Articles | Volume 19, issue 3
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-19-1077-2026
https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-19-1077-2026
Research article
 | 
16 Feb 2026
Research article |  | 16 Feb 2026

Correction of PM2.5 underestimation in low-cost sensors under elevated dust loading using only sensor measurements

Kamaljeet Kaur, Tristalee Mangin, and Kerry E. Kelly

Cited articles

AirGradient: https://www.airgradient.com/outdoor/, last access: 7 September 2025. 
Airly: https://airly.org/en/, last access: 7 September 2025. 
AirNow: https://docs.airnowapi.org/, last access: 16 September 2025. 
AirNowTech: https://www.airnowtech.org/, last access: 7 September 2025. 
Air Quality Egg: https://airqualityegg.com/home, last access: 7 September 2025. 
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Short summary
We improved the accuracy of low-cost particulate matter sensor (PMS5003/6003) measurements under dust-dominated conditions common in arid regions. By applying sensor-specific particle mass ratios and a relative humidity cutoff, dust-influenced measurements were identified and PM2.5 concentrations corrected, reducing bias by ~ 50 % relative to regulatory monitors. This method enables real-time PM2.5 correction where reference data are unavailable.
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