A Comprehensive Guide to Air Quality Testing: Methods, Items, and Professional Advice
Air quality testing is an important process of evaluating the concentration of air pollutants through scientific means. Its results directly influence health management and environmental policy - making. This article will systematically analyze the mainstream testing methods, key indicators, and practical precautions.
I. Core Testing Methods
1. Laboratory Analysis Techniques
- Chromatography: It includes gas chromatography and high - performance liquid chromatography, which are used to separate and accurately detect volatile organic compounds such as formaldehyde and benzene series.
- Spectroscopy Techniques: For example, ultraviolet photometry and infrared absorption method are suitable for the quantitative analysis of gases such as ozone and carbon monoxide.
- Mass Spectrometry: Combined with chromatography technology, it can perform high - sensitivity qualitative and quantitative analysis of trace pollutants.
- Electrochemical Sensors: They can monitor the concentration of gases such as nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide in real - time through electrode reactions and are often used in portable devices.
2. On - site Rapid Testing
- Online Monitoring Systems: Fixed stations or mobile monitoring vehicles are equipped with multi - channel sensors to collect data on PM2.5, PM10, temperature, etc. around the clock. Combined with algorithms, pollution trend charts are generated.
- Portable Devices: Handheld detectors measure the concentration of particulate matter based on the principle of light scattering or light absorption. They are suitable for emergency scenarios but need to be calibrated regularly to improve accuracy.
3. Remote Sensing and Biotechnologies
- Biological Indicators: The impact of pollutants on the ecosystem is evaluated through the reactions of plants or microorganisms, which is often used in long - term environmental research.
II. Key Testing Items
- Formaldehyde and Benzene Series: They mainly come from building materials and furniture and need to be accurately measured by laboratory chromatography.
- PM2.5/PM10: They are measured by gravimetric method or light scattering method, which reflects the pollution level of inhalable particulate matter.
- Nitrogen Oxides and Ozone: They are mostly analyzed by spectrophotometry or chemiluminescence method, which directly affect respiratory health.
- Radon Gas and Heavy Metals: Professional means such as atomic absorption spectrophotometry are required for their detection.
III. Testing Specifications and Precautions
1. Sampling Preparation
- Before indoor testing, close the doors and windows for 12 - 24 hours to simulate the daily living environment.
- Select sampling points away from ventilation openings with stable temperature and humidity.
2. Selection of Equipment and Institutions
- Give priority to using instruments that have passed metrological certification to avoid errors from simple testing kits or uncalibrated equipment.
- Entrust institutions with CMA qualification to ensure that the data can be used as a basis for legal or governance purposes.
3. Data Analysis and Application
- Interpret the results in combination with the Air Quality Index (AQI) to formulate ventilation or purification plans.
- Long - term monitoring data can assist in evaluating the effectiveness of pollution control and optimizing regional environmental protection strategies.
IV. The Core Value of Testing
- Health Protection: It reduces the risk of diseases such as asthma and allergies, which is especially crucial for sensitive groups such as children and the elderly.
- Environmental Governance: It provides scientific support for the government to formulate emission reduction policies and for enterprises to improve production processes.
- Public Right to Know: Transparent air quality information helps to enhance social environmental awareness.
By comprehensively using laboratory analysis, on - site monitoring, and remote sensing technologies, the dynamic of air pollution can be fully grasped. It is recommended that the public give priority to professional testing services to ensure the accuracy and application value of data and jointly promote the construction of a healthy environment.
