Understanding the science and principles of ammonia as an air quality pollutant and how to measure it.
Location:
Edinburgh
UK Centre For Ecology & Hydrology ,Penicuik, EH26 0QB, United Kingdom
Location map and travel directions.
Cost:
Students £549
Professionals £599
Save £70! A limited number of early-bird discount tickets are available and must go by 30 November.
Date:
Tue 25 – Wed 27 February 2025
Start time on day 1: 10:30; finish on day 3: 4 pm.
Sign up online here now and save £70! (credit & debit cards accepted)
Short course description:
This dynamic 3-day interactive course is designed to provide a practical, hands-on understanding of ammonia air quality pollution. With a focus on how ammonia is measured and the real-world application of the principles, participants will gain the tools necessary to inform and support regulatory decisions effectively. You’ll learn how ammonia emissions impact sensitive ecosystems, the methods used to measure ammonia, and how to connect measurement data to regulatory frameworks and local assessments.
Day 1:
- Understanding ammonia as an atmospheric pollutant: sources, legislation, and mitigation strategies.
- Impact of ammonia on ecosystems and air quality.
- Practical overview of emissions modelling and its integration with measurement techniques.
- Exercise: Communicating ammonia science to stakeholders.
Day 2:
- Techniques and best practices for measuring ammonia in air.
- Designing and conducting effective ammonia experiments.
- Practical exercise: Developing your own ammonia experiment.
Day 3:
- Future developments in ammonia science and measurement techniques.
- Field site visit: Practical application of measurement techniques at a designated site.
- Wrap-up session: Embedding learning and preparing for real-world applications.
- By the end of the course, you will have a basic understanding of ammonia as an air pollutant. You will also have an appreciation of how ammonia is measured and how measurement data may be used in effects assessments.
Course objectives:
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of ammonia as an air pollutant, focusing on its impacts on ecosystems, air quality, and human health.
- Identify and categorise the primary sources of ammonia emissions, both natural and anthropogenic.
- Explore UK government policies and regulations aimed at reducing ammonia emissions and learn strategies for mitigating its environmental impacts.
- Master practical methods for measuring ammonia levels in ambient air, with hands-on guidance on choosing the right techniques for various conditions.
- Learn how to apply ammonia measurement data effectively in environmental assessments, supporting regulatory decisions and policy development.
Target audience:
This course is ideal for regulators, local government employees, environmental consultants, and agricultural advisors. Whether you're involved in air quality management, policy-making, or simply want to gain a foundational understanding of ammonia pollution, this course will equip you with the skills to take action. The course is aimed at those with an interest in ammonia and assessment of its effects:
- Legislators
- Local government employees
- UK agency staff
- Non-scientists
- Farmers
- Agricultural consultants
- Those wanting an introduction to ammonia air quality science basics
This is an introductory course to enable a basic level understanding of the topic area.
If you wish to develop your skills beyond this course to be able to provide ammonia monitoring design and evidence-gathering expertise, please contact UKCEH for further information and discussion.
Level:
Beginner
Places:
20 places
Hardware and software requirements:
You may wish to bring your own laptop for taking notes. UKCEH will provide all course notes and copies of presentations in electronic format.
Accommodation:
The cost of accommodation is not included in the price.
Please find the accommodation guide for Edinburgh here.
Course leaders:
Amy Stephens, Environmental Chemist , UKCEH
Amy has worked for UKCEH as an Environmental Chemist for eight years. Her research is focused on ammonia in air measurements. Amy manages the national ammonia network as well as several projects measuring ammonia levels on sensitive ecosystems. Amy is also managing the delivery of ALPHA® and DELTA® samplers and analysis to our customers and training them on how to correctly use the systems.
Pablo Espina Martin, Atmospheric Ammonia Pollution Measurement Scientist, UKCEH – ammonia measurement/ experiment expert scientist.
Maude Grenier, Environmental Ecologist, UKCEH with specialisation in ammonia impacts.
William Fincham, Spatial Data Analyst, UKCEH
Will specialises in visualising and interpreting atmospheric emissions and concentrations, often focusing on nitrogen species (e.g., ammonia). His work spans a variety of projects, ranging from modelling future emissions scenarios to assessing optimal measurement plans for atmospheric concentrations, in addition to interpreting the potential impacts of these measurements. Will predominantly uses the open-source coding language R to facilitate transparency and reproducibility of his work."
Previous course participants said:
The feedback for the in-person course in September 2023 was 94% positive.
"I liked the participative nature of the course best. The trainers had professional in-depth and applied knowledge."
(Sue Buckingham, Natural Resources Wales, September 2023)
"I liked the relaxed atmosphere, the interactive exercises and the expertise of the trainers best."
(Ceri Meehan, Natural England, September 2023)
"The course has been very interesting, informative and helpful. The way the trainers and Amy delivered it was very pleasant and easy."
(Mark Taylor, Natural England, February 2022)
"The trainers were so knowledgeable, explained everything well and clearly and encouraged group discussion."
(learner, September 2023)