QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL (QA/QC) IN AIR QUALITY MONITORING

Since important decisions are being taken based on the results obtained by CPCB through its air quality monitoring programme on various pollution control activities, it is important that the data being generated is of acceptable quality. In order to ensure the quality of data the CPCB is carrying out various exercises as follows: Visit to Monitoring Stations Officials from CPCB zonal offices regularly visit monitoring stations and monitoring laboratories to ensure proper methodology for sampling and analysis. The findings of the inspection report are communicated to respective monitoring agencies for implementation. Review Meetings CPCB regularly conducts review meetings with monitoring agencies to discuss various problems related to monitoring activities and sort out the remedial measures. Analytical Quality Control CPCB regularly conducts analytical quality control exercises using Ring Test Facility to evaluate the performance of different laboratories. Training Program on Ambient Air Quality Monitoring CPCB carries out training program on ambient air quality monitoring with an objective to improve quality of data generated under National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP). Training is provided to field and laboratory staff involved in NAMP. The training is provided on measurement methods of air pollutants i.e. Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) and Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) etc. Guidelines for Ambient Air Quality Monitoring CPCB has developed guidelines for carrying out ambient air quality monitoring. The Guidelines for Ambient Air Quality Monitoring include site selection criteria quality assurance and quality control in air quality monitoring type of pollutants to be monitored in a city frequency and duration of monitoring data reporting and compilation procedures measurement methods of various air pollutants etc. The guidelines report has been provided to all the monitoring agencies. Calibration, Repair of Instruments and Evaluation of Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations The quality of data is of critical importance. In order to ensure the quality of data, regular calibration, servicing and repair of the field device is must. Realising this fact, CPCB has initiated the project entitled “Calibration and Evaluation of Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations in India”. The first phase of the project has been completed and second phase is in progress. The findings of the study have been communicated to monitoring agencies for implementation.

Monitoring Stations were Sanctioned in Various States/UTs Namely   Chandigarh Orissa (Cuttack, Sambalpur, Berhampur) Maharashtra (Tarapur Industruial Area, Lote Industrial area, Navi Mumbai) Andhra Pradesh (Hyderabad, Ramagundum, Kurnool Visakhapatnam, Patencheru, Vijayawada) Punjab (Mandi Gobindgarh, Khanna) and Himachal Preadesh (Baddi-Barotiwala, Kala Amb ) State Pollution Control Boards were asked to monitor additional pollutants like Carbon Monoxide etc. near traffic intersections. Non-operational stations were made operational. Monitoring of Ammonia is being carried out in many cities.