Utilizing the MQ-4 to Detect Airborne Methane: Employing Low-Cost Sensors to Track Methane Via Scientific Balloon Payloads

Methane emissions are notoriously hard to track at the source, and with many experts calling for more comprehensive detection methods, it is necessary to approach methane tracking from another angle. The concentration of potent greenhouse gases, such as methane, are on the rise in the United States and contributing significantly to global warming and air pollution. Therefore, tracking and monitoring of methane concentrations is essential in understanding the influence the pollutant has and modeling the impact on local air quality, especially ground level ozone, as well as global warming. The goal for conducting this research was to find a simple and economical method of detecting airborne methane that could be replicated at any level of payload construction expertise, and easily adjusted for other purposes.

In order to detect airborne methane concentrations with a relatively inexpensive and simple design, utilizing several easily obtained sensors coupled with uncomplicated electronics and accessible Arduino code, we built a payload designed to be flown on scientific balloons as well as track and detect methane concentration and conduct a basic atmospheric sounding. We flew a payload equipped with the MQ-4 sensor, which has a high sensitivity to CH_4, and the BME280 sensor, which can determine temperature, humidity, and pressure, at altitudes varying from sea level to near-space. With a combination of these sensors, we have collected data on abnormally high methane concentration and the conditions of the surrounding atmosphere at varying altitudes and coordinates. Using this method, we plan to gain clarity on the prevalence of airborne methane concentrations.