Some hot trends cool quickly. But dealing with environmental problems is one trend that must not be allowed to cool. Analytical instruments keep an ear fixed upon the voices of the air, water and soil.

Japan and other modern industrialized nations that have experienced the pain of environmental destruction have made strides as a result of continuing with initiatives to prevent air pollution. But in China and the Asian region, where rapid industrialization has been proceeding in recent years, national regulations are not yet in place. Because environmental problems cross national borders, the provision of air pollution monitoring devices to these regions is being demanded.

Equipped with all the equipment necessary to monitor air pollution, this laboratory is active in places where mobility is a must, like for environmental prior assessment surveys. The fleet of vehicles includes environmentally-friendly natural gas powered trucks.

The fifth water quality pollutant load regulations were enacted in 2001 as a countermeasure to eutrophication in enclosed water bodies caused by chemical oxygen demand, nitrogen, phosphorus and other elements. HORIBA has a full lineup of water quality analyzers that it supplies to affected areas nationwide in support of these initiatives.

Monitoring water quality in lakes that are used for drinking water and domestic use water is an important issue. However, to assess the actual state in detail requires three-dimensional surveys over the long term, not observation of a single point. The UP-20 Series makes it possible to conduct continuous surveys over a period of one month on 10 measurement items by immersing a GPS-linked sensor probe into the water.

Environmental hormones are a new environmental problem attracting attention. HORIBA BIOTECHNOLOGY is working to develop completely new bio sensors that combine with analytical instruments, based on a unique measurement principle that utilizes antigen-antibody reactions in living organisms.

Acid raid is not only a problem that affects areas around factories; it is also an environmental problem that affects all of us. Volunteers around the country conduct acid rain surveys using compact pH meters capable of simple measurements of small rain samples. HORIBA operates the website "HONEST," where the collected data is exchanged.