Practice Test GeeksETC - Environmental Technician Certification Practice Test
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Air Quality & Emissions Monitoring Flashcards

7 cards from real ETC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. What is the primary purpose of a Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (CEMS)?

    Answer: To provide real-time measurement of pollutant emissions from a stationary source

    CEMS continuously measure and record pollutant concentrations directly at the emission point (e.g., a stack) in real time to demonstrate compliance with permit limits.

  2. What does the acronym NAAQS stand for?

    Answer: National Ambient Air Quality Standards

    NAAQS stands for National Ambient Air Quality Standards, which are EPA standards for outdoor (ambient) air quality for six criteria pollutants.

  3. EPA Method 5 is primarily used to measure which type of air pollutant from stationary sources?

    Answer: Filterable particulate matter

    EPA Method 5 is the reference method for determining filterable particulate matter emissions from stationary sources using a heated probe, filter, and impinger train.

  4. What is the purpose of isokinetic sampling during stack emissions testing?

    Answer: To match the sampling velocity to the stack gas velocity so representative particulate samples are collected

    Isokinetic sampling matches the probe inlet velocity to the stack gas velocity, preventing over- or under-sampling of particulates that would bias results.

  5. Which analyzer technology is most commonly used to measure ambient nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations in continuous air quality monitors?

    Answer: Chemiluminescence

    Chemiluminescence analyzers detect NO2 by measuring the light emitted when nitric oxide (NO) reacts with ozone; NO2 is converted to NO before detection.

  6. What unit of measurement is used for the 24-hour NAAQS standard for PM2.5?

    Answer: Micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³)

    The PM2.5 24-hour NAAQS is expressed in micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³), currently set at 35 µg/m³.

  7. Which EPA-approved method is used to collect volatile organic compound (VOC) air samples for subsequent laboratory analysis?

    Answer: SUMMA canister or Tedlar bag with EPA TO-15

    SUMMA canisters (evacuated stainless steel) and Tedlar bags, analyzed by EPA TO-15, are standard methods for collecting and analyzing VOCs in ambient or indoor air.