Development of a Sensitive, Autonomous Quantum Cascade Laser-Based Monitor for Amonia

Emission of ammonia to the atmosphere is a major environmental concern and a potential health hazard, but the accurate measurement of ammonia sources requires improved instrumentation. There is an immediate need for such instrumentation for both monitoring and research in agriculture, climate change, global warming, atmospheric chemistry, automobile monitoring, and health. Ammonia is a public health concern at high levels, as can be found in animal feed lots. At low levels, ammonia is a source of particulates which are not only a human health problem but also affect visibility and global climate. It has been estimated that 80% of ammonia emissions in the United States are from livestock operations, which have environmental impacts on global, national and regional scales. There is a strong need to better quantify and monitor ammonia sources and their impacts, leading to control strategies to protect the public health and the environment. The goal of this project is to develop a sensitive, rapid response, totally non-cryogenic, compact, economical, "turn key" ammonia monitor that can produce reliable and accurate data.