NIWA operates two mobile air quality monitoring trailers containing equipment capable of measuring a range of key air contaminants and meteorological parameters to enable quick and easy investigations of local air quality issues across New Zealand.

A basic mobile unit consists of a secure air-conditioned trailer complete with:

• a 10-m telescopic mast with meteorological sensors for measuring wind speed, wind direction, air temperature, relative humidity, and solar radiation
• data logging system linked to a local PC for data download and processing
• modem and cell-phone for remote access
• GPS for accurate positioning and tracking

This set-up also allows it to be used as a general mobile laboratory. In addition, various high performance continuous air quality analysers are available and can be added as required to the system. These include instrumentation to measure:

• fine particulate (PM₁₀)
• carbon monoxide (CO)
• nitrogen oxides (NO_X)
• ozone (O₃)
• sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and hydrogen sulphide (H₂S)

Other equipment, such as a PAH (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) meter or high volume particulate samplers, can also be incorporated.

As the mobile units are quick to install and can be configured for a range of user requirements, they are ideal for short-term investigations of local air quality issues.

Contact

Jeff Bluett [ j.bluett@niwa.co.nz ]

Tony Bromley [ a.bromley@niwa.co.nz ]