National Physical Laboratory

Ambient Air Quality Surveys

Ambient Air Quality 

Accurate monitoring of ambient air quality is important for regulatory purposes and industrial impact assessment. An ambient air quality survey from NPL is UKAS accredited for sampling and analysis and can:

  • Characterise industrial emissions in accordance with UK and EC legislation.
  • Monitor roadside and urban air quality.
  • Identify air quality zones and areas of exceedence.
  • Validate pollution abatement measures.
  • Support corporate environmental policy.
  • Assess plant conditions.

NPL's experienced staff can design monitoring campaigns, provide expertise and advice on optimum sampling techniques and provide comprehensive data analysis, reporting and interpretation. Samples analysed by NPL can report more than 30 different VOC constituents at concentrations ranging from 100 ppt to several ppm.

NPL's on-site testing capability includes:

Species Methods
Acid gases and odorous species SO2, NO2, H2S and NO Diffusive tubes
Pumped tubes
Canister/grab sampling
Hand held monitors
Mobile laboratory
Particulates (PM10)
Light hydrocarbons and combustion products
Benzene, toluene, xylene and ethylbenzene
1,3-butadiene
Other species on request

NPL's air quality surveys are applicable to many industrial and air quality applications, including:

  • Groundwater and soil contamination assessment.
  • Tanker loading emissions monitoring.
  • Occupational hygiene analysis.
  • Detection of leaks from storage facilities.
  • Odour investigations.
  • Vehicle emissions.

Contact

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 8637
E-mail: environmental_enquiries@npl.co.uk

Last Updated: 23 Nov 2011
Created: 17 Apr 2007