Our team is using low-cost sensors called SENSIT SPODs. This sensor package combines wind field and air pollutant concentration measurements to detect emission plumes and locate the source of those emissions. The sensor measures non-speciated, uncalibrated concentrations of a subset of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that includes hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). The sensor also measures temperature, relative humidity, pressure, and wind direction and speed. You can find more information about SENSIT SPODs here.

The SPODs can trigger the collection of air samples during periods with higher concentrations of VOCs. The SPODs can collect up to four air samples before the canisters must be changed. These canisters are stored in a box near the SPOD system. Air samples from the triggered canisters are analyzed at CSU using gas chromatography to provide a measure of approximately 50 VOCs.

An integrated canister is used to measure the average concentration of approximately 50 VOCs over a one-week period. After collection, sample air in the canisters is analyzed at CSU using gas chromatography.