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SkySentinel

A landfill risk monitoring system using a specialized device to detect flammable gases

On the internet I discovered devastating news reports; scores of articles on fires breaking out multiple times a month, harmful toxic gases contributing to poor AQI, and villagers being forced to relocate.

Delving deeper, I found that anaerobic decomposition of organic waste at landfills generates highly flammable gases like methane (CH4), which accumulate in enclosed spaces. Because waste is compacted and buried in layers, the gases get trapped in pockets. These present a latent hazard giving rise to fires and explosions. Moreover, such fires are notoriously difficult to put out due to the flammability of other trash.

The Problem

I was driving past the Bandhwari landfill one day and I could smell the rancid stench emanating from this landfill I saw children from nearby villages playing with this trash, and I was worried that; they aren’t even aware that the pollution is slowly poisoning them.

NDTV

Research

Investigating landfill site images from the sentinel satellite, I discovered the extent to which polluting gases (sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and CH4) and land temperatures emerge from landfills. I observed how temperatures and noxious gas release were significantly higher during summer (May ‘24) than winter (Dec ‘23). Although satellite imagery can validate the problem, it isn’t accurate enough to be a viable solution.

Designing and testing

To prevent landfill fires, we must know the location and values of the gas leaks. Thus, I developed an IOT landfill gas detection system, which contains a circuit that can locate and measure the levels of gas emissions, along with any heat pockets. This circuit, connected to a drone, is part of a three-part project—an aerial platform, a payload, and an analytics platform.

The circuit, the core of the gas monitoring system, consists of gas sensors, an infrared (IR) sensor, and a GPS. The gas sensors measure noxious gas concentrations (MQ-4 (methane), MS-1100 (Volatile Organic Compounds), and MG8-11 (carbon dioxide)); the IR indicates temperature; and GPS captures gas emission locations.

The data is wirelessly transmitted to the receiver node, which then is analysed and interpreted. Due to constraints on budget and accessibility, the current prototype has limitations. However, it’s a scalable model. The right resources, like industry-grade sensors, will improve its accuracy.

The Solution

To optimally use raw data, I designed a website. The readings are displayed on a graph (where X Axis = time). This is then cross-referenced to the location displayed on the map and the time at which the readings were taken, allowing authorities to monitor the gases and their locations in real time.

test data

Once they cross a dangerous threshold, a RED alert is released on the user's device: “Alert! Alarming levels of methane at X location.” When the levels reach a moderately dangerous threshold, an ORANGE alert is dispatched.

Circuit and 3D diagrams

Circuit 1

Circuit 2

3D diagram

The Impact

After months of testing and redesigning the drone system successfully identified potential fire hazards, allowing authorities to respond proactively, reducing the number of landfill fires in the Delhi-NCR region, minimising operation costs, improving air quality, and reducing health risks for nearby communities. The project also enhanced the safety protocols for landfill management, creating a blueprint for other landfills to implement.

In the future, I aim to iteratively work on my design in order to make my model more efficient and accessible. I plan to install IOT devices even in farms, to enable the farmers to track various parameters that can improve farm productivity. With this project, I saw my mission to protect public health come to life. I gained important research skills and pushed the boundaries of my knowledge. I believe that with sustained effort, anyone can make a difference.

The WHY?

The Bandhwari Landfill is near the Aravalli mountains which historically been a biologically diverse environment. There is so much life near the landfill. People living such full lives and wildlife that is thriving. Sadly, the city has over time encroached on their natural habitat, and the problem of the Landfill has grown.

It breaks my heart to see so much life being impacted so gravely by this man-made problem.