Air Sampling

Question 1

4 Types of air quality decisions

Answer 1

1. Determination of effects: perceive a problem exists and is caused by constituents in the atm
2. Identification of pollutants causing effects: atm constituent must have the Chem and physical properties and be present in sufficient quantities to be harmful
3. Source attribution: can only reduce exposure to air pollutants by going to their sources
4. Emission control: many alternatives exist for reducing emissions

Question 2

Air quality sample types 4

Answer 2

1. Ambient air sample
2. Indoor air sample
3. Emissions sampling (autos, incinerator stacks)
4. Soil atm (landfills,contaminated soils from spills)

Question 3

% of air pollutants that are organic?

Answer 3

90

Question 4

Definition of an aerosol

Answer 4

Finely divided particles of solids or liquids suspended in the atmosphere or gas

Question 5

Considerations when selecting a sapling site

Answer 5

• source of contamination
• air flow direction and velocity
• density of contaminants
• intensity of light
• tune of day
• presence of obstructions
• traffic and site access

Question 6

Meteorological considerations when sampling

Answer 6

Wind direction and speed
Temp
Atm stability and pressure
Precipitation

Question 7

4 collection methods air sampling

Answer 7

Absorption/adsorption- analyses in a sample of air is adhered to a physical material
Flirtation- a high volume air sampler draws air through quartz or glass fibre filters -filter pore sizes dictate the amount and type of particulates
Whole air sampling- air pumped into pre evacuated container, usually stainless
Cryogenics- preferred when dealing with volatile organics, under vacuum and extreme cold, samples condense and are analyzed