A Low-Cost IoT-Based Gas Sensor Approach for Real-time Monitoring of Mango Fruit Ripening and Spoilage in Storage Conditions

Abstract

Post-harvest losses of perishable fruits due to improper storage and delayed spoilage detection remain a major challenge in the food supply chain. This study presents the design and development of a low-cost (~INR 2000, ≈24 USD), IoT-enabled gas sensor system for real-time monitoring of mango fruit freshness based on ethylene emission. The system integrates an Arduino Uno microcontroller with MQ-3 gas sensor, a DHT11 temperature–humidity sensor, and an infrared (IR) module for automated detection and analysis. Mango varieties Kesar and Banganapalli were used as model fruits to evaluate the system performance. Experimental results demonstrated a clear correlation between ethylene concentration and ripening stages. The highest ethylene concentration was recorded as 213 ppm and 241 ppm for Kesar and Benganapalli mangoes respectively. The developed system provides continuous monitoring and displays real-time data, enabling early detection of spoilage. This approach offers a cost-effective solution for warehouse management, reducing post-harvest losses and improving food quality assurance. Industrial applications include real-time monitoring of fruit storage warehouses and cold-chain logistics systems to ensure optimal freshness and reduce economic losses.It can also be deployed in food export industries and supermarket supply chains for automated quality control and spoilage prevention.