AirChain: A Novel Blockchain Framework and Low-Cost Device for Democratized Air Quality Data Aggregation

Abstract

Air pollutant exposure kills over 6,700,000 people it per annum, yet there remains a systemic lack of accurate ground level data reporting the concentrations of the leading causes of such fatalities. Ambient particulate matter is a primary driver of this effect. Namely, PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10.0 display a systemic lack of accurate and high-definition reporting. This project suggests and implements a prototype for a distributed and low cost model for reporting such data and designs a novel framework in order to remedy three main shortfalls of previously implemented systems. First, their central operation and distribution, and therefore their requirement of trust in a central governing body. Second, their requirement of the purchase of comparatively high-cost devices for ordinary consumers. Finally, their high degree of error and accordingly low functional certainty. This project explores the creation of AirChain, a prototype system utilizing blockchain technology that will demonstrate the effectiveness of low-cost sensors when paired with simple microcontroller devices.