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Ambient Air Quality Monitoring
Ambient Air Quality Monitoring refers to the systematic assessment and measurement of various pollutants present in the surrounding air within a specific environment or geographical area. The purpose of this monitoring is to evaluate the quality of the air that people breathe and to assess its impact on public health and the environment.
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Understanding Air Quality and Monitoring Standards
Air quality is defined as the quality of outdoor and sometimes indoor air. Air quality standards are limits for air pollutant concentrations set for the well-being of people, nature, animals, etc. There is no single defined definition of standards, and as a result, several organizations use standards that are often not the same. Air quality monitoring is also called ambient air quality testing.
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Assessing Air Quality: Monitoring for Cleaner Environments
Air quality monitoring is the process of evaluating the amount and type of pollutants in the atmosphere according to air quality standards. Air quality monitoring helps us take action to improve air quality based on air pollutants
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Understanding Air Pollution and Monitoring Efforts
Air pollution, introduced by harmful substances, impacts the atmosphere and health. Monitoring, with sources like vehicles and industry, is crucial. Government initiatives, like the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Act, aim to safeguard air quality, supported by programs such as NAMP.
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Monitoring Ambient Air Quality Parameters: NAMP Standards and AQI
Monitoring air quality based on N.A.M.P. standards involves tracking 12 pollutants, including SO2, NO2, PM10, PM2.5, O3, Pb, CO, Nh3, C6H6, BaP, As, and Ni, at specified sites. Particulate matter stands out as the most crucial atmospheric pollutant, also known as particle or dust tracking. Following NAAQS, the results can be translated into simple terms, forming the Air Quality Index (AQI).
Solid fuels | Storage of coal in coal piles | Particulate matter (PM) |
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Refineries | Refining | Non – methane Volatile Organic Compounds (NMVOCs), Methane (CH4), Sulphur dioxide (SO2) |
Oil | Extraction of oil & gas, loading of ships offshore and onshore, storage of oil, loading of tanker trucks, refueling of cars at service station | Non – methane Volatile Organic Compounds (NMVOCs), Methane (CH4), Carbon dioxide (CO2) |
Natural gas | Transmission, storage, treatment & distribution of natural gas | Non – methane Volatile Organic Compounds (NMVOCs), Methane (CH4), Carbon dioxide (CO2) |
Venting & Flaring | Flaring in extraction industry, flaring in gas storage & treatment plants in the refineries, venting of gas in gas storage plants | Non – methane Volatile Organic Compounds (NMVOCs), Methane (CH4), Carbon dioxide (CO2), Sulphur dioxide (SO2), Particulate matter (PM), Nitrogen oxides (NOX), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Dioxin, Nitrous Oxides (N2O), Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) |