Mobility-integrated sensor networks for smart environmental monitoring in urban ecosystems

The global environmental challenges have highlighted the critical need for developing sustainable and advanced low-powered monitoring systems. This includes many applicational areas, but the common parameters in most of the application requirements stay as environmental temperature, humidity, and pollution as crucial parameters. This study utilizes an interdisciplinary approach for environmental monitoring by integrating low-cost, high-precision sensors with mobility systems. Recent advancements in sensor miniaturization and wireless communication protocols, particularly Bluetooth mesh networks, enable real-time acquisition, transmission, and analysis of critical parameters such as air quality, temperature, humidity, atmospheric toxicity, and crowd dynamics. This study examines global initiatives using sensor-based mobility solutions, such as e-scooters and public transport, for environmental data collection. We propose a methodology that includes an onboard sensor module for e-scooters, utilizing ultra-low-power sensors and communication systems for continuous data acquisition and integration into smart city infrastructures. The efficacy of our developed prototype system has been validated with the preliminary laboratory for monitoring temperature, relative humidity, and CO2 monitoring. The results gathered from the setup showcase the potential of mobility-driven environmental monitoring systems to improve urban sustainability, support data-driven policymaking, and engage citizens.