The BACKGROUND
University College Dublin (UCD) is involved in several research projects that aim to provide detailed information on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ecosystems. It includes an assessment of the influence of land management, inter-annual/extreme climatic variability and land-use change on net ecosystem GHG budgets. This information contributes directly to the national reporting requirements under the UNFCCC Kyoto Protocol.
The CHALLENGE
The growing awareness of the challenge of climate change has led to much discussion in recent years of the need to reduce GHG emissions. The role of ecosystems in the mitigation of climate change and the measurement of GHG emissions such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) forms an integral part of policy-driven climate change research.
UCD required a piece of equipment that could suitably provide accurate field-based measurements of GHGs at a high temporal resolution and that could sequentially sample, analyse and return gas samples from multiple static chambers.
The SOLUTION
The INNOVA 1412 photoacoustic gas analyser was selected in addition to an a1-cbiss eight-channel auto-sampler to measure emissions of CO2, CH4, N2O and water vapour using both profile towers and static chamber techniques.
“a1-cbiss were able to produce a system directly tailored to the goal of our research”
This system was selected by the UCD Earth Institute and the UCD School of Biology and Environmental Sciences as it provides accurate, field based measurements of GHG emissions at a higher temporal resolution than had previously been possible with gas chromatography techniques.
Having designed and delivered the system to UCD, a1-cbiss then trained UCD research staff on the use of both the photoacoustic analyser and the auto-sampling system allowing them to be deployed to remote experimental research stations.
Why a1-cbiss
- Assistance from design through to installation to provide a totally bespoke solution
- A dedicated team of engineers on hand
What did the client say?
“I have been involved in the development of this system from the outset and have been impressed not only by the level of professionalism offered by a1-cbiss but also of the utility of the product provided. The analytical system provided by a1-cbiss has been extensively used, often in remote locations, and to date, has provided detailed information on GHG emissions from ecosystems, the impacts of invasive plant species on carbon and nitrogen cycles and the role of extreme climatic events on soil derived GHG emissions. The system has performed reliably during each experimental campaign, and we are confident that any potential technical issues we may have will be resolved quickly and efficiently by the a1-cbiss engineers should the need arise.”
