Abstract
This paper presents a 120-day-long variability of chemical composition of submicron particulate matter (PM1) over Warsaw. The content of the following components was examined in the PM1 mass: primary (POM) and secondary (SOM) organic matter, secondary inorganic matter (SIM), elemental carbon (EC) as well as Na and Cl ions (primary inorganic matter). The 24-hour concentrations of PM1 were subject to seasonal fluctuations which are typical of urban areas in Poland; their values averaged 11 µg m–3 in summer and 17 µg m–3 in winter. Most of the PM1 components and gaseous pollutants (SO2, NO2 and NOx) revealed higher mean concentrations in winter than in summer. A statistical analysis of meteorological parameters and 24-h concentrations of PM1, PM10, SO2, NO2 and NOx confirmed a significant influence of air temperature and precipitation on the concentration patterns of these pollutants over Warsaw. The highest concentrations of PM1 occurred in winter for the following wind directions: S, SE, N and NE; in summer for NE, E and S. The analysis of back trajectories demonstrated that on days with the highest 24-h concentration of PM1 polluted air masses arrived from S and SE and affected the concentration of PM1 over Warsaw. The submicron particulate matter, in as much as 62%, comprises secondary matter (SOM and SIM). The primary sources of its precursors and – to a smaller extent – of the primary matter as well – are traffic and combustion of various fuels for the purpose of heat and power generation. Their average contribution to the development of PM1 was 15% and 51%, respectively, for the entire period of observations.
Highlights
Synoptic and meteorological conditions have a major role in the development of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) concentration
The 24-hour concentrations of PM1 were subject to seasonal fluctuations which are typical of urban areas in Poland; their values averaged 11 μg m–3 in summer and 17 μg m–3 in winter
The primary factor which determines the presence of PM or gaseous precursors of PM in the Majewski et al, Aerosol and Air Quality Research, 18: 636–654, 2018 atmosphere, is the emission
Summary
Synoptic and meteorological conditions have a major role in the development of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) concentration. In Polish urban areas, main sources of PM and its gaseous precursor emissions are: the so-called low or communal emissions, which involves dust and gases from the combustion of coal and its derivatives in household stoves and local boiler plants. They tend to be occasionally fed with plastics, solid and organic waste. Concentrations and chemical composition of PM1 were analysed on the basis of 120-day-long measurement campaign conducted at one measurement site within the Warsaw conurbation. The PM1 mass, which came either directly from emissions (primary PM) or from the transformations of PM gaseous precursors (secondary PM), was determined for each day of the measurement period
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