Sistema de coleta automatizada de amostras de ar para análise da concentração de gases de efeito estufa do solo

Abstract

The information acquired by collecting and analyzing the flow of greenhouse gases emitted by the soil is of great importance for the study of climate change, being relevant data for publications and reports about environmental commitment. The general objective of this work is to improve and facilitate the usage of the static chamber used to collect those gases, in experiments carried out by companies such as Embrapa Florestas, a partner in this work. Thus, automation of the process is proposed, bringing benefits such as mitigation of manual errors, increase in precision, simplification of the process, and more time for the researchers to dedicate themselves to the analysis and interpretation of results. The project was developed based on an embedded system controlling pneumatic pumps and valves for the collection of the gases, also having a remote interface, in an application, for remote interactions and ease in sharing the obtained data. The complete system had its technical functionalities bench-tested and also in the field, under the evaluation of specialists. Success was obtained in the field experiments, with collection taking place as expected, indicating a good performance and a correct logic of actuation. However, the samples taken showed signs of small external contamination, pointing to sealing failures. From these results, although the new chamber is functional, it is necessary to change some mechanical components, aiming to improve the sealing, which will be made in future projects, as well as other improvements.