Climate change studies have been increasingly common and important in recent years. The impact of human activities on the environment, global warming, and sea level rises have been well documented and debated, and whilst we have gained a deeper understanding of these issues in recent years, there is still so much more to learn. In this article, we discuss how the pQA from Hiden Analytical can be used to further our knowledge about climate change.
What is the pQA?
The portable quadrupole analyzer from Hiden is a gas analyzer that has been created with environmental field studies in mind. Its use of membrane inlet mass spectrometry offers a sample interface for both gases and liquids to the integrated mass spectrometer system.
The pQA analyzer is used for the analysis of species in groundwater, soil samples, sediments, and fermentation cultures and is especially suitable for gas analysis applications in which the sample volume is small and low concentration level detection is needed.
Pollution Monitoring with the pQA
Pollution monitoring is a critical aspect of environmental studies, gas analyzers such as the pQA can quantify volatile compounds at extremely low concentrations (as low as sub-parts per million). These analyzers can be used for seawater pollution monitoring and offering insight into pollution levels and characterization.
Soil Analysis
Soils regulate the water supply and recycle nutrients, meaning soil analysis has been a priority for many years. However, soil also stores more carbon than the atmosphere, animals, and plants and as such attention has turned to soil analysis to learn more about the climate change issues humanity faces today.
The pQA is a powerful tool for identifying, understanding, and quantifying levels of volatile or semi-volatile substances in soil.
Groundwater Analysis
Variability in precipitation and extreme weather events caused by climate change can lead to floods and droughts, impacting dependency on groundwater. Groundwater analysis, therefore, is becoming increasingly important as many people depend on it to survive. The pQA monitor can be used to analyze dissolved species in groundwater and ensure its overall safety for humans.
Pollutant Monitoring in Other Water Sources
Water pollution monitoring is an extremely important aspect of human health preservation as humans consume vast amounts of water every day. Additionally, increased pollution can have significant effects on the life cycles of wildlife and plant life.
Measuring the pollutant levels in natural water sources is critical, requiring an understanding of current conditions. The pQA is used to measure the volatile concentrations at sub ppb levels and ensure that nothing harmful to humans can make its way into drinking water.
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