A low-cost photonic device for the detection and quantification of Nitrous Oxide (N2O) and Ammonia (NH3)

The applicant has completed building a spectroscopic device to measure trace gases (e.g., Greenhouse Gasses -GHG) in agriculture fields. The objective of proposed project is to conduct a field trial of the developed device and optimize different optical components so that the system, operating as a standalone device, can perform the following tasks: (a) Multicomponent gas analysis – N2O, CO2, H2O, CH4 and NH3, and (b) Detection of Isotopologues of N2O.
The Long-Term objective of the proposed research is to develop the infrastructure to detect and quantify emitted gasses (e.g., N2O and NH3) from fertilized agriculture fields. The results will assist fertilizer companies to (1) develop the protocol of applying fertilizer under different environmental conditions to reduce emissions; and (2) develop innovative fertilizer products such as ESN. This infrastructure will also support farmers, in relation to fertilizer application, helping them save costs while creating more ecologically friendly and attractive products.

Faculty Supervisor:

Gautam Das

Student:

Partner:

Nutrien Ag Solutions (Calgary, AB)

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

Lakehead University

Program: