Resources
How monitoring works
WCAS collects air quality data using different methods, including continuous ambient air monitoring and microsensor technology.
Quality Data
WCAS leverages different methods to collect air quality data
By using continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations as well as integrated sampling, sensor-based and microsensor technology, WCAS is able to collect and provide broad, accurate data to support public reporting and community health.
① Air pollution sources
Pollution is emitted into the air from a variety of anthropogenic (human-made) and natural sources.
② Monitoring
WCAS air monitoring stations and other monitoring sites measure concentrations of pollutants in the air.
③ Data Management
This data is collated for reporting to regulators and stakeholders and analyzed for insights and trends in air quality.
④ Quality Assurance and Validation
All data and reports are scrutinized to ensure accuracy.
⑤ Data Reports and Public Information
This data is used to calculate the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) and is available at wcas.ca or through the AQHI app on your mobile device.
Continuous Ambient Monitoring
Continuous air monitoring stations
Continuous monitoring equipment provides nearly instantaneous measurements of ambient concentrations of sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), ozone (O3), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), and total reduced sulphur (TRS). All monitoring stations are also equipped with meteorological equipment to display the effect of local conditions on ambient air. Averages are calculated over one-minute and one-hour intervals to determine maximum and minimum atmospheric concentrations. Data is used to calculate the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI).
The WCAS air quality monitoring program focuses on acid-forming gases, air quality parameters that may affect the environment, and parameters that are of interest to health professionals.
Emphasis is placed on obtaining credible and scientifically defensible data. WCAS’ quality control and quality assurance program includes preliminary verification (daily checks of calibration and instrument performance), primary validation, final validation, and independent assessment with all four levels being conducted by different personnel. In addition, our monitoring equipment undergoes regular monthly multi-point calibrations, internal audits, and external and Government of Alberta audits.
Data is examined for long-term systematic errors and all raw and quality control data is archived. Air quality monitoring and reporting methods used by WCAS meet or exceed Provincial and Federal requirements.
Intermittent and Passive
Integrated sampling
Integrated sampling provides a time-weighted average measurement of a gas, a vapour, or particulate matter over a set period. The integrated sample is analyzed in a laboratory to determine the ambient concentration for that specific sample. The two types of integrated samplers used at WCAS, include intermittent samplers and passive samplers. Intermittent samplers collect an ambient air sample for 24 hours every 6 days (as per the NAPS schedule). Typically, particulate matter, heavy metals, and volatile organics (VOCs) are measured. Passive samplers provide time-weighted average pollutant concentrations that are usually collected monthly to provide monthly (30-day) averages. Passive sampling may be used to monitor pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, nitrogen dioxide, or ozone.
Data is commonly used for long-term trending and comparison of pollutants to other regional networks.
Community-based
Sensor and microsensor technology
Community-based sensors are used to supplement real-time air quality for smaller communities or within urban areas, at the neighbourhood level. WCAS is currently utilizing microsensors to measure fine particulate matter.
Get in touch if you would be interested in hosting microsensor technology.
Well Connected