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Development of a Low-Cost Traffic and Air Quality Monitoring Internet of Things (IoT) System for Sustainable Urban and Environmental Management

Author

Listed:
  • Lorand Bogdanffy

    (Faculty of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, University of Petroșani, 332006 Petrosani, Romania)

  • Csaba Romuald Lorinț

    (Faculty of Mining, University of Petroșani, 332006 Petrosani, Romania)

  • Aurelian Nicola

    (Faculty of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, University of Petroșani, 332006 Petrosani, Romania)

Abstract

In this research, we present the development and validation of a compact, resource-efficient (low-cost, low-energy), distributed, real-time traffic and air quality monitoring system. Deployed since November 2023 in a small town that relies on burning various fuels and waste for winter heating, the system comprises three IoT units that integrate image processing and environmental sensing for sustainable urban and environmental management. Each unit uses an embedded camera and sensors to process live data locally, which are then transmitted to a central database. The image processing algorithm counts vehicles by type with over 95% daylight accuracy, while air quality sensors measure pollutants including particulate matter (PM), equivalent carbon dioxide (eCO 2 ), and total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs). Data analysis revealed fluctuations in pollutant concentrations across monitored areas, correlating with traffic variations and enabling the identification of pollution sources and their relative impacts. Recorded PM10 daily average levels even reached eight times above the safe 24 h limits in winter, when traffic values were low, indicating a strong link to household heating. This work provides a scalable, cost-effective approach to traffic and air quality monitoring, offering actionable insights for urban planning and sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Lorand Bogdanffy & Csaba Romuald Lorinț & Aurelian Nicola, 2025. "Development of a Low-Cost Traffic and Air Quality Monitoring Internet of Things (IoT) System for Sustainable Urban and Environmental Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-26, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:11:p:5003-:d:1667561
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Evelina Rezmerița & Sorin Mihai Radu & Angelica-Nicoleta Călămar & Csaba Lorinț & Adrian Florea & Aurelian Nicola, 2022. "Urban Air Quality Monitoring in Decarbonization Context; Case Study—Traditional Coal Mining Area, Petroșani, Romania," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-18, July.
    2. Gonçalo Marques & Cristina Roque Ferreira & Rui Pitarma, 2018. "A System Based on the Internet of Things for Real-Time Particle Monitoring in Buildings," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-14, April.
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