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PM10 and PM2.5 Measuring Instruments: Ambient Particulate Monitors

← All measured parameters Dust, Particulate and Stack Flow

PM10, PM2.5 and dust measurement in ambient air: beta attenuation, TEOM and SHARP monitors, gravimetric reference samplers and optical dust meters.

Measurement methods: Beta Attenuation, TEOM, Gravimetric Particulate Sampling, Optical Scattering (Laser Photometer)

What are PM10 and PM2.5, and why are they measured?

PM10 and PM2.5 are the mass concentrations of airborne particles with aerodynamic diameters below 10 and 2.5 micrometers respectively. Because small particles reach deep into the respiratory tract, they are among the most closely monitored air quality parameters. Sources include traffic, heating, industry, construction, mining and natural dust transport. In air quality monitoring networks, PM is measured continuously to identify short-term pollution events and long-term trends, and instruments compatible with the reference method are preferred for this purpose.

Where are PM10 and PM2.5 measured?

  • Air quality monitoring stations: With continuous monitors.
  • Reference sampling points: With filter-based gravimetric samplers.
  • Construction, mining and open-pit sites: With portable optical dust meters.
  • Mobile and short-term campaigns: With portable air quality instruments.

Methods for measuring PM10 and PM2.5

  • Beta attenuation: Mass is calculated from the amount by which particles collected on a filter tape attenuate beta radiation; common in continuous monitoring.
  • TEOM: A tapered element oscillating microbalance directly measures the frequency change caused by accumulated mass.
  • Beta + light scattering (SHARP): Combines the two methods to produce fast, stable mass data.
  • Gravimetric sampling: Particles collected on a filter are weighed in the laboratory; this is the reference method and also provides a filter for chemical analysis.
  • Optical scattering: Real-time, portable dust monitoring.

Choosing a particulate monitor

  • Continuous data or reference sampling; PM10, PM2.5 or PM1 inlet requirement
  • Sample moisture management and data validation
  • Station infrastructure and maintenance plan

PM measurement with Tetra

Tetra supplies Thermo Scientific 5014i, 5028i, 5030i SHARP, TEOM 1405, Partisol, HiVOL and ADR-1500 instruments, along with Mega System Aither PMS sampler. It provides station integration, commissioning, calibration and service in Türkiye itself.

Frequently asked questions

What unit are PM10 and PM2.5 reported in?

Particulate concentration in ambient air is reported in micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³). Assessments are generally based on hourly, daily (24-hour) and annual averages. When comparing with limit values, attention should be paid to which averaging period applies.

How are continuous PM monitors verified against the reference method?

The reference method is gravimetric weighing of particles collected on a filter (EN 12341). The equivalence of automated monitors to this method is demonstrated by parallel measurements at the same location; a correction factor is applied to the results if necessary. In network operation, periodic parallel comparisons preserve data quality.

How often is a beta attenuation particulate monitor calibrated?

In routine operation, flow, leak tightness and temperature/pressure sensors are checked at regular intervals; the mass measurement is verified with reference foils of known mass. Cleaning of sample inlet parts such as the head and cyclone should also be included in the maintenance plan. Exact intervals are determined by the manufacturer's manual and the network's quality assurance procedure.

Why can optical dust meters give values different from the gravimetric result?

Optical instruments estimate mass from light scattering rather than measuring it directly; particle size, density and color affect the result. At high relative humidity, hygroscopic particles can grow and cause over-reading. Optical measurements are therefore indicative and become more reliable with site-specific gravimetric correction.

Products measuring this parameter

Mega System · Discontinued Mega System Select One and Lifetek PMS PM10/PM2.5 Samplers Select One and Lifetek PMS perform gravimetric PM10 and PM2.5 sampling of ambient air; PMS is TÜV-approved to EN 12341:2014. From Tetra in Türkiye. View → Thermo Scientific Thermo Scientific Partisol 2000i/2025i Particulate Samplers Thermo Scientific Partisol 2000i and 2025i reference particulate (PM10/PM2.5) air samplers. Sold and serviced in Türkiye by Tetra. View → Thermo Scientific · Discontinued Thermo Scientific HiVOL High-Volume Air Sampler Thermo Scientific HiVOL high-volume air sampler: PM2.5/PM10 dust collection with mass flow control. Discontinued; service and spare parts in Türkiye from Tetra. View → Thermo Scientific Thermo Scientific 5014i Beta Particulate (PM) Monitor Thermo Scientific 5014i beta attenuation continuous particulate (PM10/PM2.5) monitor. Sold, installed and serviced in Türkiye by Tetra. View → Thermo Scientific Thermo Scientific 5028i Dual Beta Particulate Monitor Thermo Scientific 5028i dual beta continuous particulate monitor; PM10 and PM2.5 measurement. Sold and serviced in Türkiye by Tetra. View → Thermo Scientific Thermo Scientific 5030i SHARP Continuous Particulate Monitor Thermo Scientific 5030i SHARP continuous particulate monitor: a combination of light scattering and beta measurement. Sold and serviced in Türkiye by Tetra. View → Thermo Scientific Thermo Scientific ADR-1500 Ambient Dust Monitor Thermo Scientific ADR-1500 ambient dust monitor: light scattering, PM10-PM1 inlets, 4-20 mA output. Sold and serviced in Türkiye by Tetra. View → Thermo Scientific Thermo Scientific GM-5000 Air Quality Monitor Thermo Scientific GM-5000 compact air quality instrument: CO, NO, NO₂, O₃, SO₂, t-VOC, PM2.5 and PM10 measurement. Sold and serviced in Türkiye by Tetra. View → Thermo Scientific · Discontinued Thermo Scientific TEOM 1405 Ambient Particulate Monitor Thermo Scientific TEOM 1405 continuous ambient particulate monitor: PM10, PM2.5 and PM1 mass measurement. Discontinued; service and spare parts in Türkiye from Tetra. View → Thermo Scientific Thermo Scientific pDR-1500 Personal Dust Monitor Thermo Scientific pDR-1500 / pDR-1200 personal DataRAM dust monitor: PM10-PM1 inlets. Sold and serviced in Türkiye by Tetra. View → bettair bettair MK2 Urban Air Quality IoT Sensor Node bettair MK2 is an IoT microsensor node that monitors gases, particulates and noise in urban environments, mounted on street lights. From Tetra in Türkiye. View → Mega System Mega System Aither PMS PM10/PM2.5 Sequential Sampler Mega System Aither PMS is a 21-filter sequential PM10 and PM2.5 sampler, compliant with EN 12341. Sold and serviced in Türkiye by Tetra. View → Thermo Scientific Thermo Scientific 5030iQ SHARP Particulate Monitor iQ series SHARP particulate monitor combining nephelometry and beta attenuation, for PM2.5 and PM10 monitoring. Sold and serviced in Türkiye by Tetra. View → Thermo Scientific Thermo Scientific 5014iQ Beta Particulate Monitor The iQ series 5014iQ monitor measures ambient PM by beta attenuation. Sold, installed and serviced in Türkiye by Tetra. View →
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