The Need for Trace Gas Monitoring Stations

The last ten years have seen environmental pollution levels decrease significantly in many countries including Australia and the USA. Thus the measurement of background (low concentration) gas levels becomes correspondingly more essential. Indeed, air quality model evaluation, greenhouse studies, scientific studies ranging across technological, health and atmospheric process disciplines, all require the development of trace gas analysis.

•          Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂)       Ecotech Model EC9850T            EQSA-0193-092

•          Carbon Monoxide (CO)  Ecotech Model EC9830T            RFCA-0992-088

•          Nitrogen oxides (NO_X)     Ecotech Model EC9841T            RFNA-1292-090

Ecotech’s experience in the design, manufacture and installation of trace gas monitoring stations has led to the development of many extensive networks throughout the world including China, the USA, Cyprus, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia and Antarctica.

One such successful network has been implemented by the Chinese Meteorological Administration (CMA), installing trace gas Air Quality Monitoring Stations (AQMS) from Ecotech in many provinces including Shangri-La, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. The two main reasons for measuring these pollutants are:

• To determine if the area has been affected by industrial pollution (compared to other regions of China)
• To perform long term monitoring studies and measure any changes in pollutant levels over many years.

Such data can be used by authorities such as the CMA to analyze the impact of global warming, improve accuracy in meteorological forecasts and to monitor cross border pollution.