Environmental Monitoring & Climate Change Laboratory

Environmental Monitoring & Climate Change Laboratory

The Environmental Monitoring and Climate Change Laboratory, located within the College of Maritime Transport and Technology at AASTMT, is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to comprehensive environmental research and climate change studies. This lab plays a crucial role in AASTMT’s commitment to sustainable practices and advanced environmental research, providing tools and training for both academic and practical applications.

Aim

The primary aim of the lab is to conduct high-quality research on environmental processes and climate change phenomena, while training students and researchers in environmental data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

Vision

We strive to be a leading international center for environmental and climate change research and education. Our vision is a world where science-guided actions result in sustainable practices that protect our environment and mitigate climate impacts.

Objectives

1. Research Excellence: To conduct impactful research that expands understanding of environmental dynamics and climate change effects.
2. Education & Training: To provide hands-on training in advanced monitoring and analytical tools, empowering students to contribute to environmental science.
3. Collaboration & Networking: To partner with national and international research institutions, government agencies, and industry stakeholders.
4. Policy & Outreach: To translate research into actionable policy recommendations and promote environmental stewardship.
5. Sustainability: To advocate for sustainable practices, using lab research to inform and mitigate environmental impacts.
6. Innovation: To remain at the forefront of environmental monitoring and climate research by incorporating new technologies and methodologies.

Capabilities

The lab’s advanced capabilities allow for a broad range of analysis and data collection services:

Types of Analysis

1. Air Quality Analysis: Utilizes air dispersion models, portable monitors, and gas detectors to measure pollutants, noise, and light both indoors and outdoors.
2. Water Quality Analysis: Equipped to assess chemical, physical, and biological water properties, using advanced tools like UV VIS spectrophotometers and multi-parameter probes.
3. Climate and Weather Analysis: With Automatic Weather Observing Systems and climate modeling software, the lab analyzes weather patterns, climate variability, and trends.
4. Wind Data Analysis: Employing Windographer software, the lab conducts in-depth wind data studies to aid research in wind energy, weather forecasting, and climate modeling.

Activities Assessment

1. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Evaluates environmental effects of projects and suggests mitigation measures.
2. Sustainability Assessment: Guides environmentally-friendly decisions by evaluating technologies, policies, and practices.
3. Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation: Assesses strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change impacts.

Data Collection

1. Field Sampling: Collects air and water samples from various sites for laboratory analysis.
2. Weather Data Collection: Gathers real-time data on temperature, humidity, wind, rainfall, and lightning.
3. Long-term Monitoring: Tracks changes in air, water quality, and climate variables over time.
4. Surveys and Observations: Conducts studies on local and large-scale environmental issues.

Lab Advantages

1. Advanced Equipment: High-resolution data collection and analysis capabilities in air and water quality, as well as climate studies.
2. Interdisciplinary Research: Promotes a holistic approach by integrating environmental science with maritime technology.
3. Experiential Learning: Provides students with hands-on experience in operating sophisticated instruments and software.
4. Collaborative Environment: Fosters collaboration among students, faculty, and industry professionals.
5. Policy Influence: Uses research findings to influence environmental regulations and climate change mitigation strategies.
6. Enhanced Job Prospects: Equips students for careers in environmental consulting, NGOs, research institutions, and government agencies.
7. Community Engagement: Hosts workshops and seminars to raise environmental awareness and promote sustainable practices.
8. Global Climate Change Response: Contributes to addressing climate change through research and educational initiatives.
9. Innovation and Development: Acts as an incubator for new ideas aimed at solving environmental challenges.

Lab Equipment

Air Quality

• AERMOD View: Air dispersion modeling for pollution concentration and deposition assessments.
• Portable Air Quality Monitor - Series 500 (Indoor & Outdoor).
• Digital Sound Level Meters (CEL-200 Series): For various noise measurement applications.
• 765 Environmental Monitor: Measures visible light, UV light, temperature, humidity, and absolute humidity.
• SMART Sensor Gas Detector: Detects multiple gases, including O₂, CO, and H₂S.
• OC-1000 Portable Multi-Gas Detector: Measures VOC, CO, CO₂, PM2.5, and PM10.
• SNDWAY SW-582 Digital Lux Meter: Measures light intensity for environmental assessments.

Water Quality

• EcoSense pH100A Meter: Portable meter for pH, mV, and temperature readings.
• EcoSense EC300A Conductivity Meter: Measures conductivity, salinity, total dissolved solids, and temperature.
• EcoSense DO200A Dissolved Oxygen Meter: For dissolved oxygen measurement in water.
• 9300 Photometer: Portable photometer suitable for lab and field use.
• DR6000™ UV VIS Spectrophotometer: For water and environmental testing.
• Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) - DRB200: For pollution assessments in wastewater.
• Advanced Multi-Parameter Water Quality Probe (AP-7000): Measures pH, ORP, conductivity, salinity, dissolved oxygen, depth, and temperature.
• HI83399 Multi-Parameter Photometer: Measures 40 water and wastewater quality parameters, including COD.

Weather & Climate

• Automatic Weather Observing System (AWOS): Measures air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, atmospheric pressure, and precipitation.
• ZEUS Lightning Detection System: Detects lightning over long distances with receivers across Europe and Egypt.
• BonVoyage System (BVS): Software for safe and efficient ocean voyage planning.
• Windographer: Analyzes and visualizes wind resource data from met towers and remote sensors.
• Core Sampler: Collects soil samples for analysis.
• Laser Distance Meter: Measures distances up to 60m for environmental mapping.
• Soil Depth Probe: Measures soil moisture, pH, temperature, and sunlight intensity.
• PS 2100.R2.M Precision Balance: For precise weight measurements in lab analysis.