M.Sc.

Study Program WASTE

Topic:

Investigation of Air Pollution to Verify whether Harmful

Effects on Proposed Residents of Rainbow Residential
Estate Port Harcourt are to be Anticipated

Report on
Planning, Quality Control and Quality Assurance of
Measurements (Planning of Measurements + Data
Acquisition)

Summer Semester: 2010

Group No.: II

Students:

Family Name First Name Matr.-No. E-Mail/Phone-No.

Wong Yun Chin 2550189 Yunchin04@yahoo.com.sg
0170-6669329
Taheri Kamran kamran_put@yahoo.com
017662983604
Ndibe Collins ndibecollins@yahoo.co.uk
015227023544

Supervisor: Dipl.-Ing. Ulrich Vogt

Institute of Supervisor:

Date of Delivery:
Table of Contents
1. Problem Analysis.......................................................................................................1
1.1 Introduction and Content of the Task Description........................................................
1.2 Analysis of Pre-Knowledge................................................................................
1.2.1 Geographic and Meteorological Characteristics
1.2.2 Current Situation
1.2.3 Sources of Pollutants
1.2.4 Effects of Air Pollution
1.3 Assessment of Measurement Results (Limits)..........................................................
1.4 Parameters, Area and Time of Measurement
1.5 Requirements on the Results.......................................................................................

2. Strategy of Measurements...........................................................................................
2.1 Measurement Sites................................................................................................
2.2 Time of Measurements...................................................................................................
2.3 Duration of Sampling......................................................................................................
2.4 Duration of Monitoring..........................................................................
2.5 Supplementary Measurement........................................................................................

3. Measurement Techniques...........................................................................................
3.1 Temporal Resolution of Measurements..........................................................................
3.2 Performance Characteristics...........................................................................................
3.3 Standardised Measurement Methods..............................................................................
3.4 Frame conditions for the Application of Measurement Methods.....................................
3.5 Data Acquisition and Documentation of Measurement Results......................................

4. Evaluation of Results....................................................................................................
4.1 Formation of Measurement Results.................................................................................
4.2 Equations for Evaluation..................................................................................................
4.3 Uncertainty of Results......................................................................................................

5. Organisation...................................................................................................................
5.1 Project Management........................................................................................................
5.2 Planning of Personnal......................................................................................................
5.3 Time Arrangement...........................................................................................................
5.4 Subcontracts...................................................................................................................

6. Report.............................................................................................................................
7. Reference........................................................................................................................

8. Appendices....................................................................................................................
List of Tables
Table 1. Temperature, Precipitation and Relative Humidity in Port Harcourt, record for year 2003 –
2007.

Table 2. Monthly Surface Mean Wind Direction and Speed in Port Harcourt, record for year 2004 –
2009.

Table 3. Air emissions (in tonnes/year) from industry and households in Port Harcourt, Delta State
and Calabar.

Table 4: The annual mean ambient particulate air pollution in seventeen cities in Nigeria.

Table 5: Effects of the pollutants.

Table 6: Comparison of various Air Quality Assessment Standard.

Table 7: Substance Immission Values in order to Ensure the Protection of Human Health.
List of Figures

Figure 1. High Population Density in Port Harcourt (coloured in red), located in south of Nigeria

Figure 2. Rainbow Town in the Trans-Amadi Industrial Area.

Figure 3. Port Harcourt city is highly congested.

Figure 4. Various activities contribute to the anthropogenic sources of pollutants.

Figure 5. Air emissions from traffic in Nigeria and some coastal cities.

Figure 6. Showing traffic situation at sample 9 (12.00pm).

Figure 7. Showing traffic delay due to intersection of traffic.

Investigation of Air Pollution to Verify whether Harmful Effects on Proposed
Residents of Rainbow Residential Estate Port Harcourt are to be Anticipated

1. Analysis of Problem

1.1 Introduction and Content of the Task Description

Air pollutants and its resulting effects on the environment, humans, vegetation and other objects
has become an important topic in the recent years. Among all, anthropogenic sources of air
pollutants are particularly emphasized and investigated due to the increasing population and
human activities.

The objective of this report is to design a measurement plan for stipulating the air quality
characteristics and verifying whether harmful effects resulting from the air pollutants are
anticipated in the upcoming residential estate in Rainbow Town. Rainbow Town is in the vicinity of
industrial emissions as it is located in the area of the main industrial area of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
called Trans-Amadi.

The measurement plan focuses on the pollutants that have significant effect on human health:
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Ozone and Particulate
Matter. One continuous monitoring station as well as diffuse samplers are planned to be placed in
Rainbow Town for obtaining the mean concentrations of the various pollutants mentioned.

To ensure a standard and complete measurement plan, the report generally follows the steps
described in the ‘VEREIN DEUTSCHER INGENIEURE’, VDI 4280, Part 1 – ‘General Rules of the
Planning of ambient air quality measurement’ [1].

The report covers the content which includes Problem Analysis, Strategy of Measurements,
Measurement Techniques, Evaluation of Results as well as the Project Implementation. The
details are covered in the various following sections.

1.2 Analysis of the Pre-knowledge

Rainbow Town is located on a 23-hectare stretch of land in the Trans Amadi Layout. Trans-Amadi
is the main industrial and business district of Port Harcourt which is the capital city of Rivers State,
Nigeria. Port Harcourt is the heart of Nigeria’s oil industry and it lies along the Bonny River and is
located in the Niger Delta. The city is said to be highly congested. It is divided into the urban area
with an estimated population of 2.7 million and the greater/rural area which has a population of 3.7
million people [2].

The new residential estate, "Rainbow Town Estate" is developed by the government of Rivers State
which has in collaborated with First Bank of Nigeria. The project investment amounts to N50 billion and
is said to be the largest residential housing scheme. It consists of about 1,117 housing units and is
expected to be completed between December 2010 and December 2011.

The main industries in Trans-Amadi are oil and gas and chemicals, it is headquarters to many
multinational giants such as Chevron, Total/Elf, Schlumberger, Baker Hughes and many others. Apart
from trade and industry, the area is strewn with myriads of other land uses such as housing and
road construction, refuse and waste disposal activities, and power generation. All these activities
are environmentally sensitive and have caused attrition to the ambient air quality.

Fig. 1: High Population Density in Port Harcourt (coloured in red), located in south of Nigeria.

Source: Federal Government of Nigeria, 2006 [3].

Fig. 2: Rainbow Town in the Trans-Amadi Industrial Area [3].

Fig. 3: Port Harcourt city is highly congested.

 1.2.1 Geographic and Meteorological Characteristics

Temperature, Precipitation and Relative Humidity:

Port Harcourt’s heaviest precipitation is seen during the month of September where on average
approximately 370 mm of rain is seen. December on average is the driest month of the year,
where on average only 20 mm of rain is seen during the course of the month. Temperatures
throughout the year in the city are relatively constant, showing little variation throughout the course
of the year. Average temperatures are typically between 25ºC-28ºC in the city and the relative
humidity is in the range of 65% and 87%.

Year 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007*

ANNUAL MEAN MINIMUM TEMPERATURE 22.8 23.1 21.7 20.6 20.6
ANNUAL MEAN MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE 31.3 31.8 31.8 31.9 31.7
203.
ANNUAL MEAN RAINFALL 1 156.5 171.2 215 186.4
ANNUAL MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY AT 1500 GMT 70 69 70 73 73
ANNUAL MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY AT 0900 GMT 70 83 82 85 80

Table 1: Temperature, Precipitation and Relative Humidity in Port Harcourt, record for year 2003 –
2007 [4].

Wind Speed and Wind Direction:

The prevailing winds in the area change with time of the year. Generally during the year, eight
prevailing winds are common, but the predominant ones are Northerly, North-easterly, Southerly,
South-westerly, Westerly and North-westerly.

Table 2 shows that 53 percent of the wind speeds in Port Harcourt is less than 3.1 m/s. This is due
to the high aerodynamic surface roughness which is related to the characteristics of the land use of
the city. The land use is predominantly built-up and with high floor area ratio (ratio of total building
square footage to the area of the plot) result in high aerodynamic surface roughness. These cause
a weak wind speed; hence low pollutants diffusion. Apart from the wind speed and wind direction,
there are some other factors which affect the pollutants dispersion. Further discussion is presented
in Section 5 (Evaluation of Results).
Table 2: Monthly Surface Mean Wind Direction and Speed in Port Harcourt, record for year 2004 –
2009 [3].
 1.2.2 Current Situation

In Nigeria, increasing trends in population, urbanization and most especially industrialization have
exacerbated the problem of air pollution. However, many have no idea about the actual air
characteristics as not many studies have been done and no air pollution monitoring stations are
available in many of the areas in Nigeria. In addition, most researchers on the issue focused on the
measurement of ambient concentration levels of criteria pollutants from vehicular emissions in
major cities and impact of emissions on farmlands and agricultural production. Most importantly, a
retinue of these studies were funded by oil-related companies which produced conflicting results to
satisfy specific interests.

Nigeria has multiple Environmental Management Authorities as well as Air Quality Regulation like
FEPA (Federal Environmental protection Agency of Nigeria). However, Nigeria has been facing
many various challenges in air pollution management like some other developing countries [5]:

- Lack of emissions inventory/database due to lack of consistent and systematic

measurements
- Lack of air pollution and monitoring stations
- Few independent and research-based measurement data are not readily available for
general public use
- Lack of collaboration between key regulatory authorities
- Laxity in the enforcement of emission regulations
- Non-usage of emissions abatement control mechanisms by polluters
- Lack of incentives to encourage polluters to check rate of pollution e.g. tax imposed
on gas flaring was a paltry $0.03/m3. This was reviewed up to $1.48/m3 in 2008
- Poverty and lack of clean energy
- Insecurity and difficulty of terrain
- Lack of technical expertise
- Corruption and lack of Good Governance
 1.2.3 Sources of Pollutants

The sources of pollutants in Port Harcourt are similar to the other areas in the Niger Delta which
are summarized as below [5]:

- Domestic activities due to lack of clean energy for cooking and lighting

- Burning of fossil fuels for transportation in the inland urban and rural centres

- Industries (oil and gas related industries and service companies; manufacturing)

- Use of generators to generate electricity to run industries, small-scale businesses and

domestic lighting

- Gas flaring

- Open burning, for example: incineration of solid waste

Waste Dump Oil Exploration Fertiliser Plant

Traffic Generator Gas Flaring

Fig. 4: Various activities contribute to the anthropogenic sources of pollutants.

Trans-Amadi is the location for the oil refineries and petrochemical plants of Port Harcourt. The
emissions from the industrial area in year 2002 are shown in Table 3. The particulates emission is
10,496 tonnes/year and 779 tonnes/year for NOx emission. The data were obtained from a survey
conducted in corporation with the Port Harcourt zonal office of the Federal Environmental
Protection Agency. And the data are incomparable to any of the National/International emissions
standard which are generally expressed in mass concentration, like g/m3.

Table 3: Air emissions (in tonnes/year) from industry and households in Port Harcourt, Delta State
and Calabar in year 2002 [5].

Apart from the industrial emissions, Port Harcourt is ‘filled’ with a class of vehicles known as
‘’super emitters’’ which refer to those with poor maintenance and those which are old and imported
from other areas. These “super emitters’ have contributed to high emission of harmful pollutants
like TSP (Total suspended particulates), NOx, SO 2, and CO. However, the increase of this traffic-
related pollution is not based on the aforementioned factors only, but also on low quality fuel, poor
traffic regulation and lack of air quality implementation force. These are clear indices to high levels
of traffic-related pollution in developing countries also. The results obtained Fig. 5 below, show that
the concentrations of particulates, NOx and NMVOC in Port Harcourt.
Fig. 5: Air emissions from traffic in Nigeria and some coastal cities. P/H: Port Harcourt.

Fig. 6: Showing traffic situation at sample 9 (12.00pm).

Fig. 7: Showing traffic delay due to intersection of traffic.

With reference to Table 4 below, the annual mean ambient particulate air pollution of Port Harcourt
is 118µg/m3 which is lower than that of the northern cities like 132µg/m 3 at Maiduguri, 130µg/m3 at
Sokoto. The higher figures in the northern cities were due to the deposition of particulates or dust
raised during the Harmatan season, wind movement of dry particulates and aerosols from the
Sahara desert, and burning of anthropogenic substances etc. It is clear that for Port Harcourt, the
contributors are road traffic, the refinery and cement industries. Figure shows that Port Harcourt
had the lowest value of 129g/m3 at her urban corridors, and 59µg/m3 at their rural landscape.
Table 4: The annual mean ambient particulate air pollution in seventeen cities in Nigeria. [6]

Fig. 8: Comparison between the values of rural and urban areas - PM10 [6].
 1.2.4 Effects of Air Pollution

The problem of air pollution is a serious threat to not only living human beings and animals, but
also to the vegetation, materials as well as climate and habitat. The effects can be of reversible
and permanent, i.e., irreversible damage. The symptoms are, however, manifold, and
simultaneous exposure along with other irritants often makes it very difficult to determine the
specific effects of air pollutants [7]. However, high concentration levels of pollutants have been
shown to have adverse impact on respiratory systems, cardiovascular and neurological systems in
humans. It has been associated with a wide range of symptoms, low birth weight, increased
hospitalization, sudden infant death and high mortality.

In this report, following pollutants are focused, most of which are originated from incomplete
combustion: Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Ozone and
Particulate Matter. The effects of the pollutants are discussed individually in Table 5.

Pollutants Effects

Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) Irritant gas for respiratory system dissolves in mucous membranes of
eyes, mouth, nose and bronchi; increase of flow resistance in
respiratory system.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Has higher affinity to the blood pigment than O2. Hence, it has the
potential effect to obstruct the transportation of O2 in the blood and
thus the O2 supply to the body; points of attack: central nervous
system (brain) and cardiovascular system.

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Irritant gas for respiratory system dissolves in mucous membrane;
increased susceptibility to germs in the respiratory system.

Ozone Strong irritant gas for respiratory system, it can impair the lung
functions and susceptible to infections. It is a component of
photochemical smog, combination effect with other photo oxidizing
compounds.

Particulate Matter Particulates that enter the lungs may lodge there and result in
chronic respiratory problems including emphysema, pneumonia,
bronchitis asthma and respiratory tuberculosis, etc. In addition, fine
particulate also increase the toxic of SO2.

Table 5: Effects of the pollutants [7].

 1.3 Assessment of Measurement Results (Limits)

The Federal Environmental protection Agency of Nigeria (FEPA) has actually set up the National
Limits for the air pollutants emission. However, the limit is not obtainable during the course of data
searching.

The limits which are set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or sometimes USEPA)
will be used for assessing the measurement results:

Pollutants EPA

Time Averaging Standards

Annual Arithmetic Mean 0.030 ppm (80 μg/m3)

Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) 24 Hours 0.14 ppm (365 μg/m3)
8 hours 9 ppm (10 mg/m3)
Carbon Monoxide (CO) 1 hour 35 ppm (40 mg/m3)
0.053 ppm (100 μg/m3)
Annual Arithmetic Mean
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) 0.100 ppm
1 hour
(see footnote c))

Ozone 8 hours 0.075 ppm (147 µg/m3)

Particulate Matter 24 hours 150 µg/m3

Table 6: Comparison of various Air Quality Assessment Standard.

Note:

a) National standards (other than ozone, particulate matter, and those based on annual
averages or annual arithmetic mean) are not to be exceeded more than once a year.
The ozone standard is attained when the fourth highest eight hour concentration in a
year, averaged over three years, is equal to or less than the standard. For PM10, the
24 hour standard is attained when the expected number of days per calender year
with a 24-hour average concentration above 150 μg/m3 is equal to or less than one.
For PM2.5, the 24 hour standard is attained when 98 percent of the daily
concentrations, averaged over three years, are equal to or less than the standard.
b) Concentration expressed first in units in which it was promulgated. Equivalent units
given in parentheses are based upon a reference temperature of 25°C and a
reference pressure of 760 torr. Most measurements of air quality are to be corrected
to a reference temperature of 25°C and a reference pressure of 760 torr.
c) To attain this standard, the 3-year average of the 98th percentile of the daily maximum
1-hour average at each monitor within an area must not exceed 0.100 ppm (effective
January 22, 2010).
In Germany, specified Immission Limits are set by the German Government to protect against
hazards for human health due to the air pollutants:

Table 7: Substance Immission Values in order to Ensure the Protection of Human Health [8].
 1.4 Parameters, Area and Time of Measurement

As mentioned, the measurands to be investigated in this plan are: Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Carbon
Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Ozone and Particulate Matter. In addition, meteorological
conditions like wind speed, wind direction are also included.

The measurement area is Rainbow Town, the new housing estate which is located in the Trans-
Amadi industrial area. The monitoring equipments will not be placed near to the direct emission
sources in the industrial area as the objective of this plan is to measure and obtain the ‘Immision
Values – the Ambient Air Quality’ of the said measurands in order to anticipate whether harmful
effects are expected on the residents in the estate.

The measurement period shall stretch over 1 year which to cover every season.

The details on how the monitoring equipments are placed in the measurement area are clarified in
section 2 – Measurement Strategy.

1.5 Requirements on Measurement

To ensure the measurement results are representative and having acceptable uncertainty range,
the ‘VEREIN DEUTSCHER INGENIEURE’,which describes a general method for the determination
of the analytical function of calibratable air quality measurement methods as well as the
determination of the measurement uncertainty of measurement methods correspondingly
calibrated are referred and complied to in this plan.
2. Strategy of Measurement

The strategy for measurement to be implemented with the knowledge that costs must be kept as
minimal as possible because of the economic situation of the country. Technical requirements will
also be kept minimal without compromising the aims and quality of results. The following will
therefore be the aims of the measurement strategy;
• Temporal and spatial resolution of the pollutants throughout the measurement area (about
234,200m2).
• Mean concentrations of the pollutants throughout the entire year.
• Meteorological determinations in order to observe seasonal and other climatic influences.

2.1 Measurement Sites

The measurement sites will consist of one continuous monitoring station to be placed in the
downstream wind direction and six locations for installation of diffuse samplers within the proposed
housing scheme. The entire area of the housing scheme is on a flat plain and covers a total area of
23.42 hectares or 234,420m2. The diffuse samplers will be placed at constant distances from each
other in grid network. The strategy for the entire measurement is based the need to measure
concentrations of the various pollutants that the inhabitants (about 6000 people based on the
average size of a Nigerian household) will be exposed to. In selecting our measurement sites as
the German VDI guidelines will be adhered to in order to ensure quality of results. Some
precautions taken into consideration include;

 Ensuring that the measuring equipment does not measure direct emissions from
sources but measures ambient levels (already mixed in the surrounding air).
 Monitoring stations should be situated at some distance away from obstacles (such as
buildings, trees etc) that may affect the natural flow of the wind and this is extremely
important for meteorological measurements.
 Immissions should be measured at a height of 1.5 to 4 metres above ground and at a
lateral distance of 1.5 metres from buildings

The strategy employed here is to utilize the continuous measuring station in order to have an idea
of the temporal resolution for pollutants measured as well as for other supplementary
meteorological data determination such as wind speeds, wind direction and ambient temperature
measurements.

Diffuse samplers will be used within the estate scheme in order to monitor mean monthly exposure
to the pollutants. This decision is based on the fact that about 1,117 houses will be built here for
inhabitation by families. Average ambient levels of these pollutants will therefore be an indicator for
health risks and exposure –effect correlations. Results obtained may be used as a further basis for
epidemiological studies.

Number of Sites Location Type Parameters to be measured

8 Placed to cover the Diffuse SO2, NOx, Ozone, PM10, CO,

entire area Samplers Ozone

1 Centrally placed in the Continuous/ PM10, SO2, NOx, CO,

downstream direction Automatic Benzene, Ozone.
of the wind Additionally meteorological
data such as temperature,
wind speed, Humidity,
Precipitation, and wind
directions also to be
determined.

2.2 Times of Measurements/ Sampling Duration;

Stations Type Sampling Duration

Station A Continuous/ Automatic 24 hours
Monitoring station

Stations B1, B2, B3, Diffuse Samplers Every 4 weeks (for the entire 12months)
B4, B5, B6, B7, and
B8

2.3 Duration of Monitoring

A total period of twelve months will be used for the monitoring campaign for us to understand the
air quality in different seasons and under different time behavioral patterns.

2.4 Supplementary Measurements

Supplementary measurements to be carried out will be meteorological determinations of;

 Temperature
 Humidity
 Precipitation
 Wind Speed
 Wind Direction
Google 2010 Map with blue pointer showing Rainbow Residential Estate Site
 B7 B8

Google 2010 Satellite image of proposed residential estate site showing measurement sites

3. Measurement Techniques

In measuring technology one must distinguish between discontinuous and continuous measuring
methods. Whereas continuously operating measuring devices reflect the temporal of the measured
quality, discontinuous methods provide the measured quantity as a mean value over the sampling
period.

3.1 Temporal Resolution of Measurements

Experimental demonstrate that the measurement and analytical equipment used for monitoring
emissions and air pollution comprises with the minimum requirements established in regulations for
the intended application, taking into account the appropriate test designs. For continuously
recording measuring instruments, the time periods can be divided up on a broadly variable basis.
These will not provide truly instantaneous values. The shortest possible integration time will
depend on the measurement arrangement. Sampling times are generally set at:
 1 hour
 8 hours
 24 hours
 one calendar year
Limit
Object Method Technique Range Remarks
Value
Measurement Measure
of the amount
sulphur of light that
dioxide a sample
concentration < 1.0 absorbs. Th
(SO2) UV ppb /24 e amount of
Continuou 0-20
fruorescenc hours, 2,0 light
s ppm
e ppb/ absorbed
7 days indicates
the amount
of analyte
present in
the sample
determination
Photometric < 2.0
of nitrogen Differences
manual ppb/24
oxide Continuou 0-10 due to
standard hours
concentration s ppm sample
method < 2.0 ppb/
(NO/NO2/NO volume
(Saltzmann) 7 days
x)
measurement < 0.08
Infrared 1 ppm at
of carbon ppm /24
absorption measureme
monoxide Continuou hours
method nt
concentration s < 0.4
(URAS 1 range of 0-
(CO) ppm/
and 2) 100 ppm
7 days
measurement Only for
Direct UV- < 1.0
of ozone purified or
photometric ppb/24
concentration Continuou synthetic air
method 0.01 ppm hours
(O3) s for
(Standard < 1.0 ppb/
calibration
method) 7 days
of monitors
measurement uncertaint
of particulate y range
High
matter in 2.5 mg + 2.5 μg
Continuou volume
ambient air (24h in the
s sampler HV
(PM-10 or sampling) range
100
PM-2,5) 4-90
μg/m3
 The sampling time for one individual reading in discontinuous measurements corresponds to the
averaging period in automatic continuous measurements. The shorter the sampling time, the
higher the maximum values that can be expected. The sampling time is determined by taking into
account the limit values, the effect criteria of the substances to be measured, and by aspects of the
measurement method (detection limits, expenditure etc.). For the Diffuse Sampler, the sampling
times are set as follow:

Range in Limit
Object External Influence Sampling Time
µg/m3 Value
Sulphur Dioxide Wind speed
Concentration < 10% up to 4.5 m/sec
0.2 µg/m3
(SO2) using protection shelters 2— 4 weeks
for
Temperature
sampling
0.5 — 240 no influence between 10 to
periods of
30oC
four 
Humidity
weeks
no influence between 20 to
80%
Nitrogen Oxide Wind speed < 10% up to 4.5
Concentration m/sec
0.64
(NOx) Temperature 1 — 4 weeks
µg/m3 for
1 — 200 no influence between 5 to 40oC
2-week 
Humidity
exposure
no influence between 20 to
80%
Carbon < 0.08
Monoxide ppm /24
Concentration hours
5 – 240
(CO) < 0.4
ppm/
7 days
Measurement of Wind speed
Ozone < 10% up to 2.0 m/sec
Concentration using protection shelters 1 — 2 weeks
3
(O3) 5.1 µg/m Temperature
5 – 240 weekly no influence between 10 to
exposures 30oC
Humidity
no influence between 20 to
80%
0.5 — 50 0.2 Wind speed
µg/m3 for < 10% up to 4.5 m/sec
Benzene a sampling using protection shelters
time of 1 Temperature
month no influence between 10 to
 30oC 2 — 4 weeks
Humidity
no influence between 20 to
80%

3.2 Performance Characteristics

For the measurement of ambient air quality, two types of equipments base on our measurement
methods are applied; automatic monitoring station for continuous ambient air measurement and
Diffusive Sampler for measuring the mean concentration of pollutants for each month of an entire
year.

Important Parameters in Measurement Techniques:

Analytical function Statistical relationship between the output quantity (measured signal) and the
associated measured result (measured value) simultaneously is determined at the same point of
the measurement using a standard reference method.

Detection limit smallest value of the state parameter which can be differentiated from a zero state
with an confidence of 95%

Suitability testing requirement suitability testing shall be carried out in laboratory and field tests
with two measuring systems of the same type. Suitability testing generally begins with establishing
the performance characteristics to be determined in laboratory tests, taking into account the
intended area of use.

Frequency of Measurements The "measurement frequency" indicates the number of and intervals
between individual measurements in discontinuous measurements when samplings taken at one
measuring site or in one measuring area.

Automatic Monitoring station

The Automatic Monitoring station is a self contained ambient air monitoring system utilized for
criteria pollution field surveys. The end purpose of this system is collect, store and down-load
measurement data of ambient pollutants consisting of O3, NOx, , SO2, CO, BTX, HCx, Particulate
matter (PM10, PM2.5, PM1), or other type of pollutants, to the end user´s remote, centrally-located
computer.
The System can be configured including those type of analyzer of interest for the application, as
well as meteorological parameters, and can be supplied either inside a shelter (Fixed Station) or in
a Truck or Van (Mobile Station) or as (Alone system) to be integrated in some installation by the
final user
Diffusive samplers
Diffusive samplers are an ideal tool to determine the pollutant distribution over a large area and to
assess integrated concentration levels, over long period of time.

The theoretical basis of diffusive samplers covers the effect of environmental factors (temperature
and pressure), sampler response time, effect of air velocity and the relative advantages of devices
based on diffusion and permeation.

Installation of monitoring site

The diffusion tubes are placed, with the open end in a shelter to protect them from light and to
minimize the influence of strong wind. In the absence of other requirements samplers should be
exposed at heights of 2 - 3 m above the ground in positions of unrestricted air movement. In order
to avoid sampling in the pollutant depleted boundary layer close to walls, preferred sites are free
standing columns, lamp posts etc.

3.3 Standardization of Measurement Methods

The use of suitability tested measuring systems to increase the accuracy of the facilities, the work
of the authorization and monitoring authorities, which then do not need to test the performance of
the measuring system required for the specific measurement task. In addition, the use of suitability
tested measuring systems gives the user the substantial security that the measuring equipment
can be used without problem for the measurement task. Base on suitability test, methods and
operating instructions shall be follow the standardized measurement procedure and the sequence
of the investigation should be precisely documented.

3.4 Frame conditions for the Application of Measurement Methods

To have a temporal profile for the pollutants measured, we need Continuous/Automatic measuring
devices. This is necessary in analysis of results obtained in order to fulfil the main aim of our
measurement planning which is the determination of whether harmful effects are to be anticipated
on the proposed residents of the residential scheme. For example, 8 hourly ozone measurements
must be obtained for establishing whether harmful effects from high concentrations of ozone may
be anticipated. Besides that, Diffusive sampling devices have some advantages which are
increase the flexibility of using this instrument.

 No pumps required

 Parallel sampling of many sites possible without high investment

 No electrical supply needed

 Works independent: Can be used in hazardous environments

 Easy handling: Can be done also by untrained personnel

 Noiseless: No disturbing noise during e.g. indoor sampling

 they can find locations where a risk of excessive pollution exists

 Find the differences within an area over time (trends); find the spatial distribution of
concentrations in a specific area

3.5 Documentation of Measurement Results

The test institute shall prepare a test report covering the course and result of the suitability test.
This test report shall contain the following minimum information:

 Description of the task

 Description of the measuring system tested
 Test program
 Standard reference methods used
 Results of testing
 Details of required servicing operations
 Details on carrying out regular functional tests
 Proposal of the declaration of suitability
4. Evaluation of Results

4.1 Formation of Measurement Results

The rules of calculus used when evaluating the measurement data are generally required [1]:
- To obtain measured values from the measured sigals;
- To determine the air quality characteristics in question from the measured values,
and
- To estimate measurement uncertainties.

4.2 Equations for Evaluation

Normally the values obtained by monitoring equipments are expressed in volume concentration
(ppm, ppb) and it is necessary transform them into mass concentration (mg/m 3) at standard
temperature 298.15 k and pressure 101.32 bar. Meanwhile to make this transformation, the
following equation is used for ideal gas:

C mg/m3   =   (C ppm). [(molecular weight)/24.45]

Where:
 C mg/m3   concentration of the pollutant in mass concentration

C ppm concentration of the pollutant in volume concentration

Molecular weight Molar mass (g/mole)

For the calculation of the validation data in µg/m3 following equation is used:

Molar Mass
= C ( µ g /m3 ) = . C ( ppm ) .1000
Molar Volume

Usually the standard values for some pollutant are expressed by mass concentration and to have a
comparison with standard values, these conversions are needed.

Arithmetic average calculation

The arithmetic mean (or simply the mean) of a list of concentrations, is the sum of all measurement

divided by the number concentrations measured in a period of time.

The arithmetic mean is the "standard" average, often simply called the "mean".

C ave , i=
∑ Ci
n

Cave,i. = Arithmetic mean concentration

Ci = Concentration for time i

N = number of measurement

Detection Limits (DLs)

Detection Limits (DLs) is the lowest quantity of a substance that can be distinguished from the
absence of that substance (a blank value) within a stated confidence limit (generally 1%). The
detection limit is estimated from the mean of the blank, the standard deviation of the blank and
some confidence factor. Another consideration that affects the detection limit is the accuracy of the
model used to predict concentration from the raw analytical signal.

4.3 Uncertainty of Result

The uncertainty of the values measured is heavily influenced by our spatial distribution of
measurement locations as well as the number of such measurements we carry out in order to
obtain representative mean values.

In our planning exercise we made use of four diffuse samplers around the entire area of the
housing scheme as well as one continuous measurement station.

We will therefore take the mean values from our diffuse samplers and then compare the mean
against measurements from our continuous monitoring station in order to obtain the standard
deviation.The Flow scheme for result uncertainty is as follows;

Obtain values from B5, B7

and B8 diffuse samplers

Collect values from

Automatic Measuring
Station

Compare both results

Determine the standard

deviation
6 Organization

6.1 Project Management

This will be overseen by an experienced Manager whose task description would include;

 Logistics and Infrastructure coordination for the measurement project

 Set up and Monitoring of Various Measuring Equipment and stations
 Personnel Management
 Coordinating with Local Authorities for Permits and Information
 Project Planning and Execution
 Personnel Supervision as well as Quality Assurance Monitoring
 Data Management and Statistical Treatment of results
 Financial Planning

Such a Manager would have relevant experience and knowledge in the following areas;

 Air Quality Control

 Meteorological determinations for the aim of Air Quality Monitoring
 Modern Modeling Methods in the Air Quality Monitoring field
 Knowledge of electronics and use of relevant equipments
 Emissions Inventory and Management
 Measurements Planning and Execution
 Administrative and Personnel Management
 Local Environment and knowledge of Government Regulations and Requirements

6.2 Personnel Planning

The personnel for the measurement campaign will be mainly 4 persons who would be
employed full time. The structure is as follows

Project Manager/Operations Supervisor

Documentation Chief/ Assistant Manager

Operation Staff 1 Operation Staff 2

References

1) VEREIN DEUTSCHER INGENIEURE’, VDI 4280, Part 1 – ‘General Rules of the Planning of
ambient air quality measurement’.

2) Internet: <Wikipedia>.

3) Chima Okoko OGBA and B. Pius UTANG, Nigeria. Air Pollution Climatology in Spatial Planning
for Sustainable Development in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

4) Area and Climate. Internet: <www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/nbsapps/annual_reports/CHAPTER

%201.pdf>

5) Challenges in air pollution management. Internet:

http://www.uwe.ac.uk/aqm/files/Mofoluso_Air_Pollution2008_Presentation.pdf
 6) Dr S I Efe , the Geography and Regional Planning Department, Delta State University of Nigeria.
Spatial distribution of particulate air pollution in Nigerian cities: implications for human health,
year 2008

7) Air Quality Control by Günter Baumbach.

8) Technical Instructions on Air Quality Control – TA Luft by the German Government.

9) http://passam.ch/ozone.htm

Appendices