Particulate Matter Monitoring Market

Particulate Matter Monitoring: Importance and Techniques

Air pollution is a major environmental problem in many parts of the world, and one of the primary contributors to air pollution is particulate matter. Particulate matter (PM) refers to a mixture of solid and liquid particles that are suspended in the air, including dust, smoke, and other tiny particles. These particles are harmful to human health and the environment, and as a result, monitoring PM levels has become increasingly important. In this essay, we will discuss the importance of particulate matter monitoring, as well as some of the techniques used to monitor PM levels.

Importance of Particulate Matter Monitoring

The importance of particulate matter monitoring cannot be overstated. Particulate matter can cause a wide range of health problems, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and even cancer. Children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable to the effects of PM. In addition to human health, particulate matter can also have a negative impact on the environment, including soil and water pollution, damage to crops, and harm to wildlife.

Particulate matter monitoring is essential for several reasons. First, it allows us to understand the levels of PM in the air, which can help us develop strategies to reduce exposure and improve public health. Second, monitoring PM levels can help us identify sources of pollution, which can lead to targeted interventions to reduce emissions. Finally, particulate matter monitoring can help us evaluate the effectiveness of pollution control measures and track progress over time.

Techniques for Particulate Matter Monitoring

Several techniques are used for particulate matter monitoring, including manual sampling and automated monitoring. Manual sampling involves collecting samples of air using filters, which are then analyzed in a laboratory to determine the concentration of PM. This method is time-consuming and can be expensive, but it provides highly accurate data.

Automated monitoring, on the other hand, involves the use of electronic sensors that can measure PM levels in real-time. These sensors can be installed in fixed locations or on mobile platforms, such as cars or drones, to monitor PM levels in different areas. Automated monitoring is faster and more cost-effective than manual sampling, but the data may be less accurate due to variations in the sensors and the environment.

Another technique for particulate matter monitoring is satellite-based remote sensing. This method uses satellites to measure the reflectance of light from the earth's surface, which can provide information about the concentration of PM in the air. Satellite-based remote sensing is useful for monitoring PM levels over large areas, but it may not provide the same level of accuracy as other methods.

Particulate Matter Monitoring Market Dynamics

DRIVERS in Particulate Matter Monitoring Market

The market for particulate matter monitoring is driven by various factors. One of the significant drivers is the increasing focus on ambient air quality monitoring, which is deemed crucial in several countries worldwide. Many cities are now considering integrating air quality sensors into their infrastructures, particularly those with advanced civic technology environments or those planning major infrastructure upgrades.

Cities with "Smart City" agendas and advanced data management capabilities can measure ambient air quality, weather, traffic, noise, and other factors using multipurpose sensors. With rising awareness of the detrimental effects of high levels of pollution, people living in heavily polluted towns and cities are recognizing the importance of monitoring these particles to maintain environmental and human health.

For instance, PM2.5 is the most concerning particulate matter in London, and it has been linked to numerous fatalities. In addition to its health impacts, particulate matter can cause environmental and material damage, including reduced visibility (haze), damage to sensitive forests and crops, and the acidification of lakes and streams.

Open fires, wood burning, and coal-fueled stoves are among the primary contributors to particulate matter emissions in countries such as the UK and across Europe. The need to monitor ambient air quality periodically is, therefore, becoming increasingly necessary. The demand for particulate matter sensors in ambient air monitoring is expected to rise due to these factors, creating lucrative opportunities for market players.

RESTRAINTS in Particulate Matter Monitoring Market

One of the major challenges in particulate matter monitoring is the high cost associated with advanced technology and the inability of traditional monitoring solutions to provide real-time monitoring. Particulate matter sensors detect the density of particles by analyzing changes in air properties as they pass through the sensor unit. However, unlike gas sensors that can identify different pollutants, particulate matter sensors cannot precisely determine the composition of pollutants. Despite this limitation, they can detect particles of varying sizes.

Most low-cost particulate matter sensors currently use light scattering technology, but other laboratory-grade instruments can provide greater accuracy. However, such instruments are expensive and bulky, making them impractical for everyday use. Gravimetric methods, considered the most accurate way of measuring mass concentration, also have practical limitations and are typically used only by government organizations.

Another technology, beta-attenuation, can provide the mass concentration of particulate matter. However, it has limitations in that it is a non-continuous monitoring technology and can collect only a limited number of readings. Additionally, it is costly, which limits its use in the market. Therefore, despite the availability of different monitoring solutions, the high cost and limited real-time monitoring capabilities of traditional methods continue to be a restraint in the effective monitoring of particulate matter.

OPPORTUNITIES in Particulate Matter Monitoring Market

The global demand for indoor air quality monitoring is on the rise due to the potential health risks associated with particulate matter. Exposure to particulate matter can cause numerous health problems such as aggravated asthma, decreased lung function, irregular heartbeats, and even premature death in individuals with pre-existing heart or lung conditions. Some of the most harmful particles are invisible to the naked eye and can easily enter the bloodstream and lungs, leading to acute and chronic health effects. The impact of particulate matter on health is influenced by factors such as pre-existing conditions, the type of particulate matter, and other environmental factors.

In addition to the health risks, exposure to particulate matter can cause unpleasant symptoms such as nose, eye, and throat irritation, fatigue, and dizziness. It can also lead to the development of cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to measure and monitor particulate matter levels in both commercial and residential buildings.

Indoor air quality sensors, also known as particulate matter sensors, are being used to measure particle sizes such as PM1, PM2.5, PM4, and PM10. These sensors provide clear insights into the building's indoor air quality and enable prompt action to be taken to improve air quality. With the growing awareness of the health risks associated with particulate matter, the demand for indoor air quality monitoring is expected to increase further in the future.

CHALLENGES in Particulate Matter Monitoring Market

One of the major challenges faced by the particulate matter monitoring market is the delay in implementing monitoring solutions in developing countries. Despite the ongoing technological advancements in monitoring instruments and technologies, governments in some regions of the world are not prioritizing the deployment of particulate matter monitors, especially in Asia Pacific, South America, and Africa.

In contrast to the increasing implementation of particulate matter monitors in European and North American countries, the absence or delay in implementing stringent government regulations in developing countries is hindering the growth prospects for particulate matter monitoring products. Although governments worldwide are gradually focusing on controlling this pollutant and deploying particulate matter monitors as required by industries, developing countries are not aggressively adopting these measures.

Therefore, the lack of strict government regulations in developing countries is a significant challenge for the particulate matter monitoring market. However, with increasing awareness of the detrimental effects of high levels of pollution, governments in these regions may begin to implement more stringent regulations and accelerate the deployment of particulate matter monitors, thereby creating potential growth opportunities for the market players.

The market for air quality monitoring systems is experiencing significant revenue growth due to the rapid advancement in technology. Air quality monitoring systems are designed to measure and forecast changes in air pollution in various locations, including cities and industrial sites. Airborne particulate matter, particularly PM2.5 particles, can have significant negative impacts on human health by entering the respiratory system deeply and depositing on the surface of deeper lung sections, leading to lung inflammation and tissue damage.

Companies like Aeroqual offer numerous products such as the AQS series that are specifically designed for studying and monitoring air quality. The monitoring of particulate matter is used to provide data on air quality to regulatory programs, helping them assess whether a region has met the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Rapid industrialization in developing countries, coupled with the growing awareness of the detrimental effects of air pollution on human health, is expected to drive revenue growth in the particulate matter monitoring market.

Greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the burning of fossil fuels are one of several factors contributing to air pollution, which is closely related to the climate and ecosystems of the planet. To reduce the burden of disease linked to air pollution, several short and long-term mitigation policies have been enacted to decrease air pollution levels and improve the health of individuals. PM2.5 is present in smoke from fires as well as emissions from factories, power plants, and automobiles, and numerous factors affect the amount of non-exhaust particulate matter generated by a vehicle.

Light electric vehicles are thought to emit 10-15% less PM2.5 compared to conventional automobiles, while heavier electric vehicles produce 2-6% higher PM2.5 compared to identical conventional vehicles. As a result, demand for particulate matter monitoring is expected to increase, especially in developing countries, during the forecast period.

Particulate Matter Monitoring Market Segment Overview

The global particulate matter monitoring market is divided into two product types: indoor monitoring and outdoor monitoring. The outdoor monitoring segment is projected to have a higher revenue share during the forecast period. The surge in air pollutants such as particulate matter due to energy, transportation, and infrastructure development has increased the demand for sensors to detect particulate matter. Companies like Prana Air offer installation services for PM sensors, such as the PAS-OUT-01, an industrial-grade, digital laser sensor calibrated for PM10 and PM2.5 individually. The rising demand for particulate matter monitoring outdoors is driving revenue growth in the segment.

The global particulate matter monitoring market is also segmented based on technology: light scattering, beta-attenuation, gravimetric, and opacity. The light scattering segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2021 due to improved precision in particulate matter emission measurement in coal-fired power plants to comply with stricter environmental standards. Portable monitors that continuously detect the temporal evolution of the aerosol mass concentration are expected to drive revenue growth in the segment.

Based on particle size, the global particulate matter monitoring market is segmented into PM1, PM2.5, PM4, and PM10. PM2.5, which can erode and irritate the alveolar wall and affect lung function, has been linked to a 35% increase in lung cancer mortality among 2.2 million adults worldwide when air concentrations increase by 10 µg/m3. This has increased awareness and demand for particulate matter monitoring and is expected to drive the revenue growth of the segment.

The beta-attenuation technology is a prominent segment in the particulate matter monitoring market and is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period. This technology is widely used to detect PM2.5 and PM10, which are monitored by most air pollution regulatory agencies. It operates by absorbing beta radiation emitted by solid particles extracted from airflow.

Despite its effectiveness, beta-attenuation technology is relatively expensive compared to other technologies such as light scattering and opacity, which can affect the growth rate of this segment in the global particulate matter monitoring market. However, major players in the market, such as Met One Instruments Inc. (now part of ACOEM Group), Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., and ACOEM Group, continue to integrate this technology into particulate matter sensors/devices/instruments.

The oil & gas application segment is another important segment in the particulate matter monitoring market and is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period. The production process in the oil & gas industry releases several pollutants, including nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, total volatile organic compounds (tVOCs), particulate matter, and hydrogen sulfide.

The industry relies heavily on particulate matter monitoring instruments/sensors to identify particulate matter emissions and particle size. The release of particulate matter is affected by factors such as dust-catching equipment, burner design, fuel type, equipment maintenance, and oxygen concentration. Air pollutant sources in the oil & gas industry include process heaters, tail gas units, Fluidized Catalytic Cracking (FCC) regenerators, flares and boilers, storage facilities, and equipment leaks. Therefore, the market for particulate matter monitoring instruments/sensors in the oil & gas industry is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period.

The global particulate matter monitoring market is segmented by application into power generation, oil & gas, chemical & petrochemical, indoor and outdoor air monitoring, and healthcare. The power generation segment is expected to hold the largest revenue share over the forecast period, as it is the largest emitter of particulate matter globally. Power generation contributes significantly to PM2.5 air pollution, with biomass, municipal and industrial waste, coal, natural gas, and petroleum accounting for around 70% of all electricity generated during the forecast period. The burning of these fuels releases a significant amount of particulate matter into the air, making it essential to install particulate matter monitoring systems in power plants to prevent air pollution, which is expected to drive revenue growth of the segment.

The Asia Pacific market is expected to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period, with China, India, Japan, and South Korea being key countries in the region. The demand for particulate matter monitoring solutions is expected to grow rapidly in the developing countries of Asia Pacific. Meanwhile, the North American market is expected to hold the largest revenue share during the forecast period. The rapid technological advancements in air quality monitoring systems and growing awareness among people about the rapid increase in air pollution are driving revenue growth in this region. Additionally, strong government regulations are further driving revenue growth of the market. The Clean Air Act has significantly reduced the United States emissions of some key air pollutants, and PM2.5 concentrations across the nation have decreased over time, supporting market revenue growth in the countries of this region.

During the forecast period, it is anticipated that the European market will experience a higher rate of revenue growth. The region's growing awareness of ambient air quality and the implementation of stringent government regulations are expected to make a significant contribution to the market's revenue growth. The EU Air Quality Directives aim to preserve human health, plants, and natural ecosystems by setting limits and goal levels for air pollutants. Under the European Green Deal's Zero Pollution Action Plan, the European Commission has established a 2030 target of reducing premature deaths caused by fine particulate matter (PM2.5) by at least 60% compared to 2010 levels. Since 2000, the percentage of people exposed to levels exceeding EU guidelines for most pollutants, particularly fine particles (PM2.5) and NO2, has decreased, which is expected to drive market revenue growth in the region.

In the Asia Pacific region, rapid industrial growth and an increasing prevalence of respiratory diseases have led to growing awareness and adoption of particulate matter monitoring systems. In China, fast urbanization, industrial expansion, and the rise in the number of motor vehicles have made particulate matter an increasingly serious environmental issue. This has led to a growing demand for particulate matter monitoring systems. Similarly, India is also focusing on reducing particulate matter and monitoring control, particularly in industries such as mining, construction, and raw materials used in stone refining, crushing, and cement industries that generate dust particles. Activities like drilling, crushing, and sand filtering are major sources of dust pollution, leading to an increase in the number of dust monitors across the country. For instance, in 2019, Surat city (India) implemented a pilot emissions trading scheme to measure particulate matter pollution, indicating the growing demand for particulate matter monitoring in the region.

Dominating Companies in Particulate Matter Monitoring Market

• AMETEK
• SIEMENS
• THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC, INC.
• HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
• HORIBA, LTD.
• ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
• SICK AG
• SPECTRIS PLC
• TELEDYNE TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED
• TESTO SE & CO. KGAA
• TSI INCORPORATED
• ACOEM GROUP
• AEROQUAL LIMITED
• AIRMODUS OY
• DEKATI LTD.
• DURAG HOLDING AG (GRIMM)
• NANEOS
• OPSIS AB
• PALAS GMBH
• SENSIDYNE, LP
• SENSIRION AG
• TERA GROUP

Recent Developments in Particulate Matter Monitoring Market

• In 2020, the global air monitoring equipment manufacturer TSI acquired the assets of the startup Quest Environmental & Safety Products, Inc. Quest Environmental was a manufacturer of environmental monitoring equipment, including particulate matter monitors. With this acquisition, TSI has expanded its portfolio of environmental monitoring solutions.
• In 2019, the air quality monitoring technology company Aeroqual merged with the environmental instrumentation company Specto Technology. This merger brought together two companies with complementary expertise in air quality monitoring and environmental instrumentation, including particulate matter monitoring.
• In 2019, the technology company ams AG announced a partnership with the air quality monitoring company TTP Ventus. The partnership aimed to develop a new generation of compact, high-performance gas and particulate matter sensors that could be used in a range of environmental monitoring applications.
• In 2018, the air quality monitoring company Aclima partnered with Google to map air quality in cities using Google Street View cars equipped with Aclima's environmental sensors. The sensors could detect particulate matter, as well as other pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, and methane.
• Aeroqual, a New Zealand-based air quality monitoring company, was acquired by Swedish-based Tikkurila Group in 2020. The acquisition is expected to expand Tikkurila's product portfolio and enable the company to offer a complete air quality monitoring solution to its customers.
• In 2020, 3M completed the acquisition of Acelity, Inc., a leading provider of wound care and specialty surgical products. While this acquisition may not seem directly related to particulate matter monitoring, 3M is a major player in the market and this acquisition is part of the company's broader strategy to expand its healthcare business.
• In 2019, TSI Incorporated, a leading manufacturer of precision measurement instruments and systems, acquired MSP Corporation, a company specializing in particle size analysis and aerosol instrumentation. The acquisition is expected to strengthen TSI's position in the particulate matter monitoring market and expand its product offerings.
• In 2018, Honeywell announced a partnership with Carnegie Mellon University to develop a new air quality monitoring system. The system uses Honeywell's advanced sensor technology and combines it with Carnegie Mellon's air quality modeling expertise to provide real-time air quality data to cities and citizens.
• In 2018, Teledyne Technologies Incorporated acquired the gas and flame detection business of 3M for $230 million. While this acquisition is not focused specifically on particulate matter monitoring, it is part of Teledyne's broader strategy to expand its environmental monitoring capabilities.

Particulate matter monitoring is essential for protecting public health and the environment. Monitoring PM levels allows us to understand the extent of the problem, identify sources of pollution, and develop strategies to reduce exposure. Several techniques are available for particulate matter monitoring, including manual sampling, automated monitoring, and satellite-based remote sensing. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method depends on the specific needs of the situation. By continuing to monitor PM levels, we can work towards reducing air pollution and improving public health.