Air quality monitoring networks: key to environmental monitoring and protection

Air qualityAir quality refers to the state of the air we breathe and its composition in terms of pollutants present in the atmosphere. It is considered good when poll...
Read more monitoring networks consist of an organised system of monitoring stations distributed across various locations to measure and assess air pollution levels within a specific geographical area. These networks collect continuous or periodic data, offering an accurate and detailed picture of air quality.

Types of air quality monitoringControlling air quality is an essential task in order to enjoy optimal environmental conditions for healthy human development and to keep the environment i...
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Air quality networks can be divided into different levels depending on their scope and purpose:

• Regional networks: Each autonomous community in Spain manages its own monitoring network to comply with national and European air quality regulations. These networks typically include both fixed and mobile stations in urban, rural, and industrial areas.
• Local networks: Managed by municipalities, these focus on specific urban areas to monitor the impact of road traffic, industrialisation, and other local factors.
• EMEP/VAG/CAMP Network: This international network measures cross-border atmospheric pollution and air quality in remote or coastal areas.

How do air quality monitoring networks work?

The stations within these networks are strategically located to provide a detailed assessment of pollution in real time or at scheduled intervals. This helps gather data on the presence and concentration of pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, suspended particles, and other harmful compounds.

Air quality networks in Spain

National Air Quality Monitoring Network

The National Air Quality Monitoring Network in Spain is coordinated by the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge (MITECO). This network is designed to assess and monitor air quality across the country, using a combination of fixed and mobile stations. The data collected is essential for complying with European regulations and for compiling reports on the state of the air in the country.

Regional Networks

Each autonomous community in Spain operates its own air quality monitoring network, working independently but in coordination with the national network. These networks are managed by the Environmental Agencies of each region, such as:

• Catalonia: The Agència de Salut Pública de Catalunya manages the air quality network, which includes measurement stations in urban and industrial areas.
• Madrid: The Ministry of Environment of the Community of Madrid oversees its own network of stations that measure pollutants like NO₂ and ozone (O₃).
• Andalusia: The Andalusian Environment and Water Agency (AMAYA) monitors air quality in various locations across the region.

Local Networks

Local networks are managed by municipalities or local entities and focus on specific urban air quality issues. These networks may target sources of pollution such as road traffic or industrial activities and often use portable or mobile monitoring stations to supplement data from fixed stations.

EMEP/VAG/CAMP Network

The EMEP/VAG/CAMP network complements regional and local networks, focusing on background air pollution and measuring critical pollution episodes

• EMEP (European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme): Measures cross-border pollution across Europe, providing data on pollution affecting multiple countries.
• VAG (Atmospheric Pollution Monitoring and Alert): Monitors pollution impacting Spain’s marine and coastal ecosystems.
• CAMP (Marine Environment Monitoring and Analysis): Focuses on air quality monitoring in coastal and marine ecosystems, evaluating how air pollution affects aquatic environments.

Air quality networks in other countries

USA

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) manages a national air quality monitoring network known as the Air Quality System (AQS). This system includes thousands of monitoring stations measuring pollutants regulated under the Clean Air Act, such as ozone (O₃), particles (PM₂.₅, PM₁₀), and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). The NCore programme provides real-time data and is essential for research and environmental policy.

France

Air quality networks in France are managed by regional organisations coordinated by Atmo France, the national federation of air quality monitoring associations. AtmoSud, the largest network in southern France, uses air quality stationsAir quality stations are systems dedicated to monitoring atmospheric pollution, essential for measuring the concentration of pollutants in a specific area....
Read more to measure pollutants such as sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and carbon monoxide (CO)The carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible gas (colorless and odorless) that, at the same time, is a silent killer because in just a few minutes it exhibits ...
Read more, in compliance with European legislation.

Germany

Germany’s air quality network is among the most sophisticated, managed by the Federal Environment Agency (UBA). The stations are part of the LUQS (Luftqualitäts Überwachungs system), which measures both common pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate matter, as well as industry-specific contaminants. The data generated is publicly accessible and used to inform urban and state policies.

Italy

Italy’s network of air quality stations is managed regionally under the supervision of ARPA (Regional Agency for Environmental Protection). These networks generally measure key pollutants such as ozone (O₃) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), especially in urban and industrial areas, and are aligned with European directives.

Brazil

Brazil’s air quality networks are primarily managed by individual states. CETESB (São Paulo State Environmental Company) is one of the most important bodies, with stations monitoring particles, sulphur dioxide (SO₂), and ozone (O₃), especially in large metropolitan areas. The networks face challenges in rural and Amazonian regions, where forest fire pollution is a critical issue.

Mexico

Mexico’s national air monitoring network is managed by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) and the National Air Quality Information System (SINAICA). Major cities like Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara have advanced networks that measure particulate matter, ozone (O₃), and other key pollutants. The data is used to issue alerts and inform local policies.

Chile

Chile’s air quality monitoring network is managed by the Ministry of Environment, with a focus on monitoring fine particles (PM₂.₅), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), and other pollutants in urban areas like Santiago. Due to the country’s geography, the networks also tackle specific challenges such as seasonal winter pollution and the mining industry.

Rest of the world

In other parts of the world, air quality is monitored through national networks and international programmes. China and India, for example, have developed extensive networks in response to serious urban pollution problems. In Europe, regulation is regulated by the European Directive 2008/50/EC and managed by coordinated national networks. Countries such as Australia and Canada also have sophisticated national networks that integrate urban and rural stations to monitor key pollutants.

These global networks vary in sophistication and coverage, but all have the common goal of collecting essential data to protect public health and comply with international environmental regulations.

Objectives of monitoring networks

The main objectives of air quality networks are to:

1. 1. Assess air quality: Provide accurate data on pollution levels and their compliance with national and European regulations.
   2. Issue alerts: Warn the public of pollution episodes that may pose health risks, particularly to vulnerable groups.
   3. Facilitate decision-making: Provide key information for developing effective environmental policies and implementing measures to improve air quality.
   4. Promote transparency: Make air quality data accessible to the public through mobile apps and online platforms, raising awareness of air pollution.

Benefits of air quality monitoring networks

These networks are crucial for protecting public health and the environment. The data they collect enables authorities to issue alerts when pollution levels reach dangerous thresholds, informing the public and guiding decision-making in environmental management.

Compliance with regulations and standards

Monitoring networks help comply with international and national regulations, such as those set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and European Union legislation (Directive 2008/50/EC). These networks assess whether urban and industrial areas meet air quality limits designed to protect health and well-being.

Data accessibility

The information collected by the networks is often made available to the public through mobile apps, websites, or electronic panels, making real-time air quality data and potential health risks easily accessible.

Conclusion

Both air quality stations and monitoring networks are essential tools for understanding and managing atmospheric pollution. They provide accurate data that supports informed decision-making in environmental management, contributing to public health protection and compliance with international regulations.