Pollution Detection From Vehicle Exhaust

Abstract

The rapid increase in the number of automobiles has significantly contributed to air pollution, primarily due to harmful gases emitted from vehicle exhaust systems. Although vehicle emissions cannot be completely eliminated, monitoring and controlling them can greatly reduce environmental impact. This project proposes the design and implementation of an Internet of Things (IoT)–based pollution detection system that monitors emissions from vehicle exhaust in real time.The system utilizes semiconductor gas sensors positioned near the exhaust outlet to detect the concentration of harmful gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and hydrocarbons (HC). These sensors measure pollutant levels and transmit the data to a microcontroller-based monitoring unit. When the concentration of any gas exceeds a predefined threshold value, the system activates an alert mechanism such as a buzzer to warn the user about excessive emissions.High emission levels are often caused by incomplete combustion of fuel, which commonly occurs due to poor engine maintenance or inefficient combustion processes. Continuous monitoring of exhaust gases helps identify such issues early and encourages timely vehicle servicing. The proposed Emission Gas Detector (EGD) prototype evaluates pollutant concentrations in motorcycle exhaust and provides a real-time indication of emission levels, reflecting the operational condition of the vehicle.By implementing this IoT-based monitoring approach, the system enables effective detection of excessive exhaust emissions and promotes proactive maintenance practices. This contributes to reducing vehicular pollution and minimizing the risk of respiratory and environmental health problems associated with air contaminants.