Abstract
Ground-based monitoring networks for evaluating atmospheric composition relevant to impacts on human health and the environment now exist worldwide (according to the United Nations Environment Programme, 48% of countries have an air quality monitoring system). Of course, this has not always been the case. Here, we analyse for the first time the key developments in network coordination and standardisation over the last 150 years that underpin the current implementations of city-scale to global monitoring networks for atmospheric composition. Examples include improvements in respect of site type and site representativeness, measurement methods, quality assurance, and data archiving. From the 1950s, these developments have progressed through two distinct types of network: those designed for the protection of human health, and those designed to increase scientific understanding of atmospheric composition and its interaction with the terrestrial environment. The step changes in network coordination and standardisation have increased confidence in the comparability of measurements made at different sites. Acknowledged limitations in the current state of monitoring networks include a sole focus on compliance monitoring. In the context of the unprecedented volumes of atmospheric composition data now being collected, we suggest the next developments in network standardisation should include more integrated analyses of monitor and other relevant data within “chemical climatology” frameworks that seek to more directly link the impacts, state and drivers of atmospheric composition. These approaches would also enhance the role of monitoring networks in the development and evaluation of air pollution mitigation strategies.
Highlights
But since the industrial revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries, human activities have been affecting the composition of the atmosphere and its consequent impacts on human health and the natural environment [1]
A series of advancements in atmospheric composition monitoring network coordination and standardisation since the mid-1800s has been shown to underpin the operation of the substantial number of such networks currently in existence worldwide
Since the 1950s, these developments have progressed through two types of networks, those coordinated to investigate human health impacts, and those coordinated to investigate interactions between atmospheric composition and the terrestrial environment
Summary
But since the industrial revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries, human activities have been affecting the composition of the atmosphere and its consequent impacts on human health and the natural environment [1]. The 19th century saw a growing interest in the investigation of atmospheric composition by direct measurement. Subsequent developments in ambient measurements means that these, along with laboratory studies and modelling, are fundamental to efforts to understand the chemical and physical processes of the atmosphere, and the changes in atmospheric impacts from changes in anthropogenic influence. While the three approaches are mutually beneficial [7], it is measurements that provide direct information about the atmosphere and which are essential for developing and validating model and laboratory representations of the atmosphere
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
