What pollutants do we monitor in Dundee?
Of the seven pollutants contained in the Air Quality Standards, only two of these are routinely monitored in Dundee. These are:
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
- Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5)
Four of the remaining five pollutants (carbon monoxide, lead, benzene and 1,3-butadiene), are not monitored as previous assessments of air quality in Dundee established that there are no concerns about the levels of these pollutants and that no new sources of these pollutants have been identified in Dundee in subsequent assessments.
There are also no concerns regarding the levels of sulphur dioxide (SO2) in Dundee. The monitoring of this pollutant was carried out until the end of 2014 at the Broughty Ferry Road site due to nearby shipping and industrial sources at the Port of Dundee. However, following advice from SEPA and a reduction in operations at a nearby source of this pollutant, it was identified that there was no longer a need to continue it's monitoring.
Where and how are these pollutants monitored?
It has been recognised that there are some areas where pollution levels are close to or exceed the Air Quality Standards, and it is at these locations that our monitoring is currently focussed.
The Council has continuous automatic analysers at the following locations (pollutant/s monitored in brackets):
- Mains Loan (NO2, PM10, PM2.5) - this site is an 'urban background' site and not a site linked to elevated pollution levels.
- Broughty Ferry Road (NO2, PM10, PM2.5)
- Meadowside (NO2, PM10, PM2.5)
- Logie Street (PM10)
- Lochee Road (NO2, PM10, PM2.5)
- Seagate (NO2, PM10, PM2.5)
- Whitehall St (NO2, PM10, PM2.5)
- Albert Street/Arbroath Road (PM10)
- Myrekirk Terrace (PM10)
- Stannergate (PM10)
In addition to the above, at approximately 90 sites across the city, NO2 levels are monitored using diffusion tubes. These are located at and near to busy roads and junctions, as well as at a number at locations where there are no obvious sources of NO2, referred to as 'background' locations.
Contact
Email: pollution.control@dundeecity.gov.uk
Tel: 01382 433710