Hourly Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Station (PAMS) Monitoring of NMHCs by AutoGC: A Practical Approach to Automation and Quality Control

摘要

New National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ozone in 2014 have precipitated rulings which change the scope and implementation of the existing Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Station (PAMS) Network. These changes include a redistribution of existing sites to increase spacial distribution of these monitoring activities and a focus on continuous, hourly measurements rather than less frequent canister sampling. These changes will result in more continuous monitoring activities by state agencies who will be required to implement such stations based on Core Based Statistical Areas (CSBA) with populations of greater than one million. While newer technology no doubt exists for this type of AutoGC continuous monitoring, the strategies for ensuring data quality and for handling the large amounts of data generated across a nationwide network of monitors need to be formulated. Based on 20 years of continuous AutoGC monitoring in Texas, some basic issues are presented related to instrument calibration and quality controls which might be beneficial to the development of such strategies.