Air monitoring device created by students from the Department of Instrumentation Engineering at ITS showcased during Car Free Day in Gresik Regency

ITS Campus, ITS News – Students from the Department of Instrumentation Engineering at the Faculty of Vocational, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), have developed an air detection device to combat pollution. This device can monitor and filter the air using advanced sensors, reducing health risks.

Muhammad Zanuar is the driving force behind the air detection device, a project born out of his commitment to his hometown. Known as an industrial area, the Manyar District in Gresik Regency experiences relatively high levels of pollution. Recognizing this issue, Zanuar, commonly known as Zanuar, invited nine of his peers to create a device capable of monitoring and filtering the air.

Muhammad Zanuar (standing) during the socialization and education on the importance of air quality monitoring devices to the community in the Manyar District, Gresik Regency.

Zanuar explained that when the device is activated, sensors detect the concentration of particles and gas content in the air. This data is then processed by the control unit and displayed, as well as uploaded to a cloud-based website. “When the concentration of air particles indoors is high, the air filtration system becomes active,” he explained.

Zanuar further emphasized that allowing industrial emissions to be released into the air without proper measures can lead to an increased risk of Acute Respiratory Tract Infections (ARTIs). “It’s unfortunate if there are no measurement instruments and clear government policies to address environmental and health issues,” Zanuar added.

The Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) categorizes the Air Pollution Standard Index (ISPU) into five categories: low, with a range of values from 1-50; moderate, with values from 51-100; unhealthy, with values from 101-200; very unhealthy, with values from 201-300; and hazardous, with values above 300. The air quality reading in the Manyar District falls under the unhealthy category, with a recorded ISPU value of 144.

The assembly and wiring process of the air monitoring device designed by the ITS student team.

Zanuar explained that air quality can change rapidly, so the application will provide recommended preventive actions based on the air quality reading. “Depending on the air concentration levels, outdoor activities may be discouraged, and wearing masks when going outside may be recommended,” Zanuar added.

The prototype of the air quality monitoring device, according to Zanuar, has won several awards in competitions, including the Student Creativity Program (PKM), the Gresik Innovation and Workshop Festival (Ginofest), and the Gresik Regency Youth Pioneer Program.

Muhammad Zanuar (right) along with the team while conducting outreach and education on air quality monitoring devices directly from house to house to the local community.

In this initiative, Zanuar and his team collaborated with youth organizations and local residents to raise environmental awareness. Through various environmental activities, they tackled air pollution through regulatory policies, instrumentation innovation, education, environmental awareness campaigns, and tree planting. These efforts received positive responses from stakeholders in addressing pollution issues.

Zanuar and his team faced challenges in designing the program and device, including a lack of public awareness about air quality and limited support. To address the minimal awareness, they conducted extensive community outreach, educating residents on the use and maintenance of the device and what actions to take during poor air quality conditions.

Muhammad Zanuar (on the right) with his team during the ITS Youth Technopreneur (IYT) 2023 training.

In pursuit of creating a sustainable environment for future generations, Zanuar aims to foster collaboration using the pentahelix concept. “This concept involves working together and engaging all stakeholders, including youth, communities, academics, government, industry, and the media,” Zanuar concluded. (ITS Public Relations)

Reporter: Silvita Pramadani