Particulate Matter (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5)

Particulate matter is monitored on a continuous (hourly) and intermittent (every sixth day) basis in Alberta.

PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 are monitored on a continuous basis using the Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance (TEOM). The TEOM draws an air sample through an inlet stream that aerodynamically separates particles of a specified diameter (e.g. 2.5 or 10 µm). The air sample then passes through a filter that is attached to a tapered element in the mass transducer. This tapered element vibrates at its natural frequency. As particles are deposited onto the filter the oscillating frequency changes in proportion to the amount of mass deposited.

PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ are monitored on an intermittent basis using a dichotomous sampler. The dichotomous sampler is a derivative of the high volume sampler. The sampler aerodynamically separates the particles into two size fractions; fine (< 2.5 µm) and coarse (2.5 to 10 µm). Fine and coarse particles are collected by drawing a known volume of air through two individual pre-weighed filters for a 24-hour period. The total particulate concentration in the two size ranges may then be calculated for the 24-hour period.

Objectives
The Canada-wide Standard (CWS) benchmark concentration for 24-hour PM_2.5 concentrations is 30 µg/m3 (micrograms of particulate per cubic metre of air). The actual achievement statistic for the PM_2.5 CWS is based on a complex calculation process that involves using the 98th percentile measurement annually, averaged over three consecutive years.

Alberta has adopted from the Canada-wide Standards, an Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objective for fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) of 30 µg m³ as a 24-hour average concentration.

There is no one-hour objective for fine particulate matter (PM_2.5). However, after consultation with a multi-stakeholder advisory committee, a one-hour guideline in Alberta for PM_2.5 was finalized at 80 µg/m³ (micrograms per cubic meter). The guideline is based on the statistical equivalent of the Canada Wide Standard (CWS). The one-hour guideline is not used for compliance purposes.

	Particulate Matter (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5) Particulate matter is monitored on a continuous (hourly) and intermittent (every sixth day) basis in Alberta. PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 are monitored on a continuous basis using the Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance (TEOM). The TEOM draws an air sample through an inlet stream that aerodynamically separates particles of a specified diameter (e.g. 2.5 or 10 µm). The air sample then passes through a filter that is attached to a tapered element in the mass transducer. This tapered element vibrates at its natural frequency. As particles are deposited onto the filter the oscillating frequency changes in proportion to the amount of mass deposited. PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ are monitored on an intermittent basis using a dichotomous sampler. The dichotomous sampler is a derivative of the high volume sampler. The sampler aerodynamically separates the particles into two size fractions; fine (< 2.5 µm) and coarse (2.5 to 10 µm). Fine and coarse particles are collected by drawing a known volume of air through two individual pre-weighed filters for a 24-hour period. The total particulate concentration in the two size ranges may then be calculated for the 24-hour period. Objectives The Canada-wide Standard (CWS) benchmark concentration for 24-hour PM_2.5 concentrations is 30 µg/m3 (micrograms of particulate per cubic metre of air). The actual achievement statistic for the PM_2.5 CWS is based on a complex calculation process that involves using the 98th percentile measurement annually, averaged over three consecutive years. Alberta has adopted from the Canada-wide Standards, an Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objective for fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) of 30 µg m³ as a 24-hour average concentration. There is no one-hour objective for fine particulate matter (PM_2.5). However, after consultation with a multi-stakeholder advisory committee, a one-hour guideline in Alberta for PM_2.5 was finalized at 80 µg/m³ (micrograms per cubic meter). The guideline is based on the statistical equivalent of the Canada Wide Standard (CWS). The one-hour guideline is not used for compliance purposes.

Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5)

Particulate Matter (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5)