Monitors, Monitors and More Monitors
In order to understand and limit environmental impacts,
scientists need to collect information. Monitoring of air and
water quality is part of this, as is taking samples of soil for testing
for contaminants. Air quality monitoring is an excellent example
of this kind of data collection.
Monitoring is not done just to collect information
though. If a problem is detected, monitoring can help identify the
cause. Suncor's Flue Gas Desulphurization program shows how
monitoring sulphur dioxide levels in the air can lead to important environmental
benefits. Scrubbing units remove sulphur dioxide from stacks at
Suncor and have improved air quality throughout the Wood Buffalo region.
Air quality does not just depend on industry activity
however, automobile, furnace and fireplace use can have a significant
impact as well. Natural events such as forest fires can affect air
quality on occasion too.
There are many air quality monitoring stations
throughout the Wood
Buffalo area and many stations around the province may be accessed
through Alberta Environment's website.
Some of the substances that Alberta Environment monitors are Carbon
Monoxide and Oxides of Nitrogen.
Reprinted with permission of Alberta Community Development, Cultural
Facilities and Historical Resources Division.
[Air
Quality Control][Air
Quality Concerns][Air
Pollution]
[Monitors][Nitrogen
Oxides][Carbon
Monoxide]
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