Unseen Heroes: Cutting-Edge Sensors Combatting Air Pollution
There is an urgent need for accurate and efficient emissions monitoring technologies to ensure air pollution is adequately controlled. Infrared spectroscopy and precision infrared filters play a critical role in detecting and mitigating harmful gases to combat environmental degradation and safeguard public health.
The climate crisis is a complex and immediate challenge affecting our planet, with its impacts felt worldwide. Images of burning forests and oceans filled with plastic waste illustrate the visible aspects of environmental degradation, while air pollution remains a less obvious but equally important concern.
Global energy-related greenhouse gas emissions hit a record high last year, driven by an increase in fossil fuel demand alongside notable growth in renewable energy. The Energy Institute’s latest Statistical Review of World Energy disclosed that, despite significant advancements in renewable power generation, energy emissions rose by 2% in 2023, exceeding 40 gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent for the first time. Combined with the energy sector contributing about 40% of total human-caused methane (CH4) emissions, the intricate mix of emission sources, fluctuating power demands, and outdated infrastructure highlight the pressing need for precise, real-time monitoring and reporting. This scenario underscores the urgent necessity to accelerate the shift toward sustainable energy sources, emphasizing the pivotal role of emissions detection and monitoring technologies in steering this transformation.
Monitoring emissions from stationary sources, such as industrial facilities, is essential for operators to evaluate the concentration of gases released into the atmosphere, ensuring adherence to rigorous environmental regulations and protecting public health. While less visually dramatic, air pollution presents an ongoing serious threat, contributing to an estimated 28,000 to 36,000 deaths annually in the UK alone. That figure grows to an estimated 5.13 million excess deaths per year globally that are attributable to ambient air pollution from fossil fuel use and could potentially be avoided.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has set guidelines for global nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations, recommending an annual mean limit of 40 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3) and a one-hour mean limit of 200 µg/m3. In many regions worldwide, these NO2 limits are frequently breached—many regions still experience levels that pose significant health risks, necessitating ongoing monitoring and mitigation efforts.
When generating electricity using fossil gas, it is crucial to keep lifecycle CH4 emissions below 3% of the delivered volumes. Exceeding this threshold would make coal a more climate-friendly option for electricity generation. Therefore, effectively controlling and minimizing CH4 emissions is vital for aligning with the 2050 climate objectives and ensuring a sustainable energy future.
Addressing current air quality challenges requires comprehensive efforts across sectors. This means investing in cutting-edge emissions detection and control technologies for the power industry, such as precision infrared filters and laser spectroscopy. These technologies enable accurate monitoring of NO2 and other harmful gases, ensuring emissions stay within legal limits and mitigating the impact on public health and the environment. Additionally, enhancing regulatory frameworks, promoting public awareness, and fostering international cooperation are vital to achieving significant and sustainable improvements in air quality.
Amidst these challenges, the gas sensor market is evolving rapidly to meet the growing demand for advanced sensing systems. Consumers advocate for digitized air quality data, innovative manufacturing methods, and the shift toward electric vehicles. Leading this transformation are laser spectroscopy-based techniques celebrated for their sensitivity and real-time monitoring capabilities. Innovations in laser sources and detectors enhance these techniques, making them crucial for methane leak detection and safety assessments in natural gas installations. This technological progression enhances operational safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance in power generation.
Plant operators and major sensor manufacturers increasingly seek high-performance optical filters at competitive prices to meet regulatory requirements and ensure operational safety. This pursuit is complemented by implementing real-time data and monitoring stations, whether community-based or business-established, which enable proactive action planning, goal setting, and accountability. These initiatives attract investments in research and development, and raise public awareness through extensive media coverage. Together, they contribute to a comprehensive understanding of air quality dynamics, driving innovations across transportation, industry, and energy sectors, and promoting sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.
Simultaneously, the proliferation of internet and smartphone-based air pollution information systems has significantly increased public awareness. However, effective communication and access to localised, real-time air quality data remain crucial challenges that must be addressed. Highlighting this urgency, the National Audit Office has cautioned that existing policies may not meet government air quality targets by 2030. Therefore, enhancing the accessibility and transparency of real-time air quality data, alongside educational initiatives, is paramount for protecting public health and the environment.
Technologies like infrared spectroscopy and precision infrared filters are pivotal in addressing these challenges. They enable the detection of a wide range of noxious gases, including but not limited to CO2, CH4, sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This advanced sensor technology supports accurate monitoring and regulatory compliance, and enhances operational safety and environmental sustainability across various sectors.
Infrared spectroscopy leverages the infrared-absorbing properties of greenhouse gases to measure their atmospheric concentrations precisely. Infrared (IR) sensors employ emitters that generate beams of IR light passing through a sampling chamber, accurately detecting gas concentrations based on IR radiation absorption. These sensors offer rapid response times and accuracy, and operate independently of external gases or oxygen. Recent advancements have produced detectors that continuously monitor combustible gases and vapors within safe limits, providing early warnings and requiring minimal calibration. They also resist contamination and corrosion, ensuring reliable performance in challenging environments.
At the forefront of enabling the transition to a net-zero future, Umicore’s infrared filters are integral to accurately monitoring critical gases such as CO2, CH4, SO2, NOx, and VOCs. This comprehensive detection capability is essential for addressing the urgent challenges of the climate crisis and driving sustainable practices across diverse sectors. Umicore’s early prototyping services further empower original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to advance innovative solutions that align with global efforts toward achieving environmental sustainability goals.
While environmental efforts often prioritize visible impacts such as deforestation and marine pollution, air quality must not be overlooked. Laser absorption spectroscopy represents a critical tool in comprehending and addressing this unseen threat, empowering efforts to protect the climate and potentially mitigate its adverse effects. Umicore is a reliable transformation partner, leveraging its precision optical filters and coatings expertise to support advancements in environmental monitoring and sustainability initiatives.
—Mark Naples is managing director at Umicore Coating Services.