Sustainable Methods in Air Research qualiTy: elaboration and validation of reliable elemental quantification via correlative measurements based on certified and “green” techniques for particulate matter

SMART-AIR aims to contribute to the European Union “Clean Air” Policy, and to tackle the challenges identified in the 2018 EU Communication “A Europe that protects: Clear Air for All”. The project acts on the three policy pillars: ambient air quality standards, national emission reduction targets and emission standards for key sources of pollution. The project strives to improve air quality monitoring procedures of emissions and the environment by means of online, at-line and offline elemental quantifications via complementary analytical techniques, in an integrated approach while ensuring reliable data via metrology, quality control and assurance, and standardization. SMART-AIR benefits from an innovative state-of-the -art concepts developed by the partners units over the years in their fields of expertise. The partnership includes wide multi-technical competencies in characterization methods to allow for correlating elemental quantification results from various atomic emission spectroscopies such as X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), and validation with Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). It also offers expertise in the material synthesis, with the aim to qualify reference materials for elemental monitoring in air. This synergetic approach makes use of multidisciplinary competences ranging from chemistry, physics, engineering environmental aspects, but also standardization and regulatory issues, to ascertain the reliability and validity of the outcomes. SMART-AIR targets Particulate Matter (PM) analysis requiring thorough quantification of potentially toxic elements (Pb, Cd, As, Ni) under surveillance by the European Environment Agency ideally within real (or short) time. Offline techniques, like ICP-OES provide accurate results but over long collection time, while simultaneous multielement analysis can be performed online by LIBS and at-line by XRF. Accuracy and precision of these methods will be significantly improved by dedicated calibration approaches based on fit-for-purpose reference materials. The assessment of the entire chemical measurement process for each technique will enable the elaboration of standard operating procedures (SOP) ranging from sampling and sample preparation, experimental conditions, measurement, and data analysis. The implementation of SOP, and related inputs to standardization bodies (ISO) will strengthen the exploitation possibilities of the project results, with potential impact on the air quality guidelines at the local, national and EU level. SMART-AIR will bring new insights in air quality monitoring, triggering new, multiple bottom-up solutions for protecting, enhancing, and conserving natural air quality capital. This project proposes breakthrough, innovative and cross-disciplinary solution to establish a set of reference techniques for PM analysis and to provide further feedback to EU driving air quality agencies.