The role of Environmental Monitoring in Pollution Science

Vinars Dawane

• Environmental monitoring is based on scientific observations of changes that occur in our Environment.

• Effects may be acute or chronic , so they need simultaneous observations and at the multiple scale.

• To solve Environmental problems only science based observations, standards- based data processing and objective interpretations can produce the knowledge and the level of understanding required for that.

• There are numerous agencies and institutes involving in it.

Ex- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Sampling and Monitoring

Developing a program to monitor effects of pollution requires careful consideration of following :

• The purpose of monitoring – includes determination ex. Pollution level changes in space and

time.

• The Objectives – include specific analysis.

• The Approach – which assist in defining the number and type of measurements.

• Uniqueness and characteristics of each environment.

Sampling methods includes locations, timing and type

• Random sampling – when all units of environment have equal chance to being selected.

• Systemic sampling – selects sampling locations at predefined intervals in time or space.

• Specific sampling plans are needed to insure that all aspects of monitoring are detailed and described.

• Familiarity with types of sampling such destructive /nondestructive methods.

• Familiarity with basic concepts applications of analysis and measurement principles.

The U.S. EPA seven critical elements of a sampling plan to insure that all data quality objectives are met:

Quality discusses statistical measurement of:• Accuracy • Precision• Defensible• Reproducible• Representative• Useful• Comparable• Complete

Statistics and Geostatistics

• Statistical methods are necessary in pollution science because

it is impossible to characterize all properties of an Environment

everywhere all of the time.

• Statistics are use to select samples from a population in an unbiased manner and for interpret the data with the appropriate degree of confidence.

• Descriptive statistics, Inferential statistics and spatial statistics

are very useful .

Sampling and Monitoring Tools

• Automated data acquisition system (DAS).

• Sensors and analog/digital converter.

MAPS

• Three types maps: Plan metric maps Topographic maps Thematic maps

• Geographic Positioning System (GPS). Mainly location maps use latitude and longitude

system.

• Public Land survey System.

• Topographic maps : land maps + contour lines that define

equal elevations drawn.

• Soil Survey maps: land features + thematic soil data.

• Geographical Information System (GIS):1. Provide a way to present layers of data as maps.2. Visual representation of large data.3. Uses Boolean operations.4. It is fast.5. Useful in digital photography and 3D-moeling.

Remote Sensing

• Is the use of space based sensors to observe biophysical and geochemical phenomena.

• Manly measure light spectrum that is reflected form earth.

Spectral region Wavelengths Applications

UV 0.003 – 0.4 Air pollution.

VIS 0.4 – 0.7 Pigments, chlorophyll, iron

NIR 0.7 – 1.3 Canopy structures, Biomass

MIR 1.3 – 3.0 Leaf moisture, wood , litter

TIR 3 - 14 Drought, plant stress

Microwave 0.3 – 300 cm Soil moisture, roughness

Soil and Vadose Zone sampling and monitoring

• They are regions of porous materials below land surface that are not fully saturated.

• Soil heterogeneity composed with wathered,heterogeneous, unconsolidated minerals, biological organic matter.

• Soil classification : according to their degree of weathering and the major diagnostic horizons.

• Sampling depends changes in space at the meso and micro scales and in time at geologic time intervals.

• Source of pollutions is not known then unbiased matter sampling.

• Source is known then systematic and directional soil sampling.

• Some samplers: handheld (manual) mechanical (power assisted)

• Sampling tubes.

Ground water sampling and monitoring

• Main focused on characterization & cleanup of site where groundwater has become contaminate, through spills, leaks or land disposal of wastes.

Sampling programs standard include :

• Comprehensive environmental response, compensation and liability (CERCLA)

• Resource conservation and recovery act (RCRA)

• Safe drinking water act (SDWA)

• Surface mining control and reclamation act (SMCRA)

Frequency of sampling adjusted depends upon

• Changing conditions at the site• Site remediation progressions• Baseline sampling• Leak detection monitoring• Gradient monitor wells

SAMPLING DEVICE• No device is ideal.• Choice depend on monitor wells design and diameter.• Depth of ground water.• Constituents being monitored.• Monitoring frequency.• Duration of program.

Surface water sampling and monitoring

• National Drinking Water standard and National Water Criteria is must.

• Understanding the eco-regional nutrients criteria for biological and chemical imbalance of surface water.

• Quality of water (fresh ware for agriculture) understanding:

• Rising of salinity• Conc. Of toxic element• runoff excessive nutrients • Major water quality parameters

Sampling needs

• Understanding the pollutant mixing

• Significant spatial and temporal variability factors.

(temp, pH, TDS, O2 saturation etc.)

• Field portable devices.

• Portable water quality kits.

Atmospheric sampling and monitoring

• Based on US EPA air quality standards and emission limits.• Major concern : human health, Agri-ecosystem & Global climate.

US EPA program & 1955, air pollution control act objective:

• To meet ambient air quality standards.

• To observe pollution trends.

• To provide a database for research evaluation of effects.

• To activate emergency control procedures.

• Develop abatement strategies & diffusion models.

Air monitoring

• Use of network of air monitoring stations.

Monitoring requirements:• Objective of the network must identified.• Determine the impact of significant source.• Understand general background concentration levels.• Site selection (EPA guidelines ).

• Most monitoring stations include

Equipment use

Air condition trailer Maintain instruments

Radiation shielded thermometer Air temp.

Pyranometer Solar radiation

Anemometer Wind speed & direction

Conclusion

Environmental monitoring is critical to the protection of human health and the environment. As the human population continues to increase and as industrial development and energy use continues to increase, the continued production of pollution remains inevitable. Thus the need for environmental monitoring is as greats as ever. Continued advances in the development and application of monitoring devices are needed to enhance the accuracy &cost –effectiveness of monitoring programs. Equally as important is the need to produce more scientists and engineers who have the knowledge and training required to successfully develop and operate monitoring devices.

Thank you……….!!