Environmental Chemistry Division
Outline of Research ( pamphlet )
The Environmental Chemistry Division develops methods to analyze various heavy metals and hazardous chemicals including persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as dioxins. We also do research on monitoring these hazardous substances, quality assurance of chemical analyses, clarifying environmental dynamics, and toxicity assessment. In addition, we are engaged in research on the cycles of elements, isotopes, and substances in organisms, ecosystems, and the environment, and research contributing to the understanding of climate and other environmental changes through chemical analyses.
New Directions in Analysis of Organic Pollutants
A huge number of chemical substances, from various halogenated organic compounds including dioxins, and metabolites such as PCB hydroxides to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, can potentially be emitted into the environment as a result of human activities. The Environmental Chemistry Division has been working on a special research project to develop new methods of analysis since 2006, with the goal of strengthening the system for monitoring such chemicals.
Dioxin Analysis of Ash from Incinerators
Newly developed equipment detects dioxin
peaks with no pre-processing (top image) with
results comparable to those achieved with
pre-processing (bottom image).
Improving Chemodynamics Research with Isotopes
The stable isotopic abundance of elements such as lead gives a clue as to the source of environmental pollution. Radiocarbon (14C) measurement makes it possible to estimate the contribution of fossil fuels (oil and coal) to specific chemical components in environmental samples. With the aim of improving chemodynamics research on environmental pollution, we started a specical research project on efficient and precise isotope analysis in 2006.
http://www.nies.go.jp/chem/terra/index.html
Development and Application of Advanced Technologies to Monitor the Environment and Biological Influence
In the Environmental Chemistry Division, we are engaged in (1) high frequent monitoring of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like methyl halides over the ocean and at remote places, (2) characterization of environmental nanoparticles through highly sensitive chemical composition analysis, (3) developing equipment for automatic, continuous measurement of elements in atmospheric dust from the development of new electron sources, (4) using MRI to analyze the impact of chemicals on the human brain and nervous system, (5) using behavioral observation of laboratory animals to develop a comprehensive understanding of the impact of chemicals on the brain and nervous system, and (6) developing methods to analyze the impact of chemical exposure on microorganisms.
http://www.nies.go.jp/nanotech/index.html
