Battle To Clean Up The Air

Two Australian-designed weapons have joined the worldwide battle against city air pollution and the growing threat of lung disease.

Melbourne-based environmental equipment firm, Ecotech has exported state-of-the-art rainwater samplers and atmospheric particle samplers developed by CSIRO to environmental protection agencies, consultants and industry in 17 countries.

CSIRO Atmospheric Research designed and developed both samplers. Ecotech sells them under licence to CSIRO, with royalties flowing back to research.

Researchers designed the rainwater sampler because they needed it for tracking acid rain and acidic particles in the air in Australia and overseas. The rainwater sampler accurately records rainfall and collects and stores rainwater for chemical analyses. The device is designed to run unattended in remote locations.

CSIRO developed the particle sampler for measuring fine particles in air outdoors and indoors. Researchers are interested in these fine particles because they are most damaging to human health. Scientists have used the samplers in a study of indoor and outdoor particle levels in air in Melbourne, Sydney, Newcastle and country regions of NSW. They have identified a number of areas where there is a need for sophisticated, versatile environmental monitors.