Comparative measurements between the results achieved with reference method and the optical method for determination of PM10 dusts in ambient air

Abstract

The current paper aims to determine the actuality of the optical method of measuring PM10 dusts powders compared to the reference method (gravimetric method). According to the Integrated National Plan in the field of Energy and Climate Change 2021-2030, Romania must implement a program to reduce impact on atmosphere, including air quality monitoring, thus leading to an increase in the number of monitoring points and an increase in the number of samples required for monitoring. Currently, PM10 dust monitoring stations use the gravimetric method, consisting in absorbing a known volume of air on filters and weighing the dust deposited on them. As the use of this method requires a minimum of 3 days, it is necessary to apply an alternative measuring method, with short response time, namely the optical method. Parallel experimentation of the two measuring devices that use different principles was performed in several series of measurements at an economic agent that has the obligation to monitor dust at premises borders. Results obtained from comparison of the two devices can support future researchers in order to find limitations of the optical method of measuring PM10 dusts and to validate the method, in order to use it routinely.