An atmospheric stability index based on radon progeny measurements for the evaluation of primary urban pollution

Abstract

An atmospheric stability index for the evaluation of urban primary pollution, based on the elaboration of natural radioactivity data yielded by a stability monitor, has been developed. The instrument determines the atmospheric concentration of the short-lived decay products of radon, whose emanation rate can be assumed to be constant in the time and space scale of observation. The index gives information about the dilution properties of the lower boundary layer and allows to highlight the relevant role of the dilution factor in determining primary pollution events. The atmospheric stability indices have been calculated during a 1-yr study carried out in the urban area of Rome (October 1999–September 2000). On the basis of the index, every day of the period has been classified in terms of intensity of a potential primary pollution event. The comparison between this classification and the real concentration value of primary pollutants, measured in the background urban station of Rome, yielded very good results. This shows that the index constitutes a powerful and valuable tool for describing primary pollution events in urban areas and confirms that the role played by the mixing properties of the lower boundary layer is essential in determining primary pollution in urban areas.