ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the sampling and monitoring of ambient air quality. It deals with ambient air sampling and a description of air quality monitoring systems, and with a description of microprocessor-based portable ambient air analyzers. There are many options for the type of air quality information which can be collected, and the cost of air quality monitoring systems can vary by orders of magnitude. The principal purpose of air quality monitoring is frequently the acquisition of data for comparison to regulated standards. The research needs of air pollution call for a completely different approach to air quality monitoring. The design of air quality monitoring systems based on population distribution calls for placement of air quality sensors in the most populous areas. The output signal from a continuous monitor used in an air-quality monitoring system is typically the input to a strip chart recorder, magnetic tape data storage, or to an on-line data transmission system.
