Development of a mobile and full automated measurement system for the simultaneous chemical analysis of organic compounds in the gas phase and particulate matter of environmental aerosols
Ambient aerosols are closely related to air quality and can have a negative impact on the environment and human health. Although the exact role of different components of the aerosol is not yet fully understood, the fraction of organic aerosols is identified as one of the major contributors to air pollution (Kraus 2011). In recent years, many efforts have been made on the development of advanced instrumentation capable to access the entire volatility range of the organic aerosols fraction. Measurement of such a broad range of compounds has typically been achieved by assembling at least two separate instruments to characterize volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in the field.
The aim of this project is to develop a novel mobile and fully automated measurment system for the simultaneous analysis of the organic compounds in the gas and particle phases of ambient aerosols. The project is funded by the “Zentrales Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand” (ZIM) and it is carried out in cooperation with the University of the Federal Armed Forces Munich and the analytical instrument manufacturers Scientific intrument manufacturer (SIM) and Photonion.
Dr. Giocastro is conducting parts of the study under a cooperation agreement at Helmholtz Zentrum München. The project aims to develop and build up a demonstration system for a fully automated sampling of PM and gaseous phase of aerosols and subsequent fully integrated analysis by gas chromatography – mass spectrometry. The system is supposed to operate autonomously and remotely with a minimal personal service direct at the point of exposure. The development builds on an established but semi-automated and laboratory-based method for the analysis of PM collected on quartz fiber filter (Orasche 2011). An initial application will be the highly time resolved long-term sampling and analysis of environmental aerosols. A modular design will also allow the application to other types of emission. A subsequent further development of a prototype and commercialization will be carried out via the participating medium-sized companies for industrial, academic and governmental end users.
Development of a mobile and full automated measurement system for the simultaneous chemical analysis of organic compounds in the gas phase and particulate matter of environmental aerosols
Ambient aerosols are closely related to air quality and can have a negative impact on the environment and human health. Although the exact role of different components of the aerosol is not yet fully understood, the fraction of organic aerosols is identified as one of the major contributors to air pollution (Kraus 2011). In recent years, many efforts have been made on the development of advanced instrumentation capable to access the entire volatility range of the organic aerosols fraction. Measurement of such a broad range of compounds has typically been achieved by assembling at least two separate instruments to characterize volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in the field.
The aim of this project is to develop a novel mobile and fully automated measurment system for the simultaneous analysis of the organic compounds in the gas and particle phases of ambient aerosols. The project is funded by the “Zentrales Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand” (ZIM) and it is carried out in cooperation with the University of the Federal Armed Forces Munich and the analytical instrument manufacturers Scientific intrument manufacturer (SIM) and Photonion.
Dr. Giocastro is conducting parts of the study under a cooperation agreement at Helmholtz Zentrum München. The project aims to develop and build up a demonstration system for a fully automated sampling of PM and gaseous phase of aerosols and subsequent fully integrated analysis by gas chromatography – mass spectrometry. The system is supposed to operate autonomously and remotely with a minimal personal service direct at the point of exposure. The development builds on an established but semi-automated and laboratory-based method for the analysis of PM collected on quartz fiber filter (Orasche 2011). An initial application will be the highly time resolved long-term sampling and analysis of environmental aerosols. A modular design will also allow the application to other types of emission. A subsequent further development of a prototype and commercialization will be carried out via the participating medium-sized companies for industrial, academic and governmental end users.