VOCfireDRONE · Designing a powerful drone-based sampling device to monitor the released toxic volatile organic compounds caused by forest fires

Climate change is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time that has led to a dramatic escalation in the frequency and intensity of forest fires. As global warming continues to increase, addressing the challenge to investigate their effects has never been more urgent. A major concern that arises during a forest fire is the rapid and intense release of hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the environment that can be toxic and potentially carcinogenic. These hazardous compounds continue to be emitted even after the extinguishment of a forest fire, while new toxic compounds can be also formed. Focusing on minimizing their adverse effects on human health, the comprehensive monitoring of VOCs release during and after a forest fire is of utmost importance. To be able to obtain an as realistic and comprehensive estimate as possible on the chemical identity, concentration, and temporal profile of hazardous compounds, it is imperative to do the sampling as close as possible to the point of emission, which indicates the demand for a remote-controlled drone-sampling device. The overall aim of this project is thus to develop a powerful drone sampling system that can be used for the monitoring of toxic VOCs during and after a forest fire, focusing on decreasing the risks that occur from human exposure to these compounds. The drone will be equipped with a novel type of sorptive extraction samplers and laboratory analysis will be performed using one- and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to elucidate the extremely complex pattern of VOCs being produced by these events. This aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the damage caused to first responders and the exposed population due to the emission of toxic and harmful compounds during forest fires.