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QUALITY ASSURANCE PERFORMANCE AUDIT REPORT FOR THE SECRETARIA DEL MEDIO AMBIENTE CIUDAD DE MEXICO, DF, MEXICO RED AUTOMATICA DE MONITOREO ATMOSFERICO (RAMA) AIR QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS
Citation:
Colon, M AND J W. Duncan. QUALITY ASSURANCE PERFORMANCE AUDIT REPORT FOR THE SECRETARIA DEL MEDIO AMBIENTE CIUDAD DE MEXICO, DF, MEXICO RED AUTOMATICA DE MONITOREO ATMOSFERICO (RAMA) AIR QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/600/R-01/038 (NTIS PB2001-108589), 2001.
Impact/Purpose:
The objective of this task is to develop state-of-the-art methods for measuring xenobiotic compounds, to include the isolation of the analyte from the appropriate matrix (extraction), preconcentration (typically sorbent-based), and analysis via GC/MS and/or LC/MS. Once established, these methods will be applied in small scale pilot studies or demonstration projects. Particular emphasis will be placed on methods which are readily transferable to other laboratories, including those within the Human Exposure and Atmospheric Sciences Division (HEASD), the National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL), other EPA Laboratories, Program Offices, Regions, and academic institutions.
Specific objectives of this task include the following:
1) Development of GC/MS and LC/MS methods for the measurement of key xenobiotic compounds and their metabolites (to include the pyrethroid pesticides, perfluorinated organic compounds, and the BFRs) in relevant environmental and biological matrices.
2) Development of efficient low cost methods for the extraction and clean up of these compounds collected from relevant matrices.
3) Determination of xenobiotic compound and metabolite concentrations in samples derived from laboratory and field monitoring studies to help assess exposures and evaluate associated risks.
Description:
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) conducted this evaluation of the air monitoring network, known as RAM (Red Automatica de Monitoreo Atmosferico) at the request of the Mexico City Secretariat of the Environment on October 16-27, 2000. This evaluation was performed in two stages: System Audit and Performance Audit. RAMA is comprised of 32 monitoring stations distributed in the Federal District (21) and Mexico State (11), of which only 14 of those stations were evaluated during the year 2000 audit. These stations contain monitors for measuring and recording/transmitting ambient levels of various combinations of carbon monoxide (C), nitrogen oxide (NO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). The monitoring network is operated by Mexico City's RAMA staff. The staff is responsible for the proper function and quality of the whole network. The staff is highly qualified to perform their duties. This audit was performed under the U.S. EPA criteria for ambient monitoring stations. Known concentrations of calibration gas mix were introduced in each instrument and its output was reported. One-hundred percent of the evaluated equipment passed acceptable limit.
This report has been reviewed in accordance with the U.S. EPA Agency's peer and administrative review policies and approved for presentation and publication. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.