As part of work conducted by the community, researchers from the University of Stirling, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Stirling Council, local air quality monitoring has been taking place across Doune and Deanston. Small air quality sensors have been installed around the community, guided by input from locals (and indeed hosted by some residents), with the results shared at the latest community workshop event on the 3rd December. During this event community members were invited to spot trends and patterns in the data and suggest potential local sources.
Left: one of the temporary monitoring stations installed on Teith Road, Deanston. Right: air quality drop-in on Saturday 3rd December 2022
Largely consistent diurnal patterns were observed for key pollutants across the village. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which is a product of the combustion of fossil fuels (particularly fuel used in cars), showed morning and evening spikes generally consistent with the school and work commute. Particulate Matter (sometimes abbreviated to PM and consists of solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air) is a product of combustion (including domestic (e.g., wood and coal), transport and industry related).
Other sources include the reaction of atmospheric gases or can be of natural origin (e.g., sea salt, suspended soil and dust). PM showed patterns consistent with the morning and evening commute, but, more predominately, with local solid fuel burning taking place in the evenings. Examples for Castle Hill Court are shown below, but other monitoring locations included Fir Road, The Cross, Teith Road and Balkerach Street.
Above: results from installation at Castlehill Court
Air quality results collected from all temporary monitoring locations will be published on this website upon completion of the project.
The third and final drop-in workshop event looks at potential ways to improve air quality. It takes place on Saturday 10th December 2022 between 10am and 1pm in the Information and Heritage Centre (61–63 Balkerach Street, Doune FK16 6DF). Everyone is welcome!
Amy McCarron
University of Stirling