The development and commercialization of environmental technology bolsters both the environment and the economy, not only in the United States but around the globe. In Sardinia, Italy, Battelle has partnered with Italian scientists for a technology transfer and environmental research program that aims to expand job opportunities, gain a greater understanding of the region’s environmental problems, and develop air pollutant monitoring equipment. The initiative is funded by the Italian government and industry.

Battelle has established, in collaboration with Consorzio Ricerche Associate, an air quality research laboratory in southern Sardinia. A team of Battelle researchers and Italian scientists at the facility has developed seven atmospheric pollutant monitoring devices. These devices are being tested locally, thereby allowing a greater understanding of pollution in Sardinia and the Mediterranean basin.

The technologies being developed include:

• A novel monitoring technology that measures trace volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in air continuously in real time. Evaluation of emission control efforts and determination of certain human health risks require ambient measurements of VOCs.
• A near real-time carbonyl species monitor. Carbonyl compounds are abundant in the atmosphere and play an important role in photochemical smog formation. A prototype carbonyl sampler has been developed for field collection and analysis of carbonyl species in ambient air.
• A monitor and calibrator for peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN), a toxic substance and a component of smog. An automated, portable, high-sensitivity PAN analyzer has been developed together with improved field calibration procedures.
• A continuous monitor for formaldehyde, a suspected human carcinogen commonly found in the atmosphere as well as indoor air. An earlier version of the monitor, developed by Battelle with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, has been improved for commercialization.
• A Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR) that is a rugged, low-cost, and user- friendly instrument for the detection, identification, and quantification of molecular gases. This leading-edge FT-IR uses sophisticated hardware and software to facilitate the general use of the system by people without training in infrared spectroscopy.
• A continuous fluorescence monitor to analyze and measure polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in gas streams from combustion systems and other processes. Some PAHs are suspected carcinogens, and they play a role in soot formation.
• A sample collection tool that enables greatly increased sensitivity for instruments that measure toxic organic air pollutants and ozone precursors. The system employs a stand-alone thermo electric device that permits cold-trapping of organic species from the air without the need for cryogenic liquids.