Photo Credit: City of St. Albert
Continuous Monitoring Stations
Near instantaneous measurements of pollutants, which can include nitrogen oxides, ozone, fine particulates, sulphur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, ammonia, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and total reduced sulphurs, depending on the individual station’s monitoring objectives. Most stations provide data for calculating the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI).
Some stations are also used for intermittent monitoring (once every sixth day) in order to collect a 24-hour average pollutant concentration in accordance with the National Air Pollution Surveillance (NAPS) monitoring schedule.
Passive Monitors
These do not require power and consist of a series of filters through which air passes and thus detect low sample amounts. They provide monthly average measurements. ACA’s passive monitor network is used to measure sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.
Micro-Sensor Technology
Community-based sensors can be used to contribute real-time air quality data at the neighbourhood level. The ACA currently utilizes Purple Air sensors to measure fine particulate matter. Handheld or wearable air quality sensors can be utilized by the public as part of a citizen science or educational program to understanding air quality. ACA currently utilizes AirBeams and Plume Labs Flow devices.