Researchers at University College Cork (UCC) have developed a new sensor that advances the detection of ammonia pollution in real-time.
This technology, developed through the EU-funded RADICAL project, aims to transform environmental monitoring, removing the cost barriers to farmers and supporting the enhancement of sustainable farming practices.
The new silicon nanowire sensor developed offers an alternative to current technologies such as spectroscopic techniques which UCC said can be “expensive, bulky, and impractical for widespread or field applications”.
Dr Vaishali Vardhan, lead author of the paper said the nanowire sensor is sensitive and precise, consumes minimal power, and operates at room temperature, allowing for real-time air quality monitoring.
“This new sensor is a powerful tool for both air quality monitoring and research. It is low in cost, small, and suitable for large-scale deployment,” he said.
“What distinguishes our technology is the use of bare silicon nanowires, avoiding complex hybridisation techniques, which makes the sensor more affordable and scalable. The integration of UV light further boosts its sensitivity, enabling efficient detection of ammonia at low concentrations”.
Ammonia
Ammonia pollution primarily originates from agricultural activities and poses significant environmental and health risks.
Once in the atmosphere, ammonia reacts with acidic gases to form particulate matter (PM2.5), which is harmful to human health and can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Environmentally, excess ammonia causes water pollution, leading to algal blooms and eutrophication, which harm aquatic life. It also impacts air quality and climate.
Professor Justin Holmes, RADICAL project coordinator said ammonia detection is essential for reducing air and water pollution, safeguarding human health, promoting sustainable agriculture, and shaping climate and environmental policies.
"This pioneering technology is set to revolutionise environmental monitoring in the agricultural sector. It will allow farmers to make more informed decisions, benefiting both their businesses and the environment as a whole."
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Researchers at University College Cork (UCC) have developed a new sensor that advances the detection of ammonia pollution in real-time.
This technology, developed through the EU-funded RADICAL project, aims to transform environmental monitoring, removing the cost barriers to farmers and supporting the enhancement of sustainable farming practices.
The new silicon nanowire sensor developed offers an alternative to current technologies such as spectroscopic techniques which UCC said can be “expensive, bulky, and impractical for widespread or field applications”.
Dr Vaishali Vardhan, lead author of the paper said the nanowire sensor is sensitive and precise, consumes minimal power, and operates at room temperature, allowing for real-time air quality monitoring.
“This new sensor is a powerful tool for both air quality monitoring and research. It is low in cost, small, and suitable for large-scale deployment,” he said.
“What distinguishes our technology is the use of bare silicon nanowires, avoiding complex hybridisation techniques, which makes the sensor more affordable and scalable. The integration of UV light further boosts its sensitivity, enabling efficient detection of ammonia at low concentrations”.
Ammonia
Ammonia pollution primarily originates from agricultural activities and poses significant environmental and health risks.
Once in the atmosphere, ammonia reacts with acidic gases to form particulate matter (PM2.5), which is harmful to human health and can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Environmentally, excess ammonia causes water pollution, leading to algal blooms and eutrophication, which harm aquatic life. It also impacts air quality and climate.
Professor Justin Holmes, RADICAL project coordinator said ammonia detection is essential for reducing air and water pollution, safeguarding human health, promoting sustainable agriculture, and shaping climate and environmental policies.
"This pioneering technology is set to revolutionise environmental monitoring in the agricultural sector. It will allow farmers to make more informed decisions, benefiting both their businesses and the environment as a whole."
Read more
More cows push emissions up on Signpost farms
Seaweed halves ammonia from slurry, study finds
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