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The PAMZ AQM Program uses passive monitors as a cost-effective method of collecting air quality data over a large region (45,000 sq. km.). The resulting database is suitable for the identification of long term air quality trends and assessing spatial variability, a typical approach in making regional-scale air quality assessments. The advantages of the passive samplers used by PAMZ are their simple design, low cost and ease of use. No power is required for operation, making them suitable for remote use; the only major restriction in locating samplers is the ability to access the sampler.
Passive samplers rely on the principles of permeation and diffusion to physically uptake the specific compound being sampled. This method is an alternative to active sampling or continuous monitoring where an air sample is drawn or forced mechanically into or through a collection device or past a detector.
The PAMZ Passive Monitoring Network consisted of thirty-four permanent stations and included passive data collected at the Red Deer AQM Station. Currently the parameters measured in the network are SO2, NO2 and O3. O3 only is monitored at the Harlech location. In general, the passive monitoring stations are located throughout the zone on a 3 X 3 township grid system, though there is a bias to the more developed eastern part of the zone, due in part to the limited accessibility of the zone’s western regions. Passive monitoring is conducted year-round on a monthly interval.
Average monthly concentrations are calculated for each site. After review and acceptance by the PAMZ program manager, the passive data are archived in the CASA Data Warehouse. Post maps are used to summarize the results. The diameter of each circle in the post map is proportional to the monthly average concentration of the compound at each station. Some of the zone’s major population centers are also indicated on the map. Monthly average post maps can be viewed on the association’s website www.pamz.org. Hard copy and digital formats of the data and post maps of the results are available upon request, from the PAMZ program manager.