Atmospheric environment

Background to the study

The achievement rate for attaining the environmental standards for nitrogen dioxides (NO2) and suspended particulate matter (SPM) in air pollutants has improved recently. On the other hand, that for photochemical oxidant (Ox) still remains at zero percent. Then, it has been the most serious problem of Saitama.

Recently, various chemical substances whose emission into the atmosphere has thus far been unrestricted has attracted attention from the perspective that their long-term exposure may affect peoples' health.

Under such circumstances, comprehensive measures are taken in the following studies to support various administrative activities, such as determining the actual status of air pollutants and taking countermeasures to cope with the generation of such environmental pollution.  

1. Studies on wide area air pollution
2. Studies on stationary sources
3. Studies on vehicle emissions 

Current research topics

Characterization of regional pollution by fine particulate matters (focused on PM2.5 and PM1)

Particulate matters, especially those with a diameter less than 2.5μm(PM2.5), are feared for their undesirable effects on human health. Continuous mass measurement of PM2.5 and analysis of chemical components in PM2.5 are carried out to characterize the regional pollution. Additionally, measurement of mass concentration and major chemical components of PM1 are carried out from 2005.

   


 

Characteristics of atmospheric volatile organic compounds

Concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as hazardous air pollutants have been monitored. Based on this monitoring, unregulated substances are added and various survey techniques such as consecutive measurements and three-dimensional measurements are applied to verify the regional characteristics and factors affecting the variation in concentration of such VOCs. 











 

Research on acid rain

The chemical composition of rain and ambient air are measured in order to better understand the pollution of acid rain in the prefecture. Acid rain is studied to clarify the influence of wide and local air pollution.










 

Characteristics of chemical substances emitted from incinerators for municipal wastes treatment

In municipal wastes treatment, small-scale incinerators for individual households are still used among the community, besides large-scale incinerators operated and specially controlled by local governments. Characterization of the various compounds in PCDD/Fs is performed through the analytical study of gases emitted by various types of incineration.

Research and development on air purification technology

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as toluene cause the photochemical air pollution and generation of secondary particulate matters. In order to reduce VOCs emission in the small-scale factories such as painting and printing companies, titanium oxides (TiO2) composite material with steric microstructure is developed. TiO2 is one of the photocatalysts and useful to reduce VOCs in a small space under a mild condition.







 

Monitoring of hazardous air pollutants

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, aldehydes, heavy metals and volatile organic compounds that are specified as priority chemicals to work on are regularly monitored to examine their concentrations in the atmosphere.

Monitoring and instruction of stationary emission sources and facilities generating odors

The discharge status is monitored by measuring air pollutants at stationary emission sources or offensive odor substances at facilities generating such matters and in the peripheral environment, with support given for dealing with complaints as well.

Monitoring of actual environmental pollution status caused by chemical substances

The concentration of chemical substances is monitored, while the target is changed every year, to quickly identify chemical substances that remain in the general environment and determine their concentration level.