Environmental Monitoring during Disasters using Automated Identification and Quantification System (AIQS) -Utilization in the Great East Japan Earthquake-

Abstract

Automated identification and determination system using a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry (AIQS-GC) is a technology that enables semi-identification and quantification of substances without using the standard substance. Using this method, environmental water monitoring around the disaster temporary storage area after the Great East Japan Earthquake was conducted. Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, pyrene, etc. were detected at high concentration. Some substances showed high concentration near the temporary storage area, suggesting the possibility of elution from disaster waste. Thus, AIQS-GC was effective in emergency monitoring such as disasters. The authors held several workshops to disseminate this system. We have also started joint research with the local environment research institute on the improvement of AIQS-GC. In this joint research, we have a plan to add the number of listed substances, expand the applicable equipment manufacturers, and study the inter-apparatus and inter-laboratory error. In addition, AIQS can be analyzed retrospectively, accumulated and aggregated measurement data is expected.