Williams, K R; Braysher, E C; Cheong, J H L; Robins, C C; Kantilal, V; Butterfield, D M; Lilley, A; Bradshaw, C; Brown, A S; Brown, R J C (2024) Annual Report for 2023 on the UK Heavy Metals Monitoring Network. NPL Report. ENV 55

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Abstract

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is contracted to manage the UK Heavy Metals (HM) air quality Network. This network measures and reports concentrations of a selection of heavy metals in PM10 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter < 10 µm) in ambient air and deposition (rain) across the UK.

This is the Annual Report for 2023 and contains, in particular:

Annual mass concentrations of all metals measured at all HM Network sites and performance against relevant data quality objectives (DQOs) and the requirements of the UK Air Quality Standards Regulations (AQSR) 2010.

Highlighting of AQSR 2010 exceedances (for lead, nickel, arsenic, and cadmium), interpretation of data and discussion of trends across the HM Network.

A description of HM Network operation, analytical and quality assurance / quality control procedures, and notable events and changes to the HM Network during 2023.

In summary, during 2023:

Lead: There were no annual average mass concentrations above the AQSR Lower Assessment Threshold (LAT) at any HM Network site. Recorded concentrations were well below the objective value set by the AQSR.

Nickel: No sites had an annual average concentration recorded as above the AQSR target value. For two sites, Sheffield Tinsley and Pontardawe Tawe Terrace, the annual average concentrations were recorded as above the LAT, with Sheffield Tinsley [RB2] also exceeding the Upper Assessment Threshold (UAT).

Arsenic and Cadmium: There were no annual average concentrations above the AQSR LAT. Recorded concentrations were well below the target values set by the AQSR.

All DQOs specified in the AQSR were met, including time coverage, data capture, and measurement uncertainty requirements. In addition to the AQSR metals (lead, nickel, arsenic, and cadmium), concentrations in ambient air were also 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. Average data capture for metals in PM during 2023 was 97 %. For metals in deposition it was 100 %.

Item Type:	Report/Guide (NPL Report)
NPL Report No.:	ENV 55
Subjects:	Environmental Measurement > Air Quality and Airborne Particulates
Divisions:	Atmospheric Environmental Sciences
Identification number/DOI:	10.47120/npl.ENV55
Last Modified:	01 Aug 2024 09:37
URI:	https://eprintspublications.npl.co.uk/id/eprint/9988