Field comparison of two NO2 passive samplers to assess spatial variation

Two-week average NO^sub 2^ concentrations were measured in Amsterdam (NL), Huddersfield (UK) and Prague (CZ) at 80 sites in each study area, to assess small area spatial variation, using a tube type and a badge type passive sampler. The badges appeared to be less robust than the tubes. The lower det...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental monitoring and assessment 1998-03, Vol.50 (1), p.37-51
Main Authors: VAN REEUWIJK, H, FISCHER, P. H, HARSSEMA, H, BRIGGS, D. J, SMALLBONE, K, LEBRET, E
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis methods
Applied sciences
Atmospheric pollution
Chemiluminescence
Comparative analysis
Environmental monitoring
Exact sciences and technology
Meteorologie en Luchtkwaliteit
Meteorology and Air Quality
Nitrogen dioxide
Pollution
Rural areas
Samplers
Sampling techniques
Spatial variations
Studies
WIMEK
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Summary:Two-week average NO^sub 2^ concentrations were measured in Amsterdam (NL), Huddersfield (UK) and Prague (CZ) at 80 sites in each study area, to assess small area spatial variation, using a tube type and a badge type passive sampler. The badges appeared to be less robust than the tubes. The lower detection limit for tubes and badges was 3.7 and 0.91 µg/m^sup 3^, respectively for fortnightly measurements. Accuracy of the samplers was determined with reference methods (chemiluminescence). The mean ratio of the concentration measured by diffusion tube over that by the reference method was 1.16, 1.03 and 0.77 in Amsterdam, Huddersfield and Prague, respectively. Standardizing the badges for the results obtained in Amsterdam, the relative mean ratio of the concentration measured by the badges over that by the reference method was 0.95 and 0.58 in Huddersfield and Prague, respectively. NO^sub 2^ concentrations measured by the two designs did not differ significantly. Mean NO^sub 2^ concentrations were 36, 26 and 22 µg/m^sup 3^ in Amsterdam, Huddersfield and Prague, respectively. The precision of duplicate tubes and badges was 8% and 11%, respectively. Both samplers are suitable for determining real variation in small area NO^sub 2^ concentrations in the ranges which occurred. It is concluded that low-cost, simple NO^sub 2^ passive samplers can provide reliable information about variation in NO^sub 2^ concentrations within urban or rural areas on a small spatial scale. Based on its robustness and its precision, tubes were preferred over badges.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:0167-6369
1573-2959
DOI:10.1023/A:1005703722232