Goddard, S L; Williams, K R; Brown, R J C; Butterfield, D M; Robins, C; Lilley, A; Bradshaw, C; Sweeney, B; Brown, A S; Sims, A (2023) Annual Report for 2020 on the UK Heavy Metals Monitoring Network. NPL Report. ENV 48

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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 2020 and contains, in particular:

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

Highlighting of exceedances, 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 2020.

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

In summary, during 2020:

Lead: No annual average site concentrations above the Ambient Air Quality Directive’s Lower Assessment Threshold were recorded. Recorded concentrations were therefore well below the limit value set by the Directive.

Nickel: One annual average site concentration, at Pontardawe Tawe Terrace was recorded above the Fourth Daughter Directive’s Target Value. One annual average site concentration, at Sheffield Tinsley, was recorded above the Lower Assessment Threshold.

Arsenic and Cadmium: No sites recorded annual average concentrations above the 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 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.

Item Type:	Report/Guide (NPL Report)
NPL Report No.:	ENV 48
Subjects:	Environmental Measurement > Air Quality and Airborne Particulates
Divisions:	Atmospheric Environmental Sciences
Identification number/DOI:	10.47120/npl.ENV48
Last Modified:	06 Nov 2023 11:20
URI:	https://eprintspublications.npl.co.uk/id/eprint/9852