IoT-Based Environmental Monitoring System: A Comprehensive Review

This paper presents a comprehensive review of an Internet of Things (IoT)-based environmental monitoring system designed for real-time data acquisition and remote access. The system leverages a diverse array of sensors to monitor key environmental parameters, including temperature, humidity, soil moisture, and various gases such as carbon monoxide and LPG. This multi-sensor approach provides a holistic view of the monitored environment, enabling comprehensive analysis and informed decision-making. Data is transmitted wirelessly via a GPRS module to a remote server, allowing for continuous monitoring and remote access through a user-friendly web interface.The system's robust design incorporates features such as real-time alerts triggered by pre-defined thresholds, ensuring immediate notification of potential environmental hazards. This proactive approach enhances safety and efficiency, facilitating timely intervention to mitigate risks. The review will explore the system's architecture, functionality, and key performance characteristics, highlighting its advantages and potential applications in diverse environmental monitoring scenarios. The modular design and ease of use contribute to the system's overall effectiveness and adaptability.

Pros And Cons

IoT and cloud-based environmental monitoring system
  • Sends SMS and email alerts
  • Updates data to a server
  • Uses multiple sensors (temperature, humidity, moisture, carbon monoxide, LPG gas, air quality)

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Hardware Components and Setup

The system utilizes a robust array of sensors for comprehensive environmental monitoring. These include an MQ9 carbon monoxide sensor, LM35 temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an MQ6 LPG gas sensor, and an MQ135 air quality sensor. A soil moisture sensor is also integrated for complete environmental data capture. The sensors are connected to an Arduino Uno R3 board, serving as the central processing unit.

Close-up view of the MQ9 carbon monoxide sensor connected to the Arduino.
Close-up view of the MQ9 carbon monoxide sensor connected to the Arduino.
The LM35 temperature sensor connected to the Arduino board.
The LM35 temperature sensor connected to the Arduino board.

Power is supplied via a 5V power supply module, powering the Arduino and sensors. Communication is facilitated by a GPRS module (SIM900) for data transmission to a remote server. An LCD display provides real-time feedback on sensor readings. The Max232 board acts as a crucial level converter, ensuring seamless communication between the Arduino and the GPRS module.

Overview of the power supply components including rectifier, capacitor, and regulator.
Overview of the power supply components including rectifier, capacitor, and regulator.
The Arduino Uno R3 board, the LCD display, and the Max232 converter.
The Arduino Uno R3 board, the LCD display, and the Max232 converter.

Data Acquisition and Transmission

The Arduino continuously monitors sensor data. This data is then processed and formatted for transmission. The GPRS module, using a GSM SIM card, facilitates the transmission of environmental data to a cloud server for storage and remote access.

The SIM900 GPRS module with the SIM card inserted.
The SIM900 GPRS module with the SIM card inserted.

The system's real-time capabilities allow for immediate alerts. When pre-set thresholds are exceeded, SMS and email alerts are automatically triggered, informing users of potential environmental hazards. This ensures timely intervention, preventing potential problems.

Screenshot showing the SMS and email alert functionality.
Screenshot showing the SMS and email alert functionality.

Web Interface and Data Visualization

A user-friendly web interface allows for remote monitoring of environmental parameters. Real-time sensor data is presented in a clear and intuitive manner, enabling users to track environmental conditions remotely. This provides valuable insights into environmental trends and potential risks.

Screenshot of the web interface displaying sensor data.
Screenshot of the web interface displaying sensor data.

The web interface displays temperature, humidity, soil moisture, and gas sensor readings. Historical data can be accessed to analyze environmental trends and patterns over time, facilitating informed decision-making. This comprehensive data visualization tool makes the monitoring system highly effective.

Data updating on the web server.
Data updating on the web server.

Conclusion and Evaluation

This IoT-based environmental monitoring system effectively integrates various sensors and communication technologies for real-time environmental monitoring. Its ability to provide real-time data, generate alerts, and offer remote access makes it suitable for a variety of applications. The system's user-friendly interface and reliable performance are key strengths.

Overall view of the hardware setup.
Overall view of the hardware setup.

The system’s responsiveness to environmental changes and the timely alerts greatly improve safety and efficiency. The modular design allows for customization and expansion. While there may be other similar systems available, this one stands out due to its robust features and ease of use.

Final data being sent to the server.
Final data being sent to the server.