ECOPS: EcoSoft technology marks a new era in settleable particle monitoring

Air quality monitoring in the Metropolitan Region of Greater Vitória has reached a new level with the adoption of ECOPS, a monitor developed by EcoSoft for continuous, real-time measurement of suspended particles (TSP, PM₁₀, PM_2.5 and PM_1.0) and settleable particles (SP), also popularly known as “dustfall".

Particulate matter (PM) is an atmospheric pollutant present across our planet. Particles are typically classified according to their aerodynamic diameter, generally measured in micrometers. Common indicators used to describe PM refer to the concentration of airborne particles — for example, TSP, PM₁₀, PM_2.5. The finer the particles, the greater the potential health risk. Settleable particles (SP), which gradually deposit on surfaces, can also pose significant environmental problems, causing dirt accumulation, nuisance to the population, and other impacts resulting from this deposition.

Historically, SP monitoring in Brazil has been conducted manually using sedimentation jars — a seemingly simple process, yet highly susceptible to environmental and operational interferences. Moreover, the traditional method requires 30 days of jar exposure to obtain a single result, significantly delaying response capability among those responsible for managing this pollutant.

To enhance this monitoring, the State Institute for the Environment and Water Resources (Iema) of Espírito Santo launched Public Call nº 001/2024 for the identification of new technologies aimed at continuous and automated particulate matter monitoring. Prior to this, Iema had tested a French device for two years, which did not deliver the expected performance.

for the identification of new technologies aimed at continuous and automated particulate matter monitoring. Prior to this, Iema had tested a French device for two years, which did not deliver the expected performance. ECOPS has been under development by EcoSoft since 2020 and had already undergone trials in other locations, with the version tested by Iema incorporating further improvements. The project was carried out under Iema’s technical supervision and, after the testing phase, was approved for regular use in air quality monitoring across Greater Vitória.

With this approval, ECOPS will be integrated into Greater Vitória’s Automatic Air Quality Monitoring Network (RAMQAr), being installed at eight monitoring stations. The system will provide hourly data on the rate of settleable particle deposition, enabling immediate action whenever increases in black dust levels are detected — a major advancement for environmental management and the protection of public health and well-being.

ECOPS marks another milestone in EcoSoft’s commitment to technological innovation and the development of environmental solutions that enhance air quality management — and stands as a source of pride for being a Brazilian, Espírito Santo–based technology.

Learn more about the agreements signed by the Government of Espírito Santo to improve air quality monitoring.