Usage of passive and active samplers for quick evaluation of air quality in small townships

Corantioquia and REDAIRE, cooperation agreement between five Universities from the Department of Antioquia - Colombia and Environment Authorities, undertook the research project "Base Line of Air Quality in 10 Municipalities of the Corantioquia Jurisdiction" during the 2003 year. The main objective was to build a base line of air quality in a short term. Measurements of main air pollutants were used as a basis: Total Suspended Particles, Dustfall, Sulfur Dioxide, Nitrogen Oxides and Ozone. A combination of manual and automatic active methods and passive sampling methodologies (gas diffusion and dust settling) were explored and compared. Sampling results are a key point to prioritize air pollution prevention and control activities. The project covers 7 municipalities, ranging in population from 5,000 to 70,000 inhabitants, and three rural areas in the Metropolitan Area of the Aburrá Valley, that house more than 3000,000 inhabitants. Economical and technical evaluation of active and passive samplers is conducted. Passive samplers emerge as an economical and simple alternative for small towns, in comparison with manual and automatic active methods. Passive methods proved to be a competitive tool with regard to traditional sampling methods to keep track of air quality in small urban and rural communities¹. Air quality for sites and pollutants selected is good; the commitment of local authorities is to keep it in that qualification.