Environment monitoring

Nitrogen, climate change and air pollution, environmental problems are the order of the day. In the Environmental Monitoring program, OnePlanet is working on innovative sensor and digital technologies that make that possible.

Focus on nitrogen

In the area of air quality, attention is now focused on nitrogen in outdoor air. This includes nitrogen dioxide (NO2 , mainly emitted by industry and transport) and ammonia (NH3 , mainly emitted by agricultural activities). The measurement of nitrogen in outdoor air is now done mainly with monthly measuring tubes and expensive sensors at a limited number of large measuring stations. OnePlanet is working on a solution with the advantages of both: an affordable, scalable and reliable sensor technology that can continuously measure both nitrogen dioxide and ammonia. In this it is working with TNO and other organizations concerned with air quality, such as RIVM.

Data platform

Just measuring and monitoring does not lead to fewer emissions. The translation of measurement data into action perspectives is at least as important. That is why OnePlanet and TNO are also working together on a data platform where sensor data can be shared across domains and in a reliable, transparent and traceable way. This applies to data on nitrogen dioxide emissions from transport and industry, as well as data on ammonia emissions from agriculture. This gives residents, entrepreneurs, scientists and governments real-time insight into their own actions and the effects of emission-reducing measures.

Moonshot

Ultimately, all that research should lead to a finely meshed, continuously measuring and reliable environmental monitoring sensor network. A network that generates insights into emissions and to which immediate action perspectives can be linked. Not just for nitrogen and air quality, but ultimately broader: for water and soil quality. That is OnePlanet’s moonshot, a solid ambition for the future that it cannot achieve alone. Intensive cooperation with governments, knowledge institutions and companies is crucial. OnePlanet is fully committed to this.

Integral sensor solution

Besides reducing nitrogen emissions, reduction of greenhouse gases CO2 , methane and nitrous oxide is also high on the (international) agenda. OnePlanet is working on the next generation of sensor technologies that can measure multiple substances simultaneously, for example using integrated photonics. Entrepreneurs then only need to purchase one instead of five different sensors.

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outdoor monitors online (NitroSense)

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measurements acquired

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funded projects (past and present)

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Working with 22 public and private partners

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