Determining the Carbon Dioxide Emission Levels of Brgy.

Gusa Using an
Improvised Air Quality Monitoring Device

A Research Paper
presented to the institution Review Committee of
Department of Research, Gusa Regional Science High Scool – X in
Partial Fulfillment of the requirements for
Capstone for Senior High School

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

SEAN MAVERICK B. NOBILLOS

JAMES M. PUNSALAN

ODESSA WAYNE BEATRIZ T. YBANEZ

April 2021

Department of Education
Region X
Division of Cagayan de Oro City
GUSA REGIONAL SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL-X
Gusa, Cagayan de Oro City

Research Department

CERTIFICATE OF INSTITUTION REVIEW COMMITTEE APPROVAL

This research paper entitled “DETERMINING THE CARBON DIOXIDE
EMISSION LEVELS OF BRGY. GUSA USING AN IMPROVISED AIR
QUALITY MONITORING DEVICE”, prepared and submitted by SEAN
MAVERICK NOBILLOS, JAMES M. PUNSALAN, AND ODESSA WAYNE
BEATRIZ T. YBANEZ in partial fulfillment of the requirements for SENIOR HIGH
SCHOOL, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Strand has
been examined and recommended for defense.

___________________ ___________________
Language Editor Field Consultant
___________________
Research Adviser

INSTITUTION REVIEW COMMITTEE

Approved by the Committee in partial fulfillment of the requirements for
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
(STEM) Strand with a grade of _______.

ROCHELLE A. LUZANO
Chairperson, Research Dept.
and Research Teacher

GLENMARK A. DAL
Chair, Research
Presentation

Accepted and approved in partial fulfillment of the requirement for SENIOR

HIGH SCHOOL, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Strand.

CHARLYN S. BAYLON
Secondary School
Principal 1
 This research complete paper guidelines are presented to the Research Department for
adaptation of unified school research institution format both for Junior High School and
Senior High School.

Prepared by:

ROCHELLE A. LUZANO
MT II

In coordination with Research Teachers:

LLOYD ALLAN A. CABUNOC ARISTOTLE S. MABALE

RESEARCH III RESEARCH III

ADAM RAY H. MANLUNAS MARK RITCHIE S. LASQUE

RESEARCH III RESEARCH III

PAULINE COBITA
RESEARCH III

Approved:

CHARLYN S. BAYLON

Secondary School Principal I

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF FIGURES.......................................................................................................................i

CHAPTER 1..................................................................................................................................1

Background of the Study............................................................................................................1

Conceptual Framework...............................................................................................................2

Research Questions.....................................................................................................................3

Significance of the Study............................................................................................................3

Scope and Limitation..................................................................................................................4

Definition of Terms....................................................................................................................4

CHAPTER 2..................................................................................................................................6

CHAPTER 3................................................................................................................................11

Research Design.......................................................................................................................11

Research Setting.......................................................................................................................11

Materials...................................................................................................................................13

Data Gathering Procedure.........................................................................................................17

Ethical Issues............................................................................................................................18

Data Analysis............................................................................................................................19

REFERENCES...........................................................................................................................20

APPENDICES.............................................................................................................................22

Timetable..................................................................................................................................22

Budget......................................................................................................................................22
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Page

1 The schematic diagram of the Input, Process, and Output Approach of the

Study…2

2 Geographic Location of Brgy. Bayabas, Cagayan de Oro

City…………………...12

3 Geographic Location of Brgy. Gusa, Cagayan de Oro City………………………

12

i
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the most important greenhouse gases (GHG). The

most dominant source of anthropogenic CO2 contributing to the rise in atmospheric

concentration since the industrial revolution is the combustion of fossil fuels. These

emissions are expected to result in global climate change with potentially severe

consequences for ecosystems and mankind. In this context, these emissions should be

restrained to mitigate climate change.  

With the ongoing improvements in quality of life, breathing environment has

become an essential area of concern for researchers in the twenty-first century. Biomass

and coal smoke carry a wide range of harmful pollutants such as Particulate Matter (PM),

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Sulphur Oxides, polycyclic organic

matter, and formaldehyde. Constant exposure to air pollution due to the combustion of

solid fuels is the common cause of several harmful diseases in developing countries. The

list includes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), otitis media, acute

respiratory infections, tuberculosis, asthma, lung cancer, cancer of larynx and

nasopharynx, low birth rate, perinatal conditions and severe eye diseases that can even

cause blindness.

CO2 has been a very hot topic for a few years now mainly due to its relation to

climate change and government policy. Leaving this aside, controlling and monitoring

indoor levels of carbon dioxide inside building is important for everyone to consider for

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safety, health and even energy efficiency. Levels of CO2 can increase very rapidly in a

poorly ventilated office. For instance, in a 3.5 by 4-meter sized space with a single

person, CO2 can increase from 500 ppm to over 1000 ppm in only 45 minutes of

ventilation cessation. According to a recent study from the Harvard School of Public

Health found that carbon dioxide has a direct, negative effect on human decision-making

and cognition. These impacts were observed at CO2 levels that most people and their

children are frequently exposed to nowadays inside classrooms, offices, and homes.

Outside air has usually a CO2 concentration of about 400 ppm and a human breath

contains about 30,000 ppm. Carbon dioxide concentrations of more than 20,000 ppm can

cause panting. Concentrations above 100,000 ppm of CO2 will cause loss of

consciousness and tremors. Values greater than 250,000 ppm have the potential to lead to

death. Carbon dioxide could be hazardous in 1 of 2 ways: by displacing oxygen in the

bloodstream or when acting as a toxin.

Conceptual Framework
Input Process Output

1.Production of
1. Humanware
the Improvised Air
(Student-
Quality
researchers) Improvised
Monitoring
2. Hardware Air Quality
Device
(Parts of the Monitoring
2. Testing of the
device) Device
three areas for
3. Software
Carbon Dioxide
(Programming)
Levels.

Figure 1. The schematic diagram of the Input, Process, and Output Approach of the Study.

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 Shown in the conceptual diagram/framework are the input, process, and output

approaches of the study. The input is the Humanware, Hardware, and Software, the

independent variables. The process includes the device production and testing of the

areas for Carbon Dioxide Levels. Lastly, the expected output of this study is an

Improvised Air Quality Monitoring Device.

Research Questions

This study aims to innovate a device that could monitor the level of Carbon

Dioxide (CO ) in a specific area to ensure the safety of an individual.

2

Furthermore, it seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What are the levels of carbon dioxide emissions in Barangay Gusa?

2. Is the homemade air quality control system feasible?

Significance of the Study

This Improvised Air Quality Monitoring Device will benefit those who need to

check the Carbon Dioxide Level. The detected CO2 levels from this device shall serve as

evidence on how the Local Government Units, the Department of Environmental and

Natural Resources, and the community will see the importance of the said device. The

study finds its significance for the following sectors.

Local Government Unit. The device will give LGUs statistics on Carbon Dioxide

levels in an area.

Department of Environmental and Natural Resources. The data from this device

shall serve as their basis on future actions regarding Carbon Dioxide emission. 

3
 Community. The improvised device shall open doors for communities that do not

have access to Air Quality Monitoring Device. Thus, it shall raise awareness and

knowledge to the people.

Future Researchers. This study can serve as their reference study for future

innovation and development.

Scope and Limitation

The study will be conducted in three places; the assembly and programming will

be at Zone 2, Bayabas, Cagayan de Oro City, and Gusa Regional Science High School -

X. The researchers will create an Air Quality Monitoring Device through programming

using Arduino and will assemble all the parts in its designated area. It will only

concentrate on detecting the Carbon Dioxide Level of an area. It does not include the

detection of other gases in a certain area such as: Carbon Monoxide, Methane and other

GHG. 

Definition of Terms

The following terms are being defined operationally to affect clear understanding

in this study:

Air Quality Monitoring Device. This instrument will be used by the researchers to

measure carbon dioxide emissions in Brgy. Gusa, Cagayan de Oro City.

Carbon Dioxide. a chemical compound composed of one carbon and two oxygen

atoms. It is often referred to by its formula CO2.

Emission. Something that's been released or emitted into the world.

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 Hardware. Ware (such as fittings, cutlery, tools, utensils, or parts of machines)

made of metal. Major items of equipment or their components used for a particular

purpose educational

Humanware. hardware and software that emphasizes user capability and empowerment

and the design of the user interface.

Software. The programs and other operating information used by a computer.

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 CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter presents the synthesis of the ideas coming from related literature

both local and international.

According to Sharp (2007) et. al, a system of air monitoring is known for having

an air monitoring unit with at least one sensor for measuring data of an air quality level

and alarms. The air monitoring unit may use a combination of installed and portable

system for measuring the air quality level. This air monitoring system may be provided a

remote data center and may be uploaded to a communication media such as internet

information or instruction for controlling the function of the unit and if used together with

advanced technology.

According to M.I Mead et. al. (2013), in some areas of the world, however,

information on air quality is either highly sparse (tending to be localised around a

particular city or institute) or completely non-existent. The costs of setting up fixed site

monitoring stations using traditional technologies can be substantial, with individual

instruments costing between £5,000 and £60,000, and with significant additional

resources required for maintenance and calibration (e.g. Ropkins and Colvile, 2000).

According to Sherin Abraham and Xinrong Li (2014), an indoor air quality monitoring

system helps in the detection and improvement of indoor air quality. An air quality

monitoring system are very expensive, so they presented a low-cost indoor air quality

6
monitoring wireless sensor network system developed using Arduino, XBee modules,

and micro gas sensors.

The development of low-cost air quality monitoring devices shows the potential

to understand pollutants' behavior and possibly find ways to reduce them. These

machines are user-friendly, portable, require low maintenance, and can enable real-time,

continuous monitoring.

However, the study of Chojer, Branco, Martins, Alvim-Ferraz, & Sousa (2020)

reveals that these machines lack data reliability. In their study, they examined various

studies on air quality monitoring devices. The researchers found out that the varied

calibration and validation process results in more scattered information. Moreover, the

researchers still advocate low-cost devices with uniform calibration, credible validation,

and sensor performance standardization and assessment.

According to Kaur (2013), Nondispersive Infrared (NDIR) Carbon Dioxide

Sensors are spectroscopic sensors that detect carbon dioxide in a gaseous environment by

its characteristic absorption. The part includes an infrared detector, an interference filter,

a light tube, and an infrared source. In testing the gas sample, it is either pumped or

diffused into the light tube, where the electronics measure the absorption of the

wavelength of light.

The idea of Kaur was supported by the CO2Meter.com (2021), stating a similar

process in measuring carbon dioxide levels. In calculating the CO2 levels, the difference

between the amount of light radiated by the IR lamp and the amount of IR light received

7
by the detector is measured. Since the difference is the product of light being reflected by

the CO2 molecules in the air within the container, it is directly proportional to the number

of CO2 molecules in the air sample tube.

Abraham & Li (2014) explained that an indoor air quality monitoring system

helps in the detection and improvement of indoor air quality. Air quality monitoring

systems are expensive, so they presented a low-cost indoor air quality monitoring

wireless sensor network system developed using Arduino, XBee modules, and micro gas

sensors.

In a similar study by Yagao (2019), the parameters in measuring the air qualities

are as follows; if the gas level is from 0 to 40, the air quality is “Low Level.“ If the gas

level is more than 40 but less than 70, the air quality is “Mid-Level.“ If the gas level is

more than 70 but less than 150, the air quality is "High Level.“ When at a "High level,"

the machine will trigger to sound its buzzer. Lastly, if the gas level is more than 400, the

air quality is “Dangerous,“ and the buzzer will produce an even louder sound.

In small amounts, carbon dioxide (CO2) is a normal and harmless greenhouse gas,

but as levels increase, it can influence productivity and sleep. CO2 levels accumulate

indoors with less ventilation because it is most commonly emitted by the air we exhale.

Carbon dioxide is a gas made up of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms. Since plants

use it to generate carbohydrates in a process called photosynthesis, it is one of the most

powerful gases on the planet. Photosynthesis is essential for the survival of life on Earth

because humans and animals depend on plants for food.

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 Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a waste product that must be expelled from our bodies.

CO2 from respiring tissues reaches the blood plasma and diffuses into red cells, where

the carbonic anhydrase enzyme (CA) quickly converts it to H+ and bicarbonate (HCO3-)

(Arlot et al. 1985; Adeva-Andany et al. 2014). This enzyme allows CO2 to be broken

down and returned to the plasma as bicarbonate, which is then transferred to the lungs

(Adeva-Andany et al. 2014). As bicarbonate enters the lungs, CA in the alveoli catalyzes

the reverse reaction, resulting in the production of water and carbon dioxide, which is

exhaled as a gas (Arlot et al. 1985).

High levels of CO2 in the blood (hypercapnia) are associated with a decrease in

blood pH (increased acidity), resulting in the disorder known as acidosis. The respiratory,

cardiovascular, and central nervous systems (CNS) are all affected by changes in blood

and tissue pH. (Eckenhoff and Longnecker 1995). Changes in pH affect certain processes

both directly and indirectly, causing symptoms including tremor, headache,

hyperventilation, visual impairment, and CNS impairment.

Short-term CO2 exposures in humans and animals have been shown to cause symptoms

such as dyspnea (shortness of breath), altered breathing, acidosis, tremor, intercostal pain,

headaches, visual impairment, lung damage, increased blood pressure, bone degradation,

reduced fertlity, changes in urine and blood chemistry, and erratic behavior (Halperin

2007; Rice 2004; Guais et al. 2011; Schaefer et al. 1963; Yang et al. 1997). These CO2

levels often cause panic attacks, disrupt metabolic enzyme processes, and interfere with

normal cell division (Colasanti et al. 2008; Guais et al. 2011; Abolhassani et al. 2009).

9
 CO2 is a by-product of oxidative metabolism, but it is also a substrate for

essential biochemical reactions that take place in the mitochondria, for example (Lahiri,

2003). CO2 is involved in two types of reactions that regulate animal respiration: the

formation and transport of H+ (via reversible CO2 hydration and carbamate formation

from the NH2 group of proteins) and the stimulation of metabolism.

Douglas and colleagues investigated the effects of chronic (1%) CO2 exposure in

guinea pigs for up to 6 weeks (Douglas, 1979). They discovered an increase in PaCO2

that was linked to a metabolic acidosis, which peaked after four weeks of exposure and

lasted until after two weeks of recovery in normal air. Chronic exposure to higher levels

of CO2 has been shown in animal studies to induce hyaline membrane formation and

atelectasis in guinea pigs, as well as edema in rat lungs. Microscopic analysis revealed

that guinea pigs exposed to 3 and 15% CO2 formed hyaline membranes (on the fourth

and first days, respectively), while those exposed to 1.5 percent CO2 did not, proving the

hypothesis.

The rise in heart rate is one of the first effects of CO2 inhalation. Humans, for

example, showed the first signs of cardiovascular and vasomotor effects (cardiac

frequency and arterial pressure, peripheric vasodilation) after being exposed to CO2

levels of at least 5%.

Carbon dioxide plays a crucial role in the regulation of breathing and cerebral

circulation. It is a strong cerebral vasodilator that functions peripherally as both a

vasodilator and a vasoconstrictor. CO2 has a calming effect on the central nervous system

at high concentrations, but it has a depressant effect at high concentrations (Lambertsen,

10
1971). Neurologic symptoms such as eye blinking, psychomotor excitation, and

myoclonic twitches are caused by exposure to 10% carbon dioxide for 1.5 minutes. The

same symptoms, as well as increased muscle tone, perspiration, flushing, restlessness,

dilated eyes, leg flexion and torsion spasms, were observed at 15% (NIOSH, 1976).

11
 CHAPTER 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the methods to be used, the respondents of the study,

research setting, data gathering instrument, and the statistical tools to be used in

interpreting the data obtained in conducting the study.

Research Design

The researchers will utilize the Descriptive type of research design for this study.

The said design is applicable for this study seeks to create and improvise a device that

could monitor the level of CO2 in a specific area. Moreover, the data that will be

obtained from the improvised device will not undergo any statistical treatments. Thus, the

raw data will be described for data analysis.

Research Setting

The study will be conducted in three places; the assembly and

programming will be at Zone 2, Bayabas, Cagayan de Oro City, and Gusa Regional

Science High School - X. Then, the finished improvised device will station at C.M. Recto

Avenue, C.M. Recto Avenue Overpass, and JR. Borja Street, Cagayan de Oro City, for

data gathering.

12
Figure 1. Geographic location of Brgy. Bayabas, Cagayan de Oro City.

Figure 2. Geographic location of Brgy. Gusa, Cagayan de Oro City.

13
Materials

Table 1. Materials used for the device.

Picture Description/ Use of the device for

Specifications the study

 The Uno Arduino  Connects the

Board is a materials and is

microcontroller programmed

board on the that commands

AImega328. other materials.

 The MQ7-Sensor is  The sensor

used to detect detects the

Carbon Dioxide Carbon Dioxide

(CO2) concentration. level of an area.

 ModuleSize:30×19×

15mm/1.18*0.74*0.

59"

Input Voltage:

DC5V

PowerDissipation:15

0mA

14
 DOOutput:0.1-5V

AOOutput:0.1-0.3V

Detectable

Concentration: 10-

1000ppmCO

 The Uno Arduino  Connects the

cable is used to Arduino board

connect Arduino to a computer.

Uno or any board

with the USB female

A port of your

computer.

 20.5 in

 The soldering iron is  Makes the wire

a tool used for attach to a

melting and applying material.

it to metals that are

to be joined.

15
 The jumper wires  Connects all the

are simple wires that materials.

have connector pins

at each end.

 8.5 in

 The buzzer is an  Makes a

electrical device, buzzing sound if

similar to a bell, that the CO level is

makes buzzing noise dangerous.

and is used for

signaling.

 The LCD id the  Displays the CO

technology used for level detected

displays in notebook by the sensor.

and other computers.

 16x2

 The soldering lead is  To connect the

16
 a metal or metallic circuits.

alloy used when

melted to join

metallic surface.

 The solder paste is a  To clean the

material used in the soldering iron.

manufacture of

printed circuit

boards to connect

surface mount

components to pads

on the board.

 The I2C 16x2 LCD  It lessens the

shield is a chip that needed pins to

lessens the needed connect the

pins to connect the LCD to the

Arduino to the LCD. Arduino board.

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  Plastic enclosure. 15  It is used as the

x 9.5 cm. casing of the

device.

 Super heavy-duty  It is used to

battery. 6F22G Size power the

1604 9V. device.

Data Gathering Procedure

Gathering of the materials. All of the required materials will be collected and

packed. The products will then be transported to Cagayan de Oro City's Zone 2, Bayabas.

The researchers will test the materials to see if they are functional before constructing the

unit.

Construction of the device. The device's construction would be the most

important aspect. All of the components were placed in a plastic casing. The LCD, MQ-7

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sensor, beeper, and power source would then be inserted through holes cut outside the

plastic casing with a cuter. The researchers would then bind the Arduino board to all of

the materials. Materials such as an LCD for displaying CO levels, a beeper to indicate a

high level of CO, and a MQ-7 sensor to detect CO. After connecting all of the materials

to the Arduino board, use jumper wires to link the Arduino board to the 6F22UG SIZE

1604 9V batteries. A soldering lead is used to attach all of the materials.

Programming. The device's software will be entered into the Arduino Board by

the researchers. The beeper, sensor, and LCD were all identified first in the program. The

initial gas level will be claimed to be 0. Following that, the gas level and its

corresponding remarks will be shown on the LCD. The air quality is “Normal” if the gas

level is between 0 and 400 ppm. The air quality is “Mid-Range” if the gas level is 1000-

2000 ppm. The air quality is “High Level” if the gas level is 2000-5000 ppm, and the

buzzer will sound. If the gas level exceeds 5000 ppm, the air quality is classified as

"Extreme," and the beeper will sound louder. If the gas level exceeds 40000 ppm, the air

quality is classified as "Hazardous," and the buzzer can sound much louder.

Testing. The researchers would then put the product to the test by measuring

Carbon Dioxide emissions in Barangay Gusa. For data collection, the researchers would

measure the efficacy of the completed improvised system on C.M. Recto Avenue, C.M.

Recto Avenue Overpass, and JR. Borja Street in Cagayan de Oro City.

Ethical Issues 

The researchers will be observing the following ethical issues while conducting this

study:

19
 1. Honesty. The researchers will strive hard to attain a relevant and honest data

results, no fabrication will be allowed upon conducting the study;

2. Objectivity. The researchers aim to avoid any biases in any aspects upon making

the research paper.

3. Carefulness. The researchers will be careful upon inputting data and will avoid

data errors and negligence as much as possible; and

4. Openness. Researchers will always be open to any suggestions and criticism.

Researchers will always be open to share information and data.

5. Informed consent. The researcher informs their parents while conducting the

study.

Data Analysis

For this study, the researchers will analyze the data through the obtained results

through the air quality monitoring device. The air quality is “Normal” if the gas level is

between 0 and 400 ppm. The air quality is “Mid-Range” if the gas level is 1000-2000

ppm. The air quality is “High Level” if the gas level is 2000-5000 ppm. If the gas level

exceeds 5000 ppm, the air quality is classified as "Extreme". If the gas level exceeds

40000 ppm, the air quality is classified as "Hazardous".

20
 REFERENCES

Abraham, S., & Li, X. (2014, August 15). A cost-effective wireless sensor network

system for indoor air quality monitoring applications. Retrieved April 14, 2021,

from https://bit.ly/3e2ELK7

Bierwirth, Phil. (2021). Carbon dioxide toxicity and climate change: a major

unapprehended risk for human health. Retrieved April 12, 2021, from

https://bit.ly/3mONlQy

Chojer, H., Branco, P., Martins, F., Alvim-Ferraz, M., & Sousa, S. (2020, April 12).

Development of low-cost indoor air quality monitoring devices: Recent

advancements. Retrieved April 13, 2021, from https://bit.ly/3wVqFCF

CO2Meter.com. (2021, January 5). How does an ndir co2 sensor work? Retrieved April

13, 2021, from https://bit.ly/3tj9lpe

Guais, Adeline & Brand, Gérard & Jacquot, Laurence & Karrer, Mélanie & Dukan, Sam

& Grévillot, Georges & Bonte, Jacques & Regnier, Mireille & Schwartz, Laurent.

(2011). Toxicity of Carbon Dioxide: A Review. Chemical research in toxicology.

24. 2061-70. 10.1021/tx200220r. Retrieved April 12, 2021, from

https://bit.ly/2ONvP2s

Kaur, K. (2013, July 10). Carbon dioxide sensor. Retrieved April 13, 2021, from

https://bit.ly/32gWJ5W

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Mead, et. al (2013). The use of electrochemical sensors for monitoring urban air 

Quality in low-cost, high-density networks. Retrieved April 14, 2021, from

https://bit.ly/2RwuspP

Sharp,et. al. (2007). Air Quality Monitoring Systems and Methods. United States 

Patent. Retrieved on April 14, 2021, from https://bit.ly/3skckwe

Yagao, K. H. (2019). PROJECT RADICO: AN IMPROVISED AIR QUALITY

MONITORINNG DEVICE FOR CARBON MONOXIDE. Gusa Regional

Science

High School - X.

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 APPENDICES

Timetable

Date
April 16, 2021 Draft Proposal
April 30, 2021 Final Proposal
May 03 – 07, 2021 Gathering of the materials
May 10 – 14, 2021 Construction of the device
May 17 – 21, 2021 Programming
May 24 – 28, 2021 Testing

Budget

Materials Quantity Price

Uno Arduino Board 1 P200
MQ7 – Sensor 1 P320
Uno Arduino Cable 1 P45
Soldering Iron 1 P30
Jumper wires 1 P90
Buzzer 1 P100
LCD 1 P150
Soldering lead 1 P70
Solder paste 1 P130
12C 16x2 LCD shield 1 P150
Heavy duty battery 1 P100
Total Estimated Budget P1400

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