QA/QC Techniques for the Automated Hydrocarbon Monitoring Natwork in the UK

This paper presents an overview of the UK Hydrocarbon Monitoring Network and summarises some of the lessons learnt from running and automated VOC monitoring network in th UK. The paper will describe the operation of the network and the Quality Control and Quality Assurance (QA/QC) procedures used to ensure that the data qality objectives are met. The provision of accurate measurements of ambient air pollutant concentrations is a valuable and high-profile service of Governments, assisting policy decisions and allowing members of the public to be well-informed. The need for such measurements has been increased in the UK by the National Air Quality Strategy and European Air Quality Directives, with the National Networks playing a central role in delivering the information. The Hydrocarbon Network provides measurements directly in support of monitoring requirements for benzene and 1,3-butadiene, and of 23 other hydrocarbon species important for their role in ozone and secondary particulate formation.