Williams, K R; Goddard, S L; Braysher, E C; Brown, R J C; Butterfield, D M; Robins, C; Lilley, A; Bradshaw, C; Sweeney, B; Brown, A S (2023) Annual report for 2021 on the UK Heavy Metals Monitoring Network. NPL Report. ENV 49

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Abstract

This report was prepared by the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) as part of the UK Heavy Metals Monitoring Network contract with the Environment Agency (EA), the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Welsh Government, the Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland, and the Scottish Government.

This is the Annual Report for 2021 and contains, in particular:

Annual concentrations of all metals measured at all monitoring sites and performance against relevant data quality objectives and the requirements of the European Commission (EC) Air Quality Directives.

Highlighting of EC Air Quality Directive exceedances (for lead, nickel, arsenic, and cadmium), interpretation of data and discussion of trends across the Network.

A description of Network operation, analytical and quality assurance / quality control (QA/QC) procedures and notable events and changes to the Network during 2021.

A brief summary of scientific research, publications, international representation, and other activities related to the Network.
In summary, during 2021:

Lead: There were no annual average concentrations above the Ambient Air Quality Directive’s Lower Assessment Threshold at any Network site. Recorded concentrations were therefore well below the limit value set by the Directive.

Nickel: At one site, Pontardawe Tawe Terrace, the annual average concentration was recorded as above the Fourth Daughter Directive’s Target Value. At three sites, Sheffield Tinsley, Swansea Coedgwilym, and Swansea Morriston, the annual average concentration was recorded as above the Lower Assessment Threshold.

Arsenic and Cadmium: There were no annual average concentrations above the Fourth Daughter Directive’s Lower Assessment Threshold. Recorded concentrations were therefore well below the target values set by the Fourth Daughter Directive.

All data quality objectives specified in the Ambient Air Quality Directive and Fourth Daughter Directive were met, including time coverage, data capture and measurement uncertainty requirements.

In addition to the Directive metals concentrations (for lead, nickel, arsenic, and cadmium), concentrations in ambient air were recorded for cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, selenium, vanadium, and zinc. Concentrations for a larger range of metals were recorded for the sites monitoring metals in deposition.
Data capture for metals in the PM phase during 2021 was 98%. For metals in deposition it was 76%.

Item Type:	Report/Guide (NPL Report)
NPL Report No.:	ENV 49
Subjects:	Environmental Measurement > Air Quality and Airborne Particulates
Divisions:	Atmospheric Environmental Sciences
Identification number/DOI:	10.47120/npl.ENV49
Last Modified:	06 Nov 2023 11:24
URI:	https://eprintspublications.npl.co.uk/id/eprint/9851