ALPHA Passive Ammonia Co-located Study
Introduction
This study is part of the Ammonia Monitoring Network (AMoN) and involves a side-by-side evaluation of two passive samplers: the NADP-approved Radiello sampler and the ALPHA (Adaptive Low-cost Passive High Absorption) sampler, commonly used in the United Kingdom. The study began on November 19, 2024, across 10 AMoN sites in the United States and Canada. For a duration of nine months, duplicate Radiello and ALPHA samplers will be deployed at each site for two-week intervals.
The study aims to:
Co-located Study Participants
Ten sites were selected to participate in the ALPHA Passive Ammonia Co-located Study.
The bi-weekly sample change requires minimal time. During each sample change for the existing AMoN sampler, the operator will deploy duplicate ALPHA and Radiello samplers (four samplers total). Operators will also complete a field form during the deployment and retrieval process before packaging the samples for shipment to the NADP Analytical Laboratory (NAL).
Once the passive samples are received at the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH), analysis will be conducted using the Lachat Flow Injection Analysis (FIA) instrument.
CONTACT
Katie Blaydes, NAL Chemist Supervisor
Email: katie.blaydes@slh.wisc.edu
Tel. 608-224-4334
Operator Support
Operator support is available to help answer questions about sampling, shipping, and general site questions. Call the 1-800-952-7353 toll free number or send an email to amon@slh.wisc.edu.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- ALPHA Passive Ammonia Site Operator Instructions
- ALPHA Passive Ammonia Field Form
- ALPHA Sampler Change-out training video
Sampling Schedule
The ALPHA Passive Ammonia samplers follow the same schedule as the current AMoN Network schedule.
Method Development
The UKCEH ALPHA® (Adapted Low-cost Passive High Absorption) sampler is a system designed for the measurement of the concentration of ammonia (NH3) in air. It has been used for over 10 years on the UK national ammonia monitoring network and designed for ecosystem impact assessment studies. It is a simple to use, low cost method which does not require electricity. It is useful as a complementary method for assessing spatial differences in source areas where NH3 concentrations may vary hugely. It does not sample ammonium aerosol.
The ALPHA device includes three major parts;
- a plastic body containing the coated inner filter
- a Membrane cap that holds the PTFE membrane filter
- a protective (embossed) cap
- a laboratory cap
The samplers operate on the principle of diffusion with an acid-coated filter which serves to capture the ammonia. All of the plastic components of the ALPHA® samplers, including the PTFE membranes, can be cleaned and reused. The only component that is single use is the filter paper.
Sampler Selection Justification
The ALPHA has been well reviewed in the literature and this method has shown to be accurate in many different environments and at the atmospheric concentration levels that we need. The method is currently used in the UK Eutrophying and Acidifying Network (UKEAP) National Ammonia Monitoring Network (NAMN).
References
- Martin Nicholas A, Ferracci Valerio, Cassidy Nathan, Hook Josh, Battersby Ross M, di Meane Elena Amico, Tang Yuk S, Stephens Amy C M, Leeson Sarah R, Jones Matthew R, Braban Christine F, Gates Linda, Hangartner Marcus, Stoll Jean-Marc, Sacco Paolo, Pagani, Diego, Hoffnagle John A, Seitler, Eva (2019). Validation of ammonia diffusive and pumped samplers in a controlled atmosphere test facility using traceable Primary Standard Gas Mixtures. Atmospheric Environment, 199. 453-462. DOI: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2018.11.038
- Tang Y Sim, Braban Christine F, Dragosits Ulrike, Simmons Ivan, Leaver David, van Dijk Netty, Poskitt Janet, Thacker Sarah, Patel Manisha, Carter Heather, Pereira M Gloria, Keenan Patrick O, Lawlor Alan, Connolly Christopher, Vincent Keith, Heal Mathew R, Sutton Mark A (2018). Acid gases and aerosol measurements in the UK (1999–2015): regional distributions and trends. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 18 (22). 16293-16324. DOI:10.5194/acp-18-16293-2018
- Tang Y S, Braban C F, Dragosits U, Dore A J, Simmons I, van Dijk N, Poskitt J, Pereira M G, Keenan P O, Conolly C, Vincent K, Smith R I, Heal M R and Sutton M A (2018). Drivers for spatial, temporal and long-term trends in atmospheric ammonia and ammonium in the UK, Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 18, 705-733, DOI: 10.5194/acp-18-705-2018
- Puchalski M A, Sather M E , Walker J T, Lehnmann C M B, Gay D A, Mathew J, Robarge, W P (2011). Passive ammonia monitoring in the United States: Comparing three different sampling devices. Journal of Environmental Monitoring, 13, 3156. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/C1EM10553A