Which type of monitoring is critical for detecting contamination in the air?

Air quality monitoring is crucial for detecting contamination in the air because it involves the systematic measurement and analysis of pollutants and hazardous substances present in the atmosphere. This type of monitoring typically utilizes various instruments and methods to assess the concentration of compounds such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter, and other harmful substances that can have detrimental effects on human health and the environment.

Effective air quality monitoring can also help identify sources of pollution, track changes in air quality over time, and inform public health decisions and regulatory compliance. While soil, water, and wastewater monitoring are important for understanding contamination in those respective environments, they do not directly measure airborne contaminants. Therefore, air quality monitoring is the most relevant and effective method for detecting contamination specifically in the air.