Environmental monitoring: goals and objectives
Environmental monitoring is a complex research aimed at assessing the current state and dynamics of environmental changes under the influence of various factors. The main objective of environmental monitoring is the timely detection and prevention of negative environmental processes and phenomena that can lead to the degradation of natural systems and reduce the quality of life of the population. Monitoring tasks include collection, processing and analysis of environmental information, determination of ecosystem development trends, as well as development of scientifically based recommendations for decision-making in the field of environmental protection and sustainable use of natural resources.
What environmental controls can be
Environmental control is a process with many aspects of activity and is categorised according to various criteria.
According to the specifics of the objects of observation
In the context of specific objects of observation, environmental monitoring covers a wide range of spheres, including monitoring of atmospheric air quality, which involves studying the composition and properties of the atmosphere, controlling the concentration of pollutants and assessing their impact on human health and the state of ecosystems. Water resources monitoring is aimed at analysing the quality of surface and ground waters, identifying sources of pollution and assessing their impact on aquatic ecosystems. The study of soils within the framework of environmental monitoring includes assessment of their fertility, structure, composition and pollution, which is critical for agriculture and protection of natural areas. Monitoring of flora and fauna allows tracking the state and dynamics of biodiversity, identifying threats to rare and endangered species, and assessing the impact of anthropogenic activities on living organisms.
Monitoring in ecology by scale of observation
A distinction is also made between the process of observing and monitoring the state of an ecosystem, depending on the scale of observation. In this context, environmental monitoring can be:
- Local, covering specific areas or sites, such as industrial plants, protected areas or urban agglomerations.
- Regional monitoring extends to wider areas such as rivers, lakes, forests and entire ecoregions, requiring co-ordination between different organisations and agencies.
- Global monitoring aims to study and analyse global environmental processes and changes such as climate change, ozone layer degradation, biodiversity loss and others requiring international cooperation and data exchange.
By main areas of activity
Monitoring in ecology covers a variety of activities.
In this regard, environmental monitoring can be:
- basic, focused on regular collection of data on the state of key environmental components;
- thematic, focusing on the study of specific environmental problems or aspects of human interaction with nature;
- specialised, involving an in-depth study of certain phenomena or processes using specific methods and technologies.
Environmental monitoring programme at the enterprise
Environmental monitoring at an enterprise represents a key element of the company's environmental strategy aimed at minimising its environmental impact. The main objective of the environmental monitoring programme (EMP) is to ensure sustainable development of production with simultaneous reduction of environmental damage.
In what cases is it carried out
An environmental monitoring programme is carried out in a number of situations where an enterprise's activities have the potential to cause environmental damage. Such cases include:
- Emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere exceeding the normatively established indicators.
- Discharges of industrial and domestic wastewater into water bodies without appropriate treatment.
- Generation and disposal of production and consumption wastes, especially those hazardous to the environment.
- Operation of technological equipment capable of causing mechanical, chemical or other deterioration of soil, water resources and the atmosphere.
Procedure for conducting the EMP
An environmental monitoring programme begins with detailed planning that includes:
- Identification of key aspects of the enterprise's impact on natural components and possible risks to the environment.
- Selection of research methodologies and the parameters and indicators to be monitored.
- Developing a research schedule, including frequency of sample collection and data analysis.
Main stages of control
The process of environmental monitoring starts with the selection of research objects. Key control points are identified on the territory of the enterprise and in the zone of its influence, where the greatest negative impact on the ecosystem is possible.
Air, water, soil and other environmental components are regularly sampled to determine the level of pollution. Samples are analysed using certified methods and equipment ensuring high accuracy of results.
On the basis of data analysis, the current state of the environment in the area of the enterprise's operations is assessed and trends in pollution levels are determined.
At the final stage, proposals and measures are formulated to reduce the negative impact on the ecosystem, including technological modernisation, improvement of treatment systems, optimisation of waste management processes and other environmental protection measures.
Order a turnkey PEM in Kazakhstan
The highest quality services for all industrial environmental monitoring processes are provided by Promanalit in Kazakhstan, which has established itself as a reliable partner in the field of environmental monitoring. ‘Promanalit’ stands out due to many years of experience in the development of complex eco-monitoring programmes, which allows us to guarantee high accuracy of research and compliance of all procedures with established standards.
The company's specialists are highly qualified and have in-depth knowledge in the field of ecology, which ensures a comprehensive and professional approach to each project.
Within the framework of cooperation with Promanalit, your company will not only fulfil all the necessary requirements of environmental legislation, but will also make a significant contribution to improving the environmental situation in the region, reduce the anthropogenic impact on nature and increase environmental responsibility in production.