Ammonia concentration monitoring using Arduino

Abstract

In order to evaluate the efficacy of ammonia photocatalysis, it is necessary to continuously monitor its concentration during the process. This paper presents ammonia concentration monitoring using a low cost (non-professional) electronic device. The device is based on an open source electronic platform, and it is composed of the MQ-137 ammonia detection sensor, connected to the Croduino Basic 2 board. Sensitive material of the sensor is a metal oxide (SnO2). The change in the ammonia concentration causes a change in the electrical resistance, which is measured and used for the ammonia concentration estimation. Four measurements, with ammonia concentration ranging from 0-500 ppm were performed in the controlled environment. With the purpose of the device calibration and repeatability test, along with a low-cost device, the monitoring was carried out also with a professional device, Geotech GA5000 gas analyser. Using the information provided in the sensor datasheet, together with the measured data, the measurement error of the low-cost device was assessed. After calibration, ammonia concentrations measured using a low-cost device, are consistent with those obtained from the professional device.