xAir
Louise Francis and María Alonso, Mapping for Change, CIC, University College London (UCL)
Louise Francis and María Alonso, Mapping for Change, CIC, University College London (UCL)
One of the air pollutants that is most present in our cities is nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which is emitted mostly from vehicle exhaust pipes. Air quality sensors are generally fitted in places that we may not come across on a daily basis. Diffusion tubes are a simple and reliable alternative for finding out what the air quality is like on our streets.
Measure the monthly concentration of NO2 in the air
Identify areas with better or worse air quality
1.
DECIDE on a good site to locate the diffusion tube
If you are going to measure the air quality with multiple tubes, DIVIDE the area so that the tubes are around 100m apart from each other
2.
SET UP the tube in the tube holder, with the white lid facing down
3.
USE a cable tie/cable to attach it to the chosen post, streetlight or traffic light (if it is on a public street, position it at a height of 2 to 2.5m)
4.
LOCATE the tube in a site that allows for free air circulation around it, and at least 10 metres away from air outlets or ventilators
5.
REMOVE the white lid for the tube so that the bottom side is open and exposed for 4 weeks
6.
HOLD ON to the white lid so that you can close the tube again when you collect it
7.
FILL in the sample form with the
- Date
- Time
- Height
- Precise location on the map
- Tube reference number
- Any other information
8.
When 4 weeks have passed since you set it up, COLLECT the tube or set of tubes and immediately put the white lid back on the bottom end
9.
WRITE DOWN the date and time when you collect the tube on the sample form, as well as any other information that may affect the results (e.g. the presence of insects, moisture or dirt, loss, etc.)
10.
SEND it to the laboratory for it to be analysed
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Moltes gràcies!
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