Project Overview

The aim of this pilot study is to scope air quality across Montserrat, and gain a preliminary understanding of the amounts and sources of any potential air pollution from both natural and human activity (e.g. volcanic gases, ash, vehicle exhausts, Saharan dust). No real-time air quality monitoring has been conducted on Montserrat for around two decades, so this work will bring on-island monitoring up-to-date and enable comparison with global air quality standards such as those set by the World Health Organization. Air quality can vary substantially across small distances and over short periods of time. We have installed 13 air quality sensors across 8 sites across the island, which record real-time measurements of two common air pollutants: sulphur dioxide (SO₂), and particulate matter (PM). These complement an existing monitoring network installed and maintained by the MVO, which measures monthly concentrations of SO₂.

This network of sensors includes two regulatory-grade instruments installed at MVO, which have been kindly provided on temporary loan by the UK Center of Ecology and Hydrology and the UK National Centre for Atmospheric Science. The network will remain active for two years, with MVO providing essential maintenance and support throughout this period. After this, the need for longer term monitoring will be reviewed based on the results.

Monitoring Map

The map of Montserrat below shows the location of the PM air quality monitoring sensors. Please note that all data shown on this map is preliminary, and subject to change following calibration to regulatory-grade instruments (not shown on map).

Visit the following link to learn more about the sensors and to view real-time (preliminary) data.

Air Quality Map

Contact

For more information regarding the Montserrat Air Quality Project, please contact Rosie Lewis.
Email:
eerjl@leeds.ac.uk