Machine for measuring trace gases in atmospheres indoor and outdoor

Abstract

The determination of pollutant gases in situ is a challenge to analytical chemistry. This is because there is not always a power point available for analytical equipment installations or even to preserve collected samples. One possible solution is the development of miniaturized equipment for the sampling and determination steps and that can work with a miniaturized equipment composed of a single battery-operated sampler and analyzer. Among the gases that need to be monitored are the NOX, which consists of the sum of the concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and nitrogen monoxide (NO2 + NO), which has high potential as an environmental pollutant, since they are involved in different chemical processes that occur in the atmosphere. As a reaction product, the formation of ozone, acid rain and secondary aerosols may occur. Anthropogenic activities are the main sources of this compound for atmosphere. Determining this compound in the air is important to recognize impacts from sources and to follow effects of possible control measures. This project aims to assemble an equipment that is easy to operate, that works with batteries and uses a minimum volume of reagents. The equipment must present determination responses within the current legislation for the analyzed gas. The basic design of the equipment and the validation of the data obtained were previous results of the FAPESP project (15 / 23265-5). It is intended in this step to re-adjust the initial assembly into a close design of a product. (AU)