A Day in the Life of an Air Quality Consultant

Written One of Our Air Quality Specialists at Alkali Environmental

When most people walk past a construction site or drive through a busy junction, they don’t stop to think about what’s in the air. For me, that’s exactly what I’m there to find out. At Alkali Environmental, we help clients understand and manage how their activities affect local air quality — and it all begins with one thing: reliable data.

Every dataset tells a story about the air people breathe. Here’s what a typical day looks like when I’m out monitoring air quality on site.

Morning: Planning the Monitoring Strategy

Before I even leave the office, the planning starts. Each site is unique, so we begin by studying maps, traffic data, and weather patterns to select the most representative monitoring locations.
Where are the emission sources? What direction does the wind blow? Are there homes or schools nearby? These details determine where our equipment should go and how long it should run.

By the time I arrive on site, I have a clear plan for where every monitor will be placed — from lampposts on quiet roads to secure areas within active construction sites.

Midday: Installing and Calibrating Equipment

Once on site, it’s time for the hands-on work. Safety is always the priority — PPE on, induction complete — then I get started setting up the monitors. Depending on the project, we might be measuring particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, or volatile organic compounds.

Diffusion Tubes are ideal for long-term NO₂ monitoring. They’re simple, cost-effective, and left in place for several weeks before being analysed in a UKAS-accredited lab.
Particulate Monitors track dust and fine particles (PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅) in real time — invaluable for construction sites.
Continuous Analysers deliver the most precise, minute-by-minute data, perfect for detailed studies and compliance reporting.

Each instrument is installed and calibrated according to best practice to ensure accuracy. Once everything is running smoothly, I document the setup and make sure the equipment is safe, secure, and unobstructed.

Afternoon: Site Visits and Data Checks

Air quality monitoring is continuous, so regular site visits are essential. During these checks, I verify that the equipment is working correctly, replace filters or diffusion tubes, and note any environmental changes — strong winds, heavy rain, or nearby works can all influence results.

Back at our lab, the data undergoes strict quality assurance. We validate readings, remove anomalies, and make sure every dataset is scientifically robust. It’s a careful process that gives clients confidence their results will stand up to regulatory and planning scrutiny.

Evening: Making Sense of the Numbers

Once the monitoring period ends, I move from the field to the analysis stage. This is where the data comes to life.
We compare results against UK Air Quality Standards, local authority limits, and background concentrations to understand what’s really happening in the air.

Sometimes the data confirms compliance. Other times, it highlights the need for extra dust control or mitigation measures. Whatever the outcome, the goal is the same — to provide clear, evidence-based insights that help clients make informed, responsible decisions.

The Human Element

Behind every dataset is a team of environmental specialists committed to accuracy, safety, and quality. We work across all kinds of sites — from urban roadsides to quiet rural locations — and in every kind of weather. It’s practical, technical work, but also deeply meaningful. We know that what we measure helps protect both communities and the environment.

Looking Ahead: Smarter, Real-Time Monitoring

Air quality technology is evolving fast. At Alkali Environmental, we’re embracing innovations like remote data dashboards, sensor networks, and AI-assisted analysis. These tools make monitoring more efficient, transparent, and responsive — but our mission stays the same: deliver reliable data that supports cleaner air and sustainable development.