AIR POLLUTION MEASURED IN PRAGUE AND TEPLICE (CZECH REPUBLIC) DURING THE LAST THREE YEARS

Abstract

Concentrations of PM2.5, PM10 and PAHs were measured at a sampling site in Teplice, located in the industrialized NW part of Czech Republic, and at two (central and suburban) sites in Prague. PM and its constituents were sampled using modified dichotomous samplers at all three sites from 1999 through 2001. The seasonal variability in concentrations measured at the three sites is quite similar, reflecting the importance of seasonal climatologic factors in controlling the emissions of primary PM and the dilution and trapping of these emissions. PM concentrations at the two sites in Prague are highly correlated (r = 0.9) suggesting that common sources are contributing to the variability observed at these sites. There can be substantial differences in PM2.5 concentrations even though the concentrations measured at these two sites are highly correlated. Pearson correlation coefficients calculated between the site in Teplice and those in Prague are much lower (r = 0.44, 0.46) suggesting that there are substantial differences in sources in the two cities. There are also large differences between concentrations measured on individual days. These differences reflect differences in meteorology, topography and the types of sources present in these two cities. Traffic and coal combustion by nearby power plants and residences are major sources of primary PM and PAHs affecting Teplice, whereas traffic is the major source of primary PM and PAHs in central Prague. Concentrations at the suburban site in Prague are influenced mainly by emissions within Prague. All three sites are also affected by long range transport of secondary PM, mainly in the form of sulfate. This study was funded by the Czech Ministry of Environment, Project VaV 340/2/00.