AQS Assessment & Monitoring Methods 2

Question 1

Which EPA-designated method is the federal reference method (FRM) for measuring PM2.5 mass concentration?

Accepted Answer

Gravimetric filter-based sampler (40 CFR Part 50 Appendix L)

Answer

The EPA's FRM for PM2.5 is the gravimetric filter-based sampler described in 40 CFR Part 50, Appendix L.

Question 2

A continuous emissions monitoring system (CEMS) must complete a relative accuracy test audit (RATA) to demonstrate accuracy. What is the acceptable relative accuracy limit for most gaseous pollutants?

Accepted Answer

±10% of the mean reference value or 5 ppm absolute

Answer

EPA Performance Specification 2 (PS-2) requires RATA relative accuracy ≤10% of the mean reference value, or ≤5 ppm absolute, whichever is less restrictive.

Question 3

When calculating an ambient air quality monitoring network's representativeness, what does the term 'spatial scale of representativeness' refer to?

Accepted Answer

The geographic area over which measured concentrations are similar to the monitor's reading

Answer

Spatial scale of representativeness defines the area around a monitor where measured concentrations adequately characterize ambient air quality.

Question 4

In a source emissions test using Method 5 (EPA) for particulate matter, what is the purpose of the Greenburg-Smith impinger train?

Accepted Answer

To remove moisture and capture condensable particulate matter from the sample gas

Answer

The impinger train in Method 5 collects moisture and condensable PM downstream of the filter, completing the total particulate sample.

Question 5

Which quality assurance indicator measures the closeness of repeated measurements to each other, regardless of their closeness to the true value?

Accepted Answer

Precision

Answer

Precision describes the reproducibility of measurements; it does not indicate whether those measurements are correct (that is accuracy).

(AQS) Air Quality Specialist Certification Practice Test

(AQS) Air Quality Specialist Certification Practice Test

AQS Assessment & Monitoring Methods 2