Taking Flight for a Greener Planet: How Swarming Could Help Monitor Air Pollution Sources

As the world grapples with the pressing challenge of environmental sustainability, the need for innovative solutions to combat air pollution has become paramount. Air pollution is a complex issue that necessitates real-time monitoring of pollution sources for effective mitigation. This paper explores the potential of swarm algorithms applied as a novel and efficient approach to address this critical environmental concern. Swarm algorithms offer a promising framework for coordinating fleets of drones to collaboratively monitor and analyze air pollution sources. The unique capabilities of drones, including their agility, accessibility, and versatility, make them ideal candidates for aerial data collection. When harnessed in a swarm, these drones can create a dynamic and adaptable network that provides a more comprehensive and fine-grained understanding of air pollution dynamics. This paper delves into the conceptual foundations of using swarm algorithms in drone-based air pollution monitoring.