Introduction
Ambient air quality monitoring focuses on measuring a set of pollutants that have known health and environmental impacts. The most commonly tracked parameters include:
– PM2.5 – Particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers, capable of entering deep into the lungs and bloodstream.
– PM10 – Larger particles that can still affect the respiratory system.
– SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) – Produced mainly by burning fossil fuels; causes respiratory irritation and acid rain.
– NOx (Nitrogen Oxides) – Emitted from vehicles and industrial processes; a major contributor to smog.
– CO (Carbon Monoxide) – A toxic gas from incomplete combustion of fuels.
– O₃ (Ground-level Ozone) – Harmful when present near the surface; formed by chemical reactions between NOx and VOCs in sunlight.
– NH₃ (Ammonia) – From agricultural activities; affects respiratory health and contributes to particulate pollution.
These parameters are selected because they pose significant risks to public health and ecosystems, and because they serve as indicators of broader environmental problems like climate change and acidification.
Advantages
– Specificity: Helps identify the main sources of pollution (e.g., traffic, industry, agriculture).
– Health relevance: Focuses on pollutants with the greatest impact on human well-being.
– Policy alignment: Matches national and international regulatory requirements.
– Improved research: Enables targeted environmental and epidemiological studies.
Disadvantages
– Limited scope: Some harmful pollutants may not be monitored regularly.
– Equipment needs: Different parameters often require different monitoring techniques.
– Data variability: Seasonal and weather changes can affect readings.
– Cost: High-quality multi-parameter monitoring stations are expensive.
Uses in Environment & Daily Life
– City-level AQI reporting: Giving residents real-time updates.
– Pollution source control: Identifying and regulating major emitters.
– Agriculture: Protecting crops from ozone damage.
– Public safety: Issuing alerts during high-pollution events.