Information about the pollutants we monitor in the borough
Pollutants and monitoring methods
Air pollutants are emitted from a variety of both natural and man-made sources. Many everyday activities can have a negative effect on air quality, and therefore human health, such as:
- farming
- energy generation
- transport
- industry
The pollutants we monitor are:
- Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
- Particulate Matter (PM10)
We review the concentration/levels of these pollutants within the borough against National Air Quality Objectives.
Nitrogen Dioxide
Air Quality Monitoring Stations
We have automatic pollution monitoring stations at the following locations:
- South Gates Park, King's Lynn
- Gaywood Clock
Southgates monitoring station
These sites measure NO2, mainly from road traffic and background sources.
Diffusion tubes
These are small plastic tubes that contain a chemical that reacts with NO2. They provide us with an average concentration of NO2 in the air.
Sources of NO2 include:
- combustion of fossil fuels
- use of motor vehicles
- industrial processes
There are currently 71 diffusion tubes located across the borough. The tubes are usually placed on the front of buildings near a busy road, or at road junctions.
We change these monthly and get them analysed.
The monthly average NO2 level is used to calculate a yearly average. We then compare this to the yearly average objective level in the National Air Quality Objectives.
Image of a diffusion tube
The results are used, with other data, to compile yearly air quality reports called Annual Status Reports. These are submitted to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). You can view the reports on our air quality information page.
- Diffusion tube results 2020
- Diffusion tube results 2019
- Diffusion tube results 2018
- Diffusion tube results 2017
Particulate Matter
Image of an OSIRIS unit
Particulate Matter (PM10) is currently measured automatically using a TEOM located in Self’s Field, Stoke Ferry. The results from this monitoring will be used to produce a detailed report in autumn 2019.
Additionally, particulate matter is measured at the following locations within the borough using OSIRIS units:
- Estuary Road, King's Lynn
- Page Stair Lane, King's Lynn
- Wretton Road, Stoke Ferry
- Buckenham Drive, Stoke Ferry
The PM10 measured is mainly from local industrial activities.
Taxi rank monitoring
We've received concerns about the air quality in the undercover taxi rank close to the bus station. We've carried out extra monitoring to look at Nitrogen Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide & Benzene:
2015 results
2019 results
COVID-19 and air quality trends
We've created a document that compares the likely impacts of traffic movements before and during the COVID-19 lockdown. Find out more on our air quality trends document.
Viewing our data
The monitoring data collected from all stations is available to view from our data management website.
Or you can download the UKAir app available for both apple and android.