Instrument for Measuring Particulate Aerosol Elemental Composition

Abstract

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed advanced spectroscopy devices enabling real-time, cost-effective measurement of elemental composition in airborne particulate aerosols.

Full Description

This technology features spark-induced breakdown spectroscopy devices designed to measure the elemental composition of particulate aerosols in real time. Using a combination of air sampling, spark generation, optical signal detection, and spectral analysis, the device detects trace metals emitted from various sources such as industry and traffic. The system includes a removable spark electrode cartridge, high-voltage circuitry to generate plasma from captured particles, an optical fiber to relay light signals, a spectrometer for spectrum generation, and a microcontroller to analyze elemental composition and source identification. The technology is optimized for rapid, accurate analysis while overcoming the limitations of costly and maintenance-heavy traditional instruments.

Applications

• Environmental justice and community air quality monitoring. 
• Industrial emissions compliance and process control. 
• Mobile air quality monitoring platforms for rapid response. 
• Regulatory agencies requiring real-time data for decision-making. 
• Urban and traffic pollution surveillance. 
• Research in atmospheric sciences and environmental health.

Features/Benefits

• Reduces costs by providing an affordable alternative to high-priced X-ray fluorescence instruments. 
• Delivers real-time, continuous measurement of particulate metal concentrations. 
• Simplifies maintenance through a modular design with a removable spark electrode cartridge. 
• Lowers operational costs by minimizing power and service requirements. 
• Detects trace metals such as lead, chromium, nickel, cadmium, and manganese with high sensitivity. 
• Enhances precision in elemental identification and concentration estimation using integrated machine learning. 
• Attributes particulate sources accurately via spectral analysis and mixture modeling. 
• Facilitates deployment in diverse settings with a compact, portable design. 
• Eliminates the high cost and operational complexity associated with traditional real-time particulate metal analyzers. 
• Expands accessibility to advanced monitoring for community-based and mobile applications. 
• Provides rapid detection for acute emission events and fluctuating airborne metal concentrations. 
• Addresses the need for low-maintenance, energy-efficient devices in environmental monitoring. 
• Improves source attribution and exposure risk assessment of particulate metals.