Ground-level Ozone Air Pollution in Vilnius City

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to assess distribution of ground-level ozone concentration in Vilnius city. We used a portable Aeroqual series 300 ozone monitor. Sampling was carried out in Vilnius city during four seasons, during 2006-2007 years period. The results of this study revealed, that annual mean of ground-level ozone concentration in Vilnius city was 30,3 µgm -3 . The highest ground-level ozone concentration was in the Virsuliskiai district (43,1 µgm -3 ), lowest - at the highway of Eisiskės (17,9 µgm -3 ). The highest average seasonal concentration was determined during summer (49,6 µgm -3 ) and the lowest - during autumn (16,9 µgm -3 ). Ground-level ozone concentration also has a clear diurnal cycle, with higher values in day-time and notably lower values at night. Minimal ground-level ozone concentration was at 6 hour in morning (4,0 µgm -3 ), maximum at 13 hour (87,0 µgm -3 ). Concentration of ground-level ozone in Vilnius during measurement period had not exceeded the stated value (120,0 µgm -3 ). It is known that meteorological conditions influence formation and dispersion of ground-level ozone. Our results showed that ground-level ozone concentration correlated significantly with temperature (r= 0,554 p= 0,000) and wind speed (r= -0,785 p= 0,000).