Analysis of concentrations trends and origins of PM₁₀ in selected European cities

Abstract

Abstract. Particulate matter is generated in many natural and anthropogenic processes and, therefore, taking part in chemical reactions and physical processes in the atmosphere could affect human health, climate, and natural environment. The dust, after emission to the atmosphere, remains there in a floating state to form an atmospheric aerosol with different properties -depending on the morphology, the fraction, shape, surface, and chemical composition of the particles. The chemical composition of particulate matter is heterogeneous and depends on the type of emission sources and the time of residence in the atmosphere. The contribution of individual types of sources in the total dust emission is different in European countries. The aim of the study was to analyze the concentrations of PM 10 at urban background and traffic stations in the chosen 17 European cities. For this purpose, the data from the database of the European Environment Agency and Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection was used. The annual average concentrations of PM 10 and daily average concentrations of PM 10 in 2014 will be presented to confirm that in the European cities there is a problem about high PM 10 concentrations, especially in Poland and other eastern countries. In the case of daily average PM 10 concentration, the highest concentrations of pollutants in the winter season suggests that for the low air quality in these cities the phenomenon of so-called low-stack-emissions from the municipal sector is responsible.

Size-Segregated Particulate Matter in a Selected Sports Facility in Poland

“…This was probably due to the intensive heating of the rooms at night [48][49][50][51]. The second increase in hourly PM concentrations was observed in the hours of 4-6 pm, which is the time when, after returning home from work, people intensify heating again and often burn wood in fireplaces [48][49][50][51]. However, in this work, the measurements were carried out daily up to 4 pm, therefore, this fact was not recorded.…”

“…Outside in the heating season, the highest concentrations of PM fractions were noticed in the morning hours (8)(9)(10)(11). This was probably due to the intensive heating of the rooms at night [48][49][50][51]. The second increase in hourly PM concentrations was observed in the hours of 4-6 pm, which is the time when, after returning home from work, people intensify heating again and often burn wood in fireplaces [48][49][50][51].…”

Optical particulate matter sensors in PM2.5 measurements in atmospheric air

“…The latter includes emissions from commercial, institutional and households fuel combustion [8,9]. The impact of residential heating is in particular important in Poland [9], especially in winter season when fuel burning (mainly fossil fuels, sometimes of poor quality) and specific atmospheric conditions result in the high pollution events [10].…”

Preliminary analysis of variability in concentration of fine particulate matter - PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM10 in area of Poznań city

“…It can be concluded that the quality of air in this season is formed by the secondary uplift of particulate matter and the emission from transport, including abrasion of elements of vehicles and the surface of roads. In the summer season it is the road transport which constitutes the significant source of air contamination in cities of the Eastern Europe [2]. High temperatures of the air cause, that the factor, which is heating of the buildings, is eliminated.…”