Sampling time and sampling frequency
In this programme, airborne particulate matter is sampled twice-weekly at each sampling site. Duration of sampling is typically 24 hours. It is highly recommended that sampling always takes place at the same day of the week.
Generally, sampling on Monday and Thursday is recommended.
Typical sampling periods:
1.
Monday – Tuesday, i.e. Monday 9 am to Tuesday 9 am
2.
Thursday – Friday, i.e. Thursday 9 am to Friday 9 am
Note that the sampling time of 24 hours might not be appropriate at highly polluted areas.
In order to determine the sampling period, the following procedure is recommended:
(a) Sample one week for 24 hours and weigh filters. If weight change < 1 mg, continue to sample for 24 hours from now on otherwise change sampling regime to (b).
(b) Change 24 hour sampling period to 2 hours on and 2 hours off. This results in a total sampling time of 12 hours. Sample again for one week. Weigh filters. If weight change is < 1 mg, continue to sample from now on using this 12 hour sampling regime that runs for 24 hours. If weight change is still > 1 mg, change sampling regime to (c)
(c) Change 24 hour sampling period to 1 hour on, 2 hours off. This results in a total sampling time of 8 hours over a 24 hour period. Again, sample for one week and measure the exposed filters. If weight is < 1 mg, continue to sample using this sample regime. If weight change is still > 1 mg, continue to decrease the sampling time until weight change < 1 mg is achieved.
Note that the flow rates are important. For the statistical analysis, the cut off point should be around 12 l/min, i.e. all filters that have been collected with flow rates below 12 l/min should be discarded.
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Note that regular sampling should commence only after the site depended sampling regime has been established. If the sampler is moved to a new location, the air particulate matter pollution may have changed significantly. A new sampling protocol has to be established following the procedure (a) – (c).