SMART-AIR

Sustainable Methods in Air Research qualiTy (SMART-AIR)

Elaboration and validation of reliable elemental quantification via correlative measurements based on certified and “green” techniques for particulate matter.

SMART-AIR aims to contribute to the European Union “Clean Air” Policy, and to tackle some of the challenges identified in the 2018 EU Communication “A Europe that protects: Clear Air for All”. The project acts on the three policy pillars: ambient air quality standards, national emission reduction targets and emission standards for key sources of pollution. The project strives to improve air quality monitoring procedures for emissions in the environment, work places and stationary sources. Specifically, SMART-AIR focuses on elemental quantifications of particulate matter by means of complementary online, at line and offline strategies and analytical techniques. This integrated approach will deliver reliable accurate data, obtained throughout efforts placed in metrology of the analytical system, quality control and assurance, and standardization.

SMART-AIR benefits from an innovative state-of-the-art concepts developed by the partners over the years in their fields of expertise. The partnership includes wide multi-technical competencies in characterization methods to allow for correlating elemental quantification results from various atomic emission spectroscopies such as X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), and validating with Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). It also offers expertise in material design and synthesis with the aim to elaborate and qualify calibration and/or reference materials for elemental monitoring of particulate matter. This synergetic approach makes use of multidisciplinary competences ranging from chemistry, physics, engineering environmental aspects, to standardization and regulatory issues, in order to ascertain the reliability and validity of the outcomes.

SMART-AIR targets Particulate Matter (PM) analysis requiring thorough quantification of potentially toxic elements (Pb, Cd, As, Ni) under surveillance by the European Environment Agency ideally within real (or short) time. Offline techniques, such as ICP-OES provide accurate results but necessitate long collection time, while simultaneous multielement analysis can be performed online by LIBS and at-line by XRF. The accuracy and the precision of these methods will be significantly improved by dedicated calibration approaches based on fit-for-purpose reference materials. The assessment of the entire chemical measurement process will be undertake for each technique, which will enable the elaboration of standard operating procedures (SOP) ranging from sampling and sample preparation to experimental conditions, measurement, and data analysis. The implementation of SOP, and related inputs to standardization bodies (ISO) will enlarge the exploitation possibilities of the project results, with potential impact on the air quality guidelines at the local, national and EU levels.

SMART-AIR will bring new insights in air quality monitoring, triggering advanced, multiple bottom-up solutions for protecting, enhancing, and conserving natural air quality capital. This project proposes breakthrough, innovative and cross-disciplinary solutions to establish a set of reference techniques for PM analysis and to provide further feedback to EU air quality agencies.