Low-Cost Sensors for Air Quality Monitoring: A Systematic Review for Latin America

Abstract

Air pollution is considered the primary environmental health risk factor worldwide. However, despite its importance, measuring air pollutants remains a challenge in many parts of the world. Considering this scenario, this systematic review aims to investigate the use of low-cost sensors (LCS) for air quality monitoring in Latin America, where official monitoring coverage is often insufficient. Following the PRISMA protocol, 28 articles from Scopus and Web of Science were selected for analysis. The results show that PM2.5 and PM10 are the primary pollutants monitored, with Alphasense, Sensirion, and Nova Fitness identified as the main manufacturers. The average cost for these devices is USD 672.55, ranging from USD 71 to USD 1,573. Monitoring networks were implemented in at least 11 cities, demonstrating the potential for localised data. However, environmental variables such as humidity and temperature significantly impact accuracy, requiring robust calibration through linear regression or machine learning. The study concludes that LCS are vital for expanding monitoring capabilities in the Global South, but technical challenges regarding maintenance, data validation, and the lack of standardisation remain. Effective use depends on specialised technical support to ensure data reliability for environmental management and citizen science initiatives.