Geochemistry of PM<sub>10</sub> over Europe during the EMEP intensive measurement periods in summer 2012 and winter 2013

Abstract

Abstract. The third intensive measurement period (IMP) organised by the European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme (EMEP) under the UNECE CLTRAP took place in summer 2012 and winter 2013, with PM10 filter samples concurrently collected at 20 (16 EMEP) regional background sites across Europe for subsequent analysis of their mineral dust content. All samples were analysed by the same or a comparable methodology. Higher PM10 mineral dust loadings were observed at most sites in summer (0.5–10 µg m−3) compared to winter (0.2–2 µg m−3), with the most elevated concentrations in the southern- and easternmost countries, accounting for 20–40 % of PM10. Saharan dust outbreaks were responsible for the high summer dust loadings at western and central European sites, whereas regional or local sources explained the elevated concentrations observed at eastern sites. The eastern Mediterranean sites experienced elevated levels due to African dust outbreaks during both summer and winter. The mineral dust composition varied more in winter than in summer, with a higher relative contribution of anthropogenic dust during the former period. A relatively high contribution of K from non-mineral and non-sea-salt sources, such as biomass burning, was evident in winter at some of the central and eastern European sites. The spatial distribution of some components and metals reveals the influence of specific anthropogenic sources on a regional scale: shipping emissions (V, Ni, and SO42−) in the Mediterranean region, metallurgy (Cr, Ni, and Mn) in central and eastern Europe, high temperature processes (As, Pb, and SO42−) in eastern countries, and traffic (Cu) at sites affected by emissions from nearby cities.

Chemical characteristics of size resolved atmospheric aerosols in Iasi, north-eastern Romania. Nitrogen-containing inorganic compounds controlling aerosols chemistry in the area

“…Its maxima during the cold seasons might be the result of increased coal burning activities for heating purposes or due to the use of NaCl in winter to avoid the effects of slippery roads. These observations are in agreement with those of other studies conducted at eastern European sites (Arsene et al, 2011;Alastuey et al, 2016). However, Cl -mass concentration follows similar pattern with that 10 of K + (tracer of biomass burning) allowing us suggesting that over the cold seasons wood burning might become an important heating source (Christian et al, 2010;Akagi et al, 2011).…”

“…Parallel DLPI and SFU sampling runs (performed within January-July 2016) showed that the DLPI unit could collect in average with ~ 6.7 µg m -3 more particles than the SFU system. However, in a study from 2016, Alastuey et al (2016) attributed to regional or local sources (Alastuey et al, 2016). The difference observed in comparison with other European sites might actually reflect that altitude would be an important controlling factor to the atmospheric aerosol burden at a site.…”

A 3-D evaluation of the MACC reanalysis dust product over Europe, northern Africa and Middle East using CALIOP/CALIPSO dust satellite observations

“…According to Ginoux et al (2012) 55 % of the global dust emissions originate in northern Africa, with only 8 % being anthropogenic (mostly from the Sahel region). Significant amounts of dust are transported over Europe from the Sahara Desert and the Arabian Peninsula after crossing the Mediterranean Sea (Georgoulias et al, 2016a, and references therein) and also from smaller local sources (see Alastuey et al, 2016). Taking into account the determinant role of dust in processes related to weather and climate, human health, and the economy, it is obvious that adequately simulating the amount of dust and its optical properties over the region is essential.…”

Response to Referee #1

“…a rotating drum impactor; Lundgren, 1967) or on a combination of an impactor plate and a filter, such as in a streaker sampler (e.g. Annegarn et al, 1992). These samples are then exposed to Xrays or a particle beam without further treatment, which provide quantitative data with low detection limits.…”

“…For source apportionment of PM components like elements, a high time resolution of the order of 1 h or less is advantageous, as temporally variable environmental factors such as wind direction and speed or insolation may affect transport and source processes, e.g. resuspension (Annegarn et al, 1992;D'Alessandro et al, 2003;Sánchez-Rodas et al, 2007;Sarmiento et al, 2007;Visser et al, 2015b;Yadav and Turner, 2014). One such instrument, Cooper Environmental's Xact ® 625 Ambient Metals Monitor, performs in situ automated measurements of ambient PM 10 or PM 2.5 elemental concentrations for a user-defined set of 24 or more elements with a user-selected sampling time resolution of 15 to 240 min.…”