Keeping an Eye on Atmospheric Environments

Atmosphere

Given that air pollution is caused by hazardous substances, particulates, and other substances contained in factory emissions, automotive exhaust emissions, and so on, it is important to monitor the pollutants in such pollution sources. Shimadzu contributes to atmospheric environmental protection by developing and supplying relevant analytical and measuring instruments.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Measuring the concentration of VOCs in the air serves as a means of determining the air pollution level and is used to monitor pollution in a wide variety of environments, such as within factories, urban areas, and indoor environments.
Atmospheric VOC levels are typically analyzed using a thermal desorption gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (TD-GC/MS) system.

Thermal Desorption - Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer

Aldehydes

Aldehydes in the atmosphere are hazardous substances that can cause air pollution. Due to the risk of harm to human health from extended exposures, it is very important to analyze them.
As one cause of sick house syndrome, aldehydes are measured in indoor environments. Such substances are analyzed using a liquid chromatograph.

Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatograph Nexera

Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) in Air

“PM2.5” refers to airborne particles with a diameter of 2.5μm or less, which are prone to entering deep into human lungs and are thought to have a significant effect on health. Based on the Japanese Air Pollution Control Act, a wide variety of analytical instruments are used to analyze PM2.5 components.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH)

Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatograph Nexera

Inorganic Elemental Components

X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer EDX-7000/8000

Water Soluble Organic Carbon

Total Organic Carbon Analyzer TOC-L

Ionic Components

Ion Chromatograph HIC-ESP