure. Several techniques are available for particulate
matter monitoring, including manual sampling, automated monitoring, and
satellite-based remote sensing. Each method has its advantages and
disadvantages, and the choice of method depends on the specific needs of the
situation. By continuing to monitor PM levels, we can work towards reducing air
pollution and improving public health.