AeroTape Installation at CAO-LIM Port Station
The Cyprus Atmospheric Observatory Limassol Port monitoring station (CAO-LIM) was upgraded on Friday June 25th with the installation of an Oberon AeroTape monitor. This innovative instrument offers real-time quantification and characterization of coarse particles, marking a significant advancement in aerosol monitoring capabilities for Cyprus and the broader Eastern Mediterranean region where elevated dust levels are a persistent concern.
What is AeroTape?
The AeroTape is an aerosol analyzer that captures real-time images of airborne particles collected on a tape. The collected particles are illuminated using light at multiple wavelengths and from various angles, allowing the microscopic imaging system to capture detailed visual information on their morphology and optical properties. Operating at frequencies of up to 0.5 Hz, the AeroTape continuously collects high-resolution particle images that are instantly transmitted to a central server for advanced analysis.
What sets the AeroTape apart is its integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the aerosol monitoring workflow. Using a convolutional neural network (CNN), the system performs automated classification of imaged particles, enabling real-time distinguishing between biological and non-biological material. This capability makes the AeroTape a valuable tool for bioaerosol detection, source identification, and environmental health assessments. In addition to classification, the image processing algorithm quantitatively analyzes individual particles by measuring their area, allowing for the derivation of particle number concentration as well as size and shape distributions.
The AeroTape is typically equipped with a standard PM10 inlet, which serves as a size-selective impactor to remove particles larger than 10 μm. Aerosol sampling is conducted using a vacuum pump that draws ambient air through the system, depositing particles within the 500 nm to 10 μm size range onto the transparent adhesive tape. The tape advances automatically at adjustable rates—either continuously or in sequential steps—to prevent particle overloading and image saturation. This mechanism enables stable and efficient operation even under high particle concentration conditions, such as during dust events or in urban environments.
Scientific Value
By combining optical measurements with AI-driven analysis, AeroTape offers a significant advantage over traditional Optical Particle Counters (OPCs). In addition to size and concentration, AeroTape provides detailed visual information on particle shape and color using an RGB imaging system. The resulting data can be cross-analyzed with meteorological observations, allowing for improved understanding of aerosol origins and dynamics.
Research Context
The installation of the AeroTape at CAO-LIM is part of the DUST-DN PhD project of Ms. Eleni Kolintziki. The data from AeroTape will be compared with measurements from a FIDAS (OPC for particle number size distribution), an Xact analyzer (elemental composition), and an aethalometer (black carbon). A second AeroTape unit is already operational at the Nicosia station (CAO-NIC), but the Limassol installation is expected to provide unique insights into aerosols of marine and shipping origin, as well as emissions from maritime activities.
With its capability for high-resolution particle classification and real-time data generation, the AeroTape will greatly enhance our understanding of natural contributions to PM levels and improve source apportionment studies in the region.
