Air pollution is a major concern nowadays due to its negative influence on health and economy. To create a cleaner, greener and healthier future for everyone, it is essential to have a good air quality measuring and monitoring system.
This project focused on strengthening the capacities for air quality management in Montenegro. It involved the purchase, delivery and installation of equipment, as well as training on how to use it, with the aim of upgrading the existing and establishing new fixed automatic measuring stations for monitoring ambient air quality. The project also helped purchase laboratory equipment and relevant consumables.
Furthermore, the project aimed to establish air quality monitoring within the State Network in accordance with the new air quality zones and in the most representative locations within a wider geographical area. During the implementation period, the project resulted in an analysis of the existing locations, which helped define proposals for new locations. On that basis, two more stations were set up, namely in Kotor and Bijelo Polje, while the existing stations were equipped with analyzers.
Within the network there are now a total of 9 measuring stations, located in 3 zones:
- North Zone: Pljevlja (urban area); Gradina and village Krusevo, Pljevlja (rural area); Bijelo Polje (urban area);
- Central Zone: Nikšić (urban area); Blok V, Podgorica (urban area); Zabjelo, Podgorica (an urban area, strongly influenced by traffic); Gornje Mrke, Podgorica (rural area);
- South Zone: Bar (urban area), Kotor (urban area, strongly influenced by traffic).
The expansion of the State Network for air quality monitoring and increasing the number of parameters monitored helped meet the requirements of the Air Quality Framework Directive. As a result, significant progress has been made towards fulfilling the requirements stemming from the accession process. Also, interruptions in measurements caused by frequent equipment breakdowns have been reduced, while the project also helped ensure greater data availability and continuity of measurement. In short, Montenegro now has a stable measurement system with modern equipment for air quality monitoring and management.
