Minneapolis-St. Paul Air Quality Sensor output 2024-2025

In the summers since field research at the MSP LTER began, wildfire smoke has led to record highs in Minnesota's Air Quality Index and there has been increasing public concern over the acute and long-term impacts of exposure to toxins in the air. In 2024, the MSP LTER acquired a small network of PurpleAir sensors to place in key areas alongside transplanted lichens that are also used in air quality research. In addition to Particulate Matter, the sensor models used here also are equipped with experimental VOC detection (Volatile Organic Compounds). PurpleAir sensors were collocated with lichens at two locations in St. Paul MN, one in Roseville MN, and one at Cedar Creek Ecosystem Reserve in Northern Anoka County, MN. After lichen material was collected, the sensors remained at the site to keep reporting to community air quality tracking maps. Data from the sensors is being regularly appended to a file on the MSP LTER GitHub page and is planned to be archived long-term.