ImpaCT.AR Science and Technology Program

In the case of particulate matter study, with the assistance of technology such as SEM-EDS (Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry) combined with qualitative and quantitative analysis by ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) of its elemental chemical composition, it will allow for the characterization and inference of its origin and contribution to local pollution.

It is worth noting that throughout the entirety of the activities encompassing the proposed initiative, emphasis is placed on training various public actors from relevant institutions to ensure the functioning of this monitoring network at the conclusion of the current project.

This work plan will initiate a new line of research to be conducted at LEA, a laboratory recently built with funds from INQUINOA-CONICET-UNT, where the equipment received from the Institute for Atmospheric and Environmental Research at the University of Wuppertal, Germany, and the Institute of Combustion Aerothermics Reactivity Environment of Orléans, France, is operated. This equipment includes EPA-certified Federal Reference Monitors for continuous air pollutant monitoring, among which are:

• ENVIRONNEMENT Ozone Monitor, model O3 41M (two):
• ENVIRONNEMENT Nitrogen Oxide Monitors, models AC 31M, AC 32M, and ECOPHYSICS, model ECO 770 AL:
• ENVIRONNEMENT Sulfur Dioxide Monitors, models AF 21M and AF 22M:

Integrated Modules of Environmental Sensors (MISA):
The monitoring network design will be complemented by MISA, modules constructed by the Technical University of Darmstadt in Germany in collaboration with the startup Neuer Weg and tested at the Institute for Atmospheric and Environmental Research at the University of Wuppertal, as part of the Breathe2Change project (add link to the project) (B2C). MISA consists of portable modules housing an optical particle counter to detect particulate matter in the air (PM10, PM2.5, PM1), an NDIR sensor for carbon dioxide, a sensor for humidity/temperature/atmospheric pressure, and a GPS for data geolocation. An integrated microprocessor with Wi-Fi or GSM card connection allows real-time data transfer and storage generated by MISA to a cloud-based web platform. They also have the option to insert an external SD-card for storage. During the implementation of this objective, initially, 10 (ten) out of an estimated total of at least 20 MISA were installed and put into operation at strategic points to adequately cover the surface of the province of Tucumán. The network now comprises 29 modules throughout the province.

To systematically host the vast amount of data generated by this monitoring network, a web platform was developed where the data is stored and shared, both for scientific-academic use and for general civilian use.

It is noteworthy that all generated data is backed up on both third-party servers and those owned by the collaborating public organization.

Subsequently, a morphological and matrix characterization (carbonaceous or siliceous) of particulate matter will be carried out using SEM-EDS to infer its origin and seasonality.