EPA 600/R-15/008
CITIZEN SCIENCE
AIR MONITOR (CSAM)
National Exposure Research Laboratory
-------
CITIZEN SCIENCE
CSAM
Contents
The Citizen Science Toolbox 2
What Is Quality Assurance? 2
CSAM Components 3
CSAM-NO2 3
CSAM-PM 4
Temperature and Relative Humidity. 4
Microprocessor 4
Important Considerations for Air Monitor Placement 6
Performance Goals 7
Performance Characteristics That Affect Data Quality 7
Sensor Performance Goals for Citizen Science Applications 11
CSAM Performance Checks 12
Range 13
Calibration 13
Service Schedule 14
Documents and Records 14
For Additional Help 17
-------
CITIZEN SCIENCE
CSAM
The Citizen Science Toolbox
Many communities in the United States are potentially impacted by a wide variety of
environmental pollution sources. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) encourages
communities to advocate for environmental and public health mitigations and to raise
awareness of air pollution issues. To this end, EPA promotes citizen science to involve citizens
in collecting environmental data of importance to their families and communities.
The Ironbound Community Corporation (ICC) Community Advisory Board (CAB) in Newark, NJ,
is committed to improving air quality for thousands of Newark residents who suffer from
potential cumulative impacts of major industrial and port-related pollution sources on human
health and the environment. EPA Region 2, the EPA region that serves Newark, has been a
leader in EPA's efforts to promote citizen science. For this project, these two groups—the ICC
CAB and EPA Region 2—are working together to initiate a community-based environmental
monitoring study.
As part of this study, EPA is developing a Citizen Science Toolbox that contains the tools and
information needed for the ICC CAB citizens to collect pollution data for nitrogen dioxide (NCb)
and particulate matter (PM), two types of air pollution that can have significant adverse health
effects. Citizen volunteers will use a monitoring device called the Citizen Science Air Monitor
(CSAM), which was designed and constructed by EPA for use by citizen volunteers. The
documentation in this project's Citizen Science Toolbox was created specifically for use of the
CSAM and includes an operating procedure, which provides information on how to set up the
instrument and collect and process data, and these quality assurance (QA) guidelines, which
offer basic information and considerations for collecting meaningful data. EPA Region 2
personnel will provide technical support as needed to the ICC CAB throughout the project.
This collaborative project will benefit both the Newark community and EPA. It will help the ICC
CAB identify pollutants in its community that are of concern for both human health and the
environment. The effort also will further EPA's aims of building community capacity for
conducting environmental monitoring studies and will form the foundation for Region 2's Air
Sensor Loan Program that will enable other community groups with similar concerns about air
pollution in their neighborhoods.
What Is Quality Assurance?
Quality assurance is the process by which you determine if the environmental data collected in
your monitoring project are credible and usable. The quality assurance process involves several
steps, which EPA has termed PIE—Planning + Implementing + Evaluating. Each piece of PIE is
vital to achieving quality results from your project. These quality assurance guidelines focus on
specific CSAM requirements and are not meant to fully capture everything you need to know
about conducting a credible air monitoring study. To learn more about planning and
-------
CITIZEN SCIENCE
CSAM
implementing your project and assuring the quality of the collected data, visit the following EPA
web pages:
<• Air Sensor Toolbox for Citizen Scientists—general tools and information for conducting a
Citizen Science air monitoring project (http://www.epa.gov/heasd/airsensortoolbox).
* EPA's Air Sensors Guidebook—what sensor users need to understand if they are to
collect meaningful air quality data (http://www.epa.gov/airscience/docs/air-sensor-
guidebook.pdf).
* EPA Region 2 Citizen Science—guidelines for planning-implementing-evaluating and
developing a quality assurance project plan (http://www.epa.gov/region2/citizenscience)
CSAM Components
The CSAM simultaneously measures NC>2 and PM along with temperature and relative humidity
(RH). NC>2 and PM are pollutants of concern in the ambient environment because of the adverse
health risks they pose, as described below. (For more information on these air pollutants visit
http://www.epa.gov/airguality/urbanair/and http://www.epa.gov/air/criteria.html.) While the
CSAM is designed for easy operation and retrieval of data for all measurements at once (see
the CSAM Operating Procedure), the unit consists of several components that generate the
data. Citizen volunteers will not need to operate each component of the CSAM separately, but a
general knowledge of the components that make up the CSAM will aid in understanding the
requirements for data quality. Figure 1 shows the inside of the CSAM unit and its separate
components. Each of these components is described in detail in the following subsections.
Table 1 lists the measurement units reported by each component.
CSAM-NOi
NC>2 is a highly reactive gas that can irritate the lungs and cause bronchitis, pneumonia, and
other respiratory problems. NC>2 pollution is both man-made and naturally occurring. It occurs
naturally as a result of atmospheric processes. It also forms from fuel combustion and forms
quickly from automobile emissions. Therefore, significant increases in NC>2 concentrations are
often found near major roadways. Power plants and other industrial processes also emit NC>2.
CSAM measurements of NC>2 are made using a CairPol CairClip NC>2 sensor
(http://www.cairpol.com/index.php?option=com content&view=article&id=41<emid=156&lang=
en). The CairClip uses a gas-specific inlet filter combined with dynamic air sampling in an
integrated system to measure real-time gas concentration in parts per billion (ppb). The CSAM-
NC>2 unit's detection limit—the lowest concentration the instrument is likely to detect is
approximately 20 ppb NC>2.
-------
CITIZEN SCIENCE
CSAM
CSAM-PM
PM consists of particles of various sizes such as soot, smoke, dirt, and dust. These particles are
often generated and released into the air from sources such as power plants, industrial and
agricultural processes, automobiles, and fires. PM can adversely affect breathing and aggravate
respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, with the smallest particles posing the greatest health
risk. PM also contributes to atmospheric haze that reduces visibility.
The CSAM-PM component measures real-time PM in micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3) using
a Thermo Scientific personal DataRAM nephelometer, a device that uses light to measure the
concentration of suspended particles in a liquid or gas. Air is pumped to the nephelometer by an
SKC AirChek 52 personal sampling pump. The nephelometer uses a BGI sharp-cut cyclone
inlet (SCC 1.062), which excludes particles with a diameter above a certain size. In this case,
the CSAM-PM samples for PM2.5, which consists of particles less than 2.5 micrometers in
diameter, or "fine" particles. Fine particles come from all types of combustion activities, such as
motor vehicles, power plants, and wood burning, and pose the greatest health risk because they
can lodge deeply in the lungs. The CSAM-PM unit operates at a flow rate of 1.5 liters per minute
(L/min). It is important to understand that a change in flow rate will change the diameter of the
particles being sampled and thus affect data quality. If a change in flow rate is noted, the unit
should be removed from operation, and an experienced operator should perform the flow rate
check and adjustment detailed in the CSAM Operating Procedure. The CSAM-PM has a
detection limit of 0.1 ug/m3.
Temperature and Relative Humidity
The CSAM also contains a Honeywell temperature and RH sensor (HIH-4602-A/C series).
Temperature (°C) and RH (% at °C) data are recorded along with the PM and NC>2 concentration
data. The recommended operating ranges for temperature and RH are 0-40 °C (32-104 °F) and
0-90% RH (with no formation of water droplets), respectively. Abrupt changes in temperature
and RH can affect the performance of your CSAM, particularly the CSAM-NO2 sensor
component. Therefore, temperature and RH data collected concurrently with concentration data
can help you recognize any performance issues caused by environmental conditions.
Microprocessor
Data from all components—PM, NC>2, and temperature and RH—are collected and stored using
an Arduino Uno microprocessor. The Arduino Uno has a USB connection and a power jack.
This microprocessor uses software developed by EPA to allow operators to retrieve all data
from the unit in one easy step. Data will be stored on a secure digital (SD) memory card located
in the microprocessor that the citizen operators access and remove for data download as
described in the CSAM Operating Procedure.
4
-------
CITIZEN SCIENCE
CSAM
BGI sharp-cut
cyclone inlet
personal DataRAM
nephelometer
Call-Clip
sensor
Ardumo Uno
microprocessor
AirChek52
sampling pump
Honeywell
temp/RH
sensor
Figure 1
Measurement
Reporting Unit
N02 concentration Parts per billion (ppb)
PM concentration Micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3)
Temperature Degrees Celsius (°C)
Relative humidity (RH) Percent (%) at °C
Table 1
-------
CITIZEN SCIENCE
CSAM
Important Considerations for Air Monitor Placement
Appropriate placement of air monitoring devices is critical for collecting useful data. Air pollution
concentrations can vary considerably due to factors such as proximity of the pollutant sources,
buildings and other obstructions, and atmospheric conditions. For these reasons, you must plan
monitoring locations carefully to make sure the collected data are representative of the
community you are monitoring and that meet your study objectives. EPA Region 2 and the
Ironbound CAG will work together to identify the CSAM locations for this study. The following
are some important considerations for choosing representative sampling sites:
•J* Local atmospheric conditions. Factors such as rain, wind, sunlight, clouds,
temperature, and humidity can affect your CSAM data.
• Make sure the unit is protected from the effects of weather using the individual
EPA-developed aluminum shields that accompany your CSAM unit.
• Temperature and humidity can particularly affect the performance of the CSAM.
The recommended operating ranges for temperature and RH are 0-40 °C
(32-104 °F) and 0-90% RH (with no formation of water droplets), respectively.
• Wind speed and direction can also affect CSAM measurements. For example,
stagnant air can lead to pollutant concentrations that gradually increase, whereas
strong winds can decrease concentrations by spreading pollutants over a larger
area. Higher winds can also lead to higher concentrations of other pollutants
such as dust. Wind direction can affect your results by increasing or decreasing
concentrations depending on whether your air monitor is located upwind or
downwind of the prevailing wind at the time of data collection. Understanding the
effects of wind can aid in choosing a monitoring site and in recognizing when
your results might have been affected by wind.
<• Primary or secondary source. Some pollutants are emitted directly by a source
(primary pollutants), while others are formed as the products of chemical reactions in the
air (secondary pollutants). Primary pollutants are often more localized (i.e., near the
source) and can have a greater variability over distances than secondary pollutants. It is
important to consider whether a pollutant of interest is primary or secondary when
deciding where and how to collect monitoring data. More information can be found at:
http://www.epa.gov/air/criteria.html.
*»• Location of pollutant sources relative to the pollutant of interest. NC>2 and PM, for
instance, might have much higher concentrations closer to a roadway as both come from
automobile emissions. If you want to find out how a roadway influences NC>2 and PM
concentrations, you could locate one CSAM close to the road and one some distance
downwind of the roadway to determine the changes in concentrations.
<• Location of the air monitor relative to the exposed population. If the aim of your
study, for example, is to measure the impact of industrial emissions of NC>2 and PM on a
-------
CSAM
CITIZEN SCIENCE
particular neighborhood, the CSAMs could be placed within the neighborhood at varying
distances from the facility rather.
*»* Air flow. Make sure air flows freely to your CSAM unit by placing it far enough away
from the ground (at least 1 meter above the surface) and away from building surfaces,
trees, or any other obstructions to flow (ideally at least 1 meter away).
•5* Reactions and interferences. Sensors can experience interference from other
chemicals in the atmosphere, as well as heat and cold, which can lead to erroneous
concentration estimates. Avoid placing the CSAM near sources of heat or cold and
gases that can react with the pollutant of interest. Possible interferences for the CSAM-
NC>2 component include high concentrations of chlorine (a commonly used disinfectant
for swimming pools) and ozone (often formed during warm, dry, and cloudless days with
low wind speeds).
EPA's Air Sensor Guidebook provides additional details and considerations for choosing sites
for air monitoring studies (http://www.epa.gov/airscience/docs/air-sensor-guidebook.pdf).
Performance Goals
The performance of an air sensor or instrument describes its overall ability to measure air
pollution. For your data to be useful in meeting any objective, be sure your expectations for the
data collected with the CSAMs are well defined. These expectations are the performance goals
of the measurement system. The quality of data collected with sensors can vary greatly
depending on sensor design and performance characteristics as well as your deployment
strategy. In addition, acquiring meaningful data relies on proper operation and response of the
air monitoring instrument, which must be checked and maintained regularly to continuously
produce quality results. The following subsections describe general performance considerations
you should keep in mind while conducting an air monitoring study, the level of quality assurance
needed based on your intended application, and specific CSAM performance requirements.
Performance Characteristics That Affect Data Quality
A broad range of performance-related characteristics can affect data quality. The performance
characteristics listed in Table 2 are applicable to air monitoring systems in general. A familiarity
with these characteristics will allow you to assess if your air monitoring device is generating
usable data throughout the study.
-------
CITIZEN SCIENCE
CSAM
Evaluating Data Quality
Performance Characteristic
Bias
Precision
Calibration
Detection limit
Response time
Linearity of response
Measurement duration
Measurement frequency
Data aggregation
Selectivity/specificity
Interferences
Sensor poisoning and expiration
Concentration range
Drift
Accuracy of timestamp
Climate susceptibility
Data completeness
Response to loss of power
Assessment
Is measurement routinely high or low with respect to the true value?
How repeatable is the measurement?
Does device respond in a systematic fashion as concentration changes?
How low and high will the device measure successfully?
How fast does the response vary with concentration change?
What is the linear or multilinear range?
How much data do you need to collect?
How many collection periods are needed?
Value in aggregating data (e.g., 1 second, 1 minute, 1 hour)
Does it respond to anything else?
How does heat and cold affect response?
How long will the sensor be useful?
Will the device cover expected highs and lows?
How stable is the response?
What response output relates to the event?
Does RH, temperature, direct sun, etc., impact data?
What is the uptime of the sensor?
What happens when it shuts down?
Table 2
All of the concepts described above are discussed in detail in the Air Sensor Guidebook
(http://www.epa.gov/airscience/docs/air-sensor-guidebook.pdf).
An understanding of the following terms is helpful in setting your performance goals and
assessing whether the collected data meet these goals:
* Accuracy: Accuracy is the overall agreement of an instrument's measurement to the
true value obtained with an accepted reference method. Accuracy is a measure of the
bias, or systematic error, in a system.
Accuracy = average value - true value
<• Precision: Precision refers to how well the sensor reproduces the measurement of a
pollutant under identical circumstances.
Precision = (standard deviation /average of replicates) x 100,
where standard deviation is the range of variation in the measurements taken and
replicate samples are two or more samples taken from the same place at the same time.
8
-------
CITIZEN SCIENCE
CSAM
You should be aware that a sensor's accuracy and precision can change over time. For
example, exposure to rapidly changing temperatures or humidity might lead to a gradual change
in response, also known as drift.
Tables 3,4,and 5 show manufacturer's specifications for the CairClip NC>2 sensor, the personal
Data RAM (PDR) PM sensor, and the AirChek 52 sampling pump.
-------
CITIZEN SCIENCE
CSAM
AIR
Table 3
POL
MINIATURF AIR QUALITY MONITORING SYSTEMS
P061DOZ.Tcchnical.Daia Sheel.NO2 160812
Technical Data Sheet CairClip
((locumi'iil [Horn- lo ni
(preliminary version)
iiHlU'k-allniis)
Range
Limit of detection (1-2)
Repeatability at zero (1-2t
Repeatability at 40% of range "-2)
Linearity "• -'
Unce.rtainty
Short tenn zero drift "•-•'"
Short term span drift "-2-41
Long term zero drift "- 2- 1I
Long term span drift (I-2-^
Risctimomo-50)"--'
Kail time (TlIl-50)"-2'
Effect of interfering species (li
Temperature effect on sensitivity (2)
Temperature effect on zero ' -'
Maximum exposure
Annual exposure limit (I hour average)
Annual exposure limitfl hour average)
Operating conditions
Recommended storage conditions
Power supply ^
Communication interface
Dimensions
Weight
Protection
Electrical certification
Parameters Set up Downloading
0-250 ppb (0-240 ppb analog)
20ppb
+ ;-7 ppb
+/-15%
< 10%
<30%°-:!>
< 5 ppb / 24 H
<1%FS'"/24H
< 10 ppb / 1 month
<2%FS151/ 1 month
QOs i 1 SOs if largo variation ol'RII)
< 90s (1 80s il'large variation ol'RH)
Ch: around 80%
Reduced sulphur compounds : negative interference
Qi : possible interferences if high concentration
<0.5°/./"C
• t- 50 ppb maximum under operating conditions
50 ppm
78il ppm (NO,)
1 SO ppm of oxidant species (Oj eq.)
- 20°C to 40 :C / 10 to 90% RH non-condensing
1013mbar+''-20rimbar
Temperature: between 5"C and 20r'C
Air relative humidity: > 15% non-condensing
-Ambient air free from Oj
5 \T)C ':00 mA (rechargeable by USB via PC
or 100 V-240 V/5 V 0.8 A-l -0 A with adapter)
USB, UART
Analog (UART & 4-20 mA / 0-5 V converter)
Diameter: 32mm - Length 6 m
55g
IP42 (according IEC60529)
.(tjb). Conform to UL Std. 61010-1 ,- r
sUf Certified to CSA Std. C22.2N0. 61010-1 *"*
••'.'J'^12
CairSoft
'Accwding to our operating cvndiiioividunng tests in laboratory: 20*C ~l- 2*C / 50^-yRH +/- 10%'' 1013 mbar +/- 5
-' Values possibly affected by exposures lo liigiigmdit-nlsofcoitcentr'alion
} In accordance with the Directive lOO&'SQ'ECoffhe European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 200S on ambient air qualify and cleaner air for Europe
* Full seal? continuous exposure
: PS = Full Scale
: Tlie cornplete dischai-gv of a device /screen turned offl can lead to a deterioration ofityperfonnances
For an optimal quality of use, please keep the Cairclip in a vertical position in accordance with indications on the ilevice
M\y use of llie sensor not complying with (lie conditions specified in herein, including exposures, even short ones .to environments oilier than anibienl air. lo dry and /
or devoid of oxygen air or olhcr atmosphere not composed in majority'of air. even during calibration, will invalidate the warranty.
Main options
CairTub: autonomy 21 days
CairNet: wireless communication & battery powered by solar panel
Software: CairSoft, CairMap. CairWeb
Office: CAIRPOJL
ZAC du Capra
55. avenue Emile Antoine
30340 Mejannes les Ales - France
SARL au capital de 354 2006 - N° Siren: 492 976 253
Tel: +33 (0)4 66 S3 37 56
Fax: +33 (0)4 66 61 82 53
inlbi'«!cairpol.com
Web site: www.cairpol.com
10
-------
CSAM
CITIZEN SCIENCE
persona/Data RAM (PDR) Manufacturer's Suggested Specifications
Concentration Measurement Range
Scattering Coefficient Range
Precision / Repeatability Over 30 Days (2-sigma)
Accuracy
Resolution
Particle Size Range of Maximum Response
Operating Environment
0.0001 to 400 mg/m3
1 .5 x 1 0-6 to 0.6 nr1 (approx.) @ A=880 nm
±2% of reading or ±0.005 mg/m3, whichever is
larger, for 1-sec averaging time
±0.5% of reading or ±0.001 5 mg/m3, whichever is
larger, for 10-sec averaging time
±0.2% of reading or ±0.0005 mg/m3, whichever is
larger, for 60-sec averaging time
±5% of reading ± precision
0.1 % of reading or 0.001 mg/m3, whichever is
larger
0.1 to 10 urn
14 to 122F(-10to50C), 10 to 95% RH non
condensing
AirChek 52 Personal Sample Pump Manufacturer's Suggested Specifications
Flow Range
Flow Control
Compensation Range
Temperature
Humidity
Noise Level
1000 to 3000 ml/min
Holds constant flow to ± 5% of set-point after
calibration
1000 ml/min up to 25 ins water back pressure
2000 ml/min up to 25 ins water back pressure
Operating: 32 to 1 1 3 F (0 to 45 C)
0 to 95% non-condensing
62.5 dBA - pump without case
Table 5
Sensor Performance Goals for Citizen Science Applications
The aim of your project and the intended use of its data will dictate your performance goals.
EPA has suggested the following broad application areas, or tiers, for citizen science projects:
<• Education and information (Tier I): uses sensors as teaching tools
11
-------
CITIZEN SCIENCE
CSAM
Hotspot identification and characterization (Tier II): uses fixed locations and/or mobile
sensor systems to map pollutants and determine emission sources
Supplementary network monitoring (Tier
existing network of air quality monitors
): uses air sensor systems to complement an
<• Personal exposure monitoring (Tier IV): uses sensors in applications to monitor a
person's exposure to air pollution, often to evaluate the impact of air pollution on health
<• Regulatory monitoring (Tier V): uses sensors to monitor pollutants to determine if an
area is in compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards
Each tier requires progressively more detailed technical considerations and higher data quality
expectations. These tiers are listed and briefly described in Table 6. Note that only Tiers I
through IV are listed and discussed here as no low-cost sensors, including the CSAM unit, meet
the regulatory monitoring requirements. For more information on these tiers and potential air
monitoring applications, see EPA's Air Sensors Guidebook (http://www.epa.gov/airscience/docs/
air-sensor-quidebook.pdf).
Tier Application Area
Education,
information, and
community organizing
and advocacy
Hotspot identification
and characterization
Supplementary
network monitoring
Pollutants
All
All
Criteria pollutants
and air toxics
including VOCs
Precision and Data
Bias Error Completeness
< 50%
< 30%
< 20%
> 50%
> 75%
> 80%
IV
Personal exposure
monitoring
All
< 30%
> 80%
Rationale
Measurement error is not as important as simply
demonstrating that the pollutant exists in some
wide range of concentration.
Higher data quality is needed here to ensure that
not only does the pollutant of interest exist in the
local atmosphere, but also at a concentration that
is close to its true value.
Supplemental monitoring might have value in
potentially providing additional air quality data to
complement existing monitors. To be useful in
providing such complementary data, it must be of
sufficient quality to ensure that the additional
information is helping to "fill in" monitoring gaps
rather than making the situation less understood.
Many factors can influence personal exposures to
air pollutants. Precision and bias errors
suggested here are representative of those
reported in the scientific literature under a variety
of circumstances. Error rates higher than these
make it difficult to understand how, when, and
why personal exposures have occurred.
Table 6
CSAM Performance Checks
The CSAM requires several performance checks, conducted by Region 2 technical staff, to
make sure the instrument will produce the desired results during the study. It is recommended
that these checks be performed before deploying the instrument in the field and after it is
removed from the field at the end of the study. If at any time, an operator suspects a CSAM is
12
-------
CITIZEN SCIENCE
CSAM
not functioning properly, it should be removed from operation and returned to Region 2 technical
staff.
Table 7 identifies the three recommended checks—zero and span drift for the CSAM-NO2 and
flow rate and zero drift for the CSAM-PM—and the acceptable ranges for accuracy and
precision for CSAM applications. This information is being provided to citizen scientists for
informational purposes only. Only an experienced operator should perform these procedures
before sensors are distributed. Zero and span drift checks verify that the monitor is functioning
within the operating range and that it responds with the desired sensitivity to changes in input
concentration. The flow rate check verifies the rate at which the sample gas flows through the
instrument. The flow rate is checked using a flow meter to ensure that the monitor is receiving
the proper amount of air to collect a representative sample.
Measurement Performance
(Sensor) Check
NO, concentration
(CSAM-N02) Zero/span drift
PM concentration Flow rate
(CSAM-PM) Zero drift
Temperature/RH Compared with
(Honeywell sensor) local data*
Accuracy
± 20%
1.5L/min±10%
< 20% of ambient
± 5% (temp)
±10%(RH)
Precision
± 20%
± 10%
±10%
± 2% (temp)
± 5% (RH)
Corrective Action
(by an Experienced Operator)
Perform calibration and
troubleshooting
Adjust set screw on pump
Perform troubleshooting
Perform troubleshooting
The following web sites are sources of local weather data:
http://www.weather.eom/weather/hourbvhour/l/USNJ0355:l:US
http://wl.weather.Rov/obhistorv/KEWR.html
Range
Table 7
Environmental pollutants are often present in very low concentrations, particularly when
measurements are being made far from the source of the pollution. The CSAM is most useful
when it is able to measure its target pollutants over the full range of concentrations commonly
found in the atmosphere. The expected operational range for the CSAM-NO2 is 20-200 ppb,
and for the CSAM-PM it is 0.1-200 |o,g/m3. If you think your CSAM is not functioning properly,
return the instrument to EPA Region 2 for assessment.
Calibration
Some sensors come with an "expiration date," after which its measurements are likely no longer
accurate. The expiration date indicates when the device requires calibration. Calibration is the
process of checking and adjusting an instrument's measurements to ensure it is reporting
accurate data. During the calibration process, the response of the instrument is compared with a
known reference value.
13
-------
CITIZEN SCIENCE
CSAM
The life expectancy of the CSAM is 1 year. After this time, the unit might begin producing
unreliable results. The CSAM-NO2(CairClip) is delivered calibrated and does not need
recalibration for 1 year as long as the sensor maintains the operating conditions listed in its data
sheet (Table 3). The CSAM-PM is also delivered calibrated. Remember, however, that the
CSAM-PM operates at a flow rate of 1.5 L/min and that a change in the flow rate will change the
diameter of the particles being sampled. If you detect a change in the flow rate, return the
instrument to EPA Region 2 for a flow rate adjustment.
Service Schedule
Air monitoring devices require careful care and maintenance to ensure proper functionality and
reliable performance. The rate that an air monitoring device requires service depends on its
power supply (battery) capabilities and the amount of data that can be safely stored before data
are overwritten or lost. Once the CSAM is set up and attached to a power source, it is expected
to sample continuously until a volunteer operator returns to the site to download data. The
CSAM is designed to run for one week (continuously for 7 days) on a fully charged battery.
Therefore, an operator should visit the test site at least once a week to download data, inspect
the unit's functionality, and replace and/or recharge the battery.
The filter in the CSAM-NO2 (CairClip) needs to be changed every 4 months if it is regularly
exposed to dust (or more frequently if exposed to large quantities of dust). The filter should be
changed only by an experienced operator, as described in the CSAM Operating Procedure.
Documents and Records
Each activity associated with a monitoring project influences the value of the project's results.
Therefore, it is important to maintain thorough documentation in order to use the results to make
meaningful technical interpretations and judgments. This project requires experienced operators
to carry out certain project activities, such as conducting performance checks at the beginning
and end of the study, while other activities, such as field site visits and data downloads, will be
performed by citizen volunteer operators. All project participants are responsible for carefully
documenting their activities throughout the study.
Briefly described here are the types of records you should keep to ensure your project is well
documented. These suggestions and examples provide a starting point for record keeping, but
your project team should determine the documentation requirements for the project as an
integral part of the planning process. Developing a quality assurance project plan, or QAPP, is
recommended during the planning stages. A QAPP provides a "blueprint" for conducting and
documenting a study that produces quality results. EPA Region 2's Citizen Science web page
(http://www.epa.qov/reqion2/citizenscience) provides helpful information and a template for
developing a Citizen Science QAPP.
14
-------
CITIZEN SCIENCE
CSAM
At a minimum, you should consider the following documentation as crucial to producing
meaningful results:
•J* A Microsoft Excel spreadsheet created specifically for processing the CSAM data is
included in the Citizen Science Toolbox for this project. Data collected by both
experienced operators and citizen volunteers should be entered in this spreadsheet. The
CSAM Operating Procedure details how to use the spreadsheet to enter data for both
performance checks and routine field data collection.
*** Performance-check activities should be recorded in a bound notebook by the
experienced operator performing the check. All notebook entries should be made in
black, permanent ink and initialed and dated by the person making the entry. Changes
or corrections to data should be indicated with a single line through the original entry so
that the original entry remains legible. All changes should be explained, dated, and
initialed. In addition, all performance-check information, both pre- and post-test, should
be provided to the citizen scientists so they can enter that information in the sampling log
sheet, as shown in the example in Table 8.
•> Field data collection records for each CSAM unit and site should be kept in a bound
notebook as for the performance checks and entered on a prepared sampling log sheet
stored in a loose-leaf binder. The example log sheet shown in Figure 5 can be used or
modified as needed for your project. The experienced operator will provide the pre- and
post-test information for instrument performance and this information will be a part of the
macro that is provided with each CSAM unit.
*> All equipment maintenance and calibration forms should be kept in a project file by the
project leader until the end of the project or a date determined during project planning.
All hard-copy and electronic files of project data and documents should be maintained by the
project leader. Records stored or generated by computers should have hard-copy or write-
protected electronic backup copies. The project leader is responsible for making sure each
project participant has the most current versions of any pertinent documents they need to carry
out their assigned tasks, such as these quality assurance guidelines and the operating
procedure.
15
-------
CITIZEN SCIENCE
CSAM
Table 8
CSAM unit #:
Date:
CSAM Monitoring Record
Data recorded by:
Test location (description):
Fresh batteries installed?
Yes D No D
If yes, date:
Data logging interval:
Start date:
Start time:
mm
Operation mode: AC power D Battery D
End date:
End time:
Total run time:
hours
Pre-test Instrument Setup
PM2.5 zero check Performed by:
PM2.5 flow rate check Performed by:
NC>2 zero and span check Performed by:
Date:
Date:
Date:
Post-test Instrument Operations
Data downloaded Yes D No D File name:
Performed by:
Date:
Comments
16
-------
CITIZEN SCIENCE
CSAM
For Additional Help
CairPol, Technical Data Sheet CairClip NC>2, http://www.cairpol.com/images/pdf/NO2/technical
%20datasheet%20no2%2015072013.pdf, last accessed October 30, 2014.
Thermo Scientific Personal DataRAM pDFMOOOAN Monitor brochure,
http://www.thermoscientific.com/en/product/personal-dataram-pdr-1000an-monitor.html, last
accessed October 30, 2014.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Citizen Science Toolbox, CSAM Operating Procedure,
October 2014.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Air Sensor Toolbox for Citizen Scientists
http://www.epa.gov/heasd/airsensortoolbox, last accessed November 18, 2014.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, What Are the Six Common Air Pollutants?
http://www.epa.gov/airguality/urbanair/, last accessed September 19, 2014.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Region 2 Citizen Science,
http://www.epa.gov/region2/citizenscience, last accessed October 29, 2014.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Air Sensor Guidebook, EPA 600/R-14/159, June 2014,
Office of Research and Development, National Exposure Research Laboratory,
http://www.epa.gov/airscience/docs/air-sensor-guidebook.pdf, last accessed October 30, 2014.
The purpose of this document is to provide general operating guidelines, and
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not assume any liability
regarding any aspect of its use. Reference herein to any specific commercial
products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or
otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement,
recommendation, or favoring by EPA. The views and opinions of authors
expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of EPA and shall not
be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes. EPA assumes no
liability associated with any errors in the suggested procedures, errors
potentially made by the instrument in question, user misuse of the instruments
or data collected, or costs due to any damage the instrument might experience
under any circumstance or use. This user guide is specific to the make/model
and version number of the instrument identified in the document and is not
generalizable to any other sensor. The users should understand that they
should develop operating guidelines specific to their own research needs, and
any general document of this nature would be limited in meeting their full need.
17
------- |