Ambient Air Quality monitoring or Testing is a process of measurement of pollutants present in the atmosphere. It measures the healthiness and safety of our environment.
Ambient air quality testing is a critical process that involves measuring the concentration of pollutants in the air we breathe. With urbanization, industrialization, and rising vehicular emissions, understanding and monitoring air quality has become more important than ever. This article will delve into the significance of ambient air quality testing, the methods used, the pollutants commonly monitored, and the benefits of ensuring clean air for public health and the environment.
What is Ambient Air Quality?
Ambient air quality is defined as the quality of air outside and sometimes inside. Ambient air quality standards are limits to concentrations of pollutants in air stated for well being of human, nature, animals, etc. There is no single specified definition of standards resulting, Various organizations use standards which are not often similar. Ambient air quality monitoring is also called as Outdoor Air Quality Testing.
What is Air Quality Monitoring?
Air quality monitoring is the process of assessment of pollutants present in the atmosphere by their quantity and types as per air quality standards. Air quality monitoring helps us to take action based on pollutants present in atmosphere to improve air quality
Why Ambient Air Quality Monitoring or Testing Required?
Air Pollution is the introduction of Chemicals, Particulates or other Harmful materials into atmosphere causes/damage to living organism/Built Organism. Air pollutants are added in the atmosphere from a variety of sources that change the composition of the atmosphere and affect the biotic environment. The concentration of air pollutants depends not only on the quantities that are emitted from air pollution sources but also on the ability of the atmosphere to either absorb or disperse these emissions. The sources of air pollutants include vehicles, industries, domestic sources and natural sources. Because of the presence of a high amount of air pollutants in the ambient air, the health of the population an
property is getting adversely affected. In order to arrest the deterioration in air quality, Govt. of India has enacted the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act in 1981. The responsibility has been further emphasized under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Therefore, the Central Pollution Control Board had started National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (NAAQM) Network during 1984 – 85 at the national level. The program was later renamed as National Air Quality Monitoring Program (NAMP).
Ambient Air Quality Monitoring & Testing Methodology
Ambient air quality monitoring & testing is required to determine the existing quality of air, evaluation of the effectiveness of the control program. National Air Quality Monitoring Program is described in this chapter along with details on pollutants measured and their frequency. Similarly, Guidelines for monitoring are made for carrying out AAQM under NAMP and description of the program is essential as the monitoring is carried out to meet the objectives of NAMP.
Various methods are employed for ambient air quality testing, each suited to different pollutants and situations:
- Passive Sampling: Involves using absorbent materials that passively collect pollutants over time. This method is low-cost and ideal for long-term monitoring.
- Active Sampling: Utilizes pumps to draw air through filters or adsorbents. This method is more precise and can measure specific pollutants over shorter periods.
- Continuous Monitoring Stations: Fixed stations equipped with advanced instruments provide real-time data on air quality. They are essential for tracking pollution trends and providing alerts during poor air quality events.
- Mobile Monitoring: Vehicles equipped with monitoring equipment can measure air quality across different locations, helping identify pollution hotspots.
Various types of equipment are used to find the amount of Air pollution done by a particular source called āāAir Monitoring Equipment.āā Evaluation of Ambient Air for determination of community air Quality as related to local health, Social & Environmental Effects. Determination of suspended particulate matter as small as one-micron size & any four gaseous contaminants at a time.
The Role of Technology in Air Quality Testing
Recent advancements in technology have significantly improved ambient air quality testing. Innovations include:
- Smart Sensors: Affordable and portable sensors can be deployed in various locations, providing real-time data on air quality.
- Data Analytics: Advanced software can analyze vast amounts of air quality data, helping to identify trends and predict pollution events.
- Mobile Apps: Many cities now offer apps that provide real-time air quality information to the public, allowing individuals to make informed decisions about outdoor activities.
Ambient Air Quality Monitoring or Testing Parameters
Under N.A.M.P., 12 air pollutants viz., Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Oxides of Nitrogen as NO2 and Particulate Matter (PM10) and Particulate Matter (PM2.5), Ozone (O3), Lead (Pb), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ammonia (Nh3), Benzene (C6H6), Benzo-Pyrene (BaP), Arsenic (As), Nikhel (Ni) have been identified for regular monitoring at required the locations/ Industrial unit.
Among all these parameters Particulate matter is the most important pollutant present in the atmosphere. It is also called as Particulate matter Monitoring or Dust Monitoring.
As per CPCB Notification under National ambient air quality testing standards (NAAQS). These Results can be converted into the non-Technical way so that everybody can understand the level of pollution. it is called as Air Quality Index (AQI).
Ambient Air Quality Monitoring or Testing Standards
Below mentioned are National Ambient or Outdoor air quality standards (NAAQS Standards) which are used in ambient air testing.
| Parameters | Unit | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) | mg/M3 | ā¤ 80 |
| Oxides of Nitrogen | mg/M3 | ā¤ 80 |
| Particulate Matter PM10 | mg/M3 | ā¤ 100 |
| Particulate Matter PM2.5 | mg/M3 | ā¤ 60 |
| Ozone (O3) | mg/M3 | ā¤ 180 |
| Lead (Pb) | mg/M3 | ā¤ 1.0 |
| Carbon Monoxide (CO) | mg/M3 | ā¤ 04 |
| Ammonia (NH3) | mg/M3 | ā¤ 400 |
| Benzene (C6H6) | mg/M3 | ā¤ 05 |
| Benzo(a)Pyrene (BaP) | mg/M3 | ā¤ 01 |
| Arsenic (As) | mg/M3 | ā¤ 06 |
| Nickel (Ni) | mg/M3 | ā¤ 20 |
Ambient Air Quality Testing Procedure – Duration and Frequency
The period and frequency of ambient or outdoor air quality sampling procedure should be such that statistically reliable averages can be obtained with the data i.e. 8 Hrs or 24 Hrs. National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) states that it should be 8 Hrs monitoring or 24 Hrs as per requirement. Particulate matter levels are lower during the monsoon months due to removal by wet deposition. Air pollutants such as CO levels are higher during winter months due to lower mixing heights resulting in less volume of troposphere available for mixing and hence higher concentrations. Thus measurements should be conducted in all the seasons so that in annual average all the seasons are represented equally. In general, a minimum of 20% of the reading should be taken in each season.
Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Equipment
There are many types of instruments available to monitor ambient air quality such as Respirable dust samplers, High volume air samplers, Handy dust samplers, Combined dust samplers, Portable air quality analyzers, etc. Below are the few Ambient Air Quality Monitoring instruments commonly used in the industry
High Volume Air Sampler
High Volume Air Sampler consists of the filter holding assembly, High capacity blower, U-tube Manometer, Rotameter, impingers housed in detachable fibre case, inlet filters, voltage stabilizer & Timer.
Continuous Air Quality Monitoring Station
Continuous air quality testing station or ambient air quality monitoring station constantly samples and test ambient air and provide instant reading to the nearest monitoring center. Recently the Indian government has installed more than 50 continuous air quality monitoring stations in Metro cities of India.
Ambient Air Quality Monitoring System manufacturers in India
Here are some well-known Ambient Air Quality Monitoring System manufacturers in India:
- Ecotech Instruments India Pvt. Ltd.: A prominent manufacturer of environmental monitoring instruments, including ambient air quality monitoring systems. They offer a range of products to measure various pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, CO, O3, and more.
- Envirotech Instruments Pvt. Ltd.: Envirotech is a leading manufacturer and supplier of environmental monitoring instruments, including ambient air quality monitors. They provide advanced solutions for real-time air quality monitoring.
- Horiba India Pvt. Ltd.: Horiba is a global company with a presence in India, offering a range of environmental monitoring solutions, including ambient air quality monitoring systems.
- Ecotech Instruments (India) Pvt. Ltd.: Another division of Ecotech Instruments focused on providing high-quality ambient air quality monitoring solutions.
- MNM Environmental Consultants Pvt. Ltd.: MNM offers a wide range of environmental monitoring instruments, including ambient air quality monitoring systems, to measure various pollutants and parameters.
- Vasthi Instruments Pvt. Ltd.: Vasthi specializes in providing environmental monitoring solutions, including ambient air quality monitors, gas analyzers, and dust monitors.
- Apzem India Engineering: Apzem manufactures ambient air quality monitoring systems and gas analyzers to measure pollutants in the atmosphere.
- Emtici Engineering Ltd.: Emtici Engineering provides environmental monitoring instruments, including ambient air quality monitoring systems, for various industrial applications.
- SPM Instrument India Pvt. Ltd.: SPM Instrument offers a range of environmental monitoring solutions, including ambient air quality monitors and dust monitors.
- Met One Instruments India Pvt. Ltd.: Met One Instruments is known for its high-quality air quality monitoring instruments, including ambient air quality monitors and particulate samplers.
These manufacturers offer a variety of products and solutions for ambient air quality monitoring, catering to different industries, government agencies, research institutions, and environmental consulting firms. When selecting an ambient air quality monitoring system, it’s essential to consider factors such as the specific pollutants you need to measure, the accuracy and reliability of the instruments, data logging capabilities, and compliance with relevant national and international standards.
Benefits of Ambient Air Quality Testing
Improved Public Health: By identifying and mitigating pollution sources, air quality testing can reduce health risks and improve overall community well-being.
Environmental Conservation: Monitoring air quality helps protect ecosystems and biodiversity from the harmful effects of pollution.
Policy Development: Accurate data supports the development of effective environmental policies and regulations, driving improvements in air quality management.
Community Engagement: Sharing air quality data with the public fosters awareness and encourages community action toward improving air quality.
Ambient Air Monitoring & Testing Services Company
We offer Ambient air monitoring & Testing Services in India. Our Company is completely adept in offering customized ambient air monitoring services as per clients requirements. All this was possible because, We have highly qualified and experienced professionals who are capable of monitoring the air for toxin level, pollution degree etc.
Special features of Perfect Pollucon Services are:
- Customized service offered
- Excellent monitoring
- Specialized services
- Efficient professional team
- Cost-effective
- Timely Service
- Reliable
Also, we have periodically calibrated instruments as per Pollution control board guidelines. As Environmental Consultants We offer services in Soil Analysis, Water Analysis, Environmental Monitoring, Air Quality Monitoring, Ambient Noise level Monitoring and Stack Emission Monitoring.
As per CPCB parameters of air quality monitoring are Particulate Matter (PM10, PM2.5), NO2, CO, O3, SO2, NH3, Pb, As, Ni, Benzopyrene and Benzene. Mostly parameters like PM, SO2, CO, CO2, O3 and NH3 are reported.
The process of Air quality measuring is combining multiple pollutants levels present in the atmosphere and then combining their reading with their weightage assigned by pollution control boards. This gives information on air quality to the public whether air quality is either good, moderate, or hazardous.
As per CPCB notification, the fourth version of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) is used for ambient air quality monitoring.
Ambient air quality monitoring is the process of collecting, measuring ambient air pollutants to evaluate the current status of the environment, and comparing them to standards declared by government agencies.
There are many types of ambient air quality monitoring such as high volume sampler, handheld devices, passive monitoring, continuous monitoring, active sampling using silica gel etc. Then to make understand these results for common people it is converted into Air Quality Index i.e., scoring system.
a. It helps us assess impacts caused by poor air quality on public health
b. It helps us to understand if air quality is within standards or not
c. To Identify polluted areas, level of pollution
d. The efficiency of industries in high polluted areas
e. Assess health issues on people due to pollution
f. To design control measures for better health of livings
If you have any questions or want to know more about our Environmental Quality Monitoring services then, please fill up below form.
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What is monitoring frequency as per norms or act
Hi Amit,
The Monitoring frequency depends on the category of your company falls in. for example Red category company has to conduct monitoring more frequently as compared to green category company. it can vary from Monthly/Quarterly/half yearly etc.
for more information you can contact us.
Thank You,
Perfect Pollucon Services
what is used for PM2.5 monitoring
Hi Neelima,
We use high volume sampler as well as digital smart high accuracy sampler to monitor PM 2.5.
Thanks
We are residents living in Lodha New Cuffe Parade in wadala and looking to hire a consultant /agency to monitor air quality in our area and give us a strong report that we can take it to the right authorities for taking corrective action. – move RCF ans other refineries out of wadala.
Thank you Vidhya for your response.
Request you to call on 9930180059 for faster response.
Thanks You,
Perfect Pollucon Team
What is different between the pm 10 and pm 2.5
Hi Ram,
PM10 has a size of 10 micrometres whereas PM2.5 has a size of 2.5 micrometres. A human hair is can be of 100 micrometres, so around 40 PM2.5 could be placed on its width
Thanks,
Perfect Pollucon Services Team
Why 8 hour and 24 hour for AAQM
what are the basis in monitoring air parameters
Hi Roy,
Different pollutants affect human and environment in different ways. To control impact of those pollutants on our life Pollution control boards has defined certain procedures to monitor all pollutants. That is the basis of Air Parameters monitoring.
Thank you,
PPS Team
Hi,
what are the requirements to siting the AAQ monitor in industry.
Hi Manikandan,
When siting an Ambient Air Quality (AAQ) monitor in an industrial setting, it should be placed in an area that provides representative air quality data while avoiding localized pollution sources like chimneys or exhaust vents. The monitor should be positioned between 1.5 to 15 meters above the ground and located away from obstructions like buildings or trees. It is recommended to keep the monitor at least 50 to 200 meters from major pollution sources and ensure easy access for maintenance and calibration.
Thanks
TeamPPS