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AirChain: A Novel Blockchain Framework and Low-Cost Device for Democratized Air Quality Data Aggregation

Samuel Stankiewicz

TL;DR

AirChain targets the problem of sparse, non-transparent ground-level air quality data by deploying a distributed blockchain framework that accommodates low-cost, citizen-contributed measurements alongside institutional data. The approach blends a PMS7003-based low-cost device with three software components (client configuration, public data interface, and sensor device) and Hyperledger Sawtooth to support dynamic consensus among resource-constrained nodes. Key contributions include a concrete system architecture, a data validation workflow via validator journals, and an analysis of multiple consensus schemes (pBFT, PoET CFT, PoET SGX, Raft) for scale and fault tolerance. The work demonstrates a proof-of-concept that could democratize and densify air quality maps, while outlining future paths for robust data validation, AI-assisted governance, and broader societal deployment.

Abstract

Air pollutant exposure kills over 6,700,000 people it per annum, yet there remains a systemic lack of accurate ground level data reporting the concentrations of the leading causes of such fatalities. Ambient particulate matter is a primary driver of this effect. Namely, PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10.0 display a systemic lack of accurate and high-definition reporting. This project suggests and implements a prototype for a distributed and low cost model for reporting such data and designs a novel framework in order to remedy three main shortfalls of previously implemented systems. First, their central operation and distribution, and therefore their requirement of trust in a central governing body. Second, their requirement of the purchase of comparatively high-cost devices for ordinary consumers. Finally, their high degree of error and accordingly low functional certainty. This project explores the creation of AirChain, a prototype system utilizing blockchain technology that will demonstrate the effectiveness of low-cost sensors when paired with simple microcontroller devices.

AirChain: A Novel Blockchain Framework and Low-Cost Device for Democratized Air Quality Data Aggregation

TL;DR

AirChain targets the problem of sparse, non-transparent ground-level air quality data by deploying a distributed blockchain framework that accommodates low-cost, citizen-contributed measurements alongside institutional data. The approach blends a PMS7003-based low-cost device with three software components (client configuration, public data interface, and sensor device) and Hyperledger Sawtooth to support dynamic consensus among resource-constrained nodes. Key contributions include a concrete system architecture, a data validation workflow via validator journals, and an analysis of multiple consensus schemes (pBFT, PoET CFT, PoET SGX, Raft) for scale and fault tolerance. The work demonstrates a proof-of-concept that could democratize and densify air quality maps, while outlining future paths for robust data validation, AI-assisted governance, and broader societal deployment.

Abstract

Air pollutant exposure kills over 6,700,000 people it per annum, yet there remains a systemic lack of accurate ground level data reporting the concentrations of the leading causes of such fatalities. Ambient particulate matter is a primary driver of this effect. Namely, PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10.0 display a systemic lack of accurate and high-definition reporting. This project suggests and implements a prototype for a distributed and low cost model for reporting such data and designs a novel framework in order to remedy three main shortfalls of previously implemented systems. First, their central operation and distribution, and therefore their requirement of trust in a central governing body. Second, their requirement of the purchase of comparatively high-cost devices for ordinary consumers. Finally, their high degree of error and accordingly low functional certainty. This project explores the creation of AirChain, a prototype system utilizing blockchain technology that will demonstrate the effectiveness of low-cost sensors when paired with simple microcontroller devices.
Paper Structure (17 sections, 1 equation, 6 figures)

This paper contains 17 sections, 1 equation, 6 figures.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Methodology
  3. Communication Architecture
  4. Client Configuration Application
  5. Public Interface Application
  6. Low-Cost Device
  7. Chain Consensus
  8. Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (pFBT)
  9. Proof of Elapsed Time (Crash Fault Tolerant)
  10. Proof of Elapsed Time (Byzantine Fault Tolerant on Intel SGX)
  11. Raft Consensus
  12. Network Validation Architecture
  13. Visual Nodes
  14. Peering and Network Discovery
  15. Transactions, Journals, and Validator Journals
  16. ...and 2 more sections

Figures (6)

  • Figure 1: Network architecture
  • Figure 2: Communications architecture, adapted from img5
  • Figure 3: Basic sensor schematic
  • Figure 4: Merkle-radix tree in a Sawtooth application, adapted from img3
  • Figure 5: Network peering, adapted from img8
  • ...and 1 more figures