Pesticide measurements in the air have been carried out in France since the 2000s and more specifically since 2003 in Brittany. Initially limited to a few weeks per year, the national exploratory campaign carried out in 2018/2019 made it possible to extend measurements to the whole year for all regions and to follow a harmonised national protocol. The use of these measurement data provided valuable information for monitoring the spatial and temporal evolution of pesticide levels in the air. In addition, work to link these air measurements with agricultural data is improving knowledge of airborne transfers and thus helping the agricultural sector to take this reduction into account. In Brittany, collaboration with public authorities and the agricultural sector has made it possible to explore new avenues for using and linking sales (or usage) data and agricultural practice data with air measurements. This article presents the benefits of these complementary approaches and the importance of a partnership bringing together the various stakeholders to bring about a change in practices.
Maritime transport significantly contributes to atmospheric pollution, causing 250,000 premature deaths and 6 million cases of childhood asthma annually due to emissions of ultra fine particles, nitrogen oxides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and heavy metals. Ship plumes have highly localised impacts in port towns, leading to intense but brief spikes in pollutant concentrations. Several emission reduction solutions have been implemented, including Emission Control Areas (ECA zones), on-shore electrification of vessels, exhaust filtration systems, and fuel switching. Local initiatives have emerged to ensure the effectiveness of these measures. An innovative partnership between air quality monitoring observatories and port stakeholders encourages shipping companies to transparently share their data and information. These collaborations also benefit academic research by developing expertise in measuring pollutants using drones, laboratory ships, and hyperspectral cameras. International collaborations have also established an innovative French-Italian port observatory, supported by citizen science, aimed at generating real-time impact indicators.
For more than half a century, Atmo Normandie has been studying odours, an issue which represents a health challenge for both employees and residents exposed to odour pollution. It is also a challenge in terms of local image and attractiveness as well as peaceful coexistence between residents and companies. Sensory methods remain relevant for identifying the source of odours and their impact on the environment, both during incidents (the odour incident in Rouen) and in situations involving chronic odours (AQAMETHA research project). The Langage des Nez (R) provides stakeholders with a way to objectively assess odour pollution and consider immediate or longer-term solutions. The method has been widely used in Normandy, but also in other regions (notably Nouvelle Aquitaine and the Pays de la Loire). Atmo Normandie and its partners now wish to take it to another level, as there are other regions in France and abroad where the Langage des Nez (R) is highly relevant.
The ABAA project was carned out between 2021 and 2025 by Air Breizh in partnership with the Brittany Chamber of Agriculture. Its objective was to work towards reducing ammonia emissions from agriculture, as ammonia is a precursor to fine particles and can alter terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. To achieve this objective, several actions were carried out, and the results of some of them are presented in this article: exploratory work carried out on ammonia emission inventories calculated by Air Breizh using the national methodology common to all AASQAS (Air Quality Monitoring Agencies); a campaign to measure ammonia and fine particles within farms in the pilot area; an evaluation of ammonia model outputs and improvement through the integration of measurement data; the development of an app for farmers, informing them of the risk of ammonia volatili-sation in the coming days and to adapt their spreading practices.
The biomethane sector is rapidly expanding in France and contributes to achieving national energy transition goals. However, this expansion can raise concerns regarding the impact of this activity on air quality and odours. In order to objectively assess this impact, the AQAMETHA study aims to develop a methodological approach that combines both the measurement of atmospheric pollutants (ammonia NH(3 )and hydrogen sulfide H2S) and olfactory characterisation within and around these units. To this end, 12 methanisation units representative of the national sector were selected across six different metropolitan regions. The results show that NH3 and H2S concentrations are highest at the property boundary and decrease rapidly near the first residential areas. Odour intensity can be strong within a 200-metre radius of the unit and may be detected up to 2,000 metres away at lower intensities. This methodological approach has strengthened the Langage des Nez (R) by adapting it to the field of methanisation. It can also serve as a tool to facilitate communication among operators, methanisation project developers, local residents and public authorities.
