Measurement of PM2.5 and PM10 Concentrations in Nakhodka City with a Network of Automatic Monitoring Stations

Abstract

The Nakhodka city – Port Vostochny urban agglomeration is Russia’s largest transport hub on the Pacific Ocean. Within Nakhodka city, there are several marine terminals involved in coal handling and shipment. An increase in coal handling leads to environmental pollution and an impact on public health. This work focuses on the concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 in the air of Nakhodka city during the period from January to May 2021. PM concentrations were measured using a network of automatic monitoring stations deployed in 5 districts of Nakhodka city. Data on PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were averaged by months. According to the results obtained, the highest concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 were observed in the winter months, and then there was a gradual decrease in concentrations at all observation points. Elevated concentrations of particulate matter were observed to the north of the Nakhodka port, which is due to the proximity to the port infrastructure and the railroad, as well as in the central part of the city. Given the specific conditions of occurrence and transport of suspended particles in the atmosphere of Nakhodka city, they can be hazardous to public health.