Abstract
The paper presents the temporal variability of surface ozone (O3) and its precursors (oxides of nitrogen - NOx) from January 2012 to December 2015. In the same time, this study is aimed to explore the influence of the weather elements on these two major atmospheric pollutants in the area of Iași city. The maximum record of nitrogen oxides reached during the 4 analyzed years was 1200 μ/m-3 on October 27, 2015, a period of the year when atmospheric stability prevails. During the warm season (considered from May to September) the highest concentration of ozone was recorded at 155 μ/m-3. The winds direction from SSE or NNW and the winds speed greater than 2 m/s can significantly increase the concentration of the O3 and NOx respectively. Also, the stable atmospheric conditions can increase especially the concentration of the nitrogen dioxides. The statistical results illustrate a strong Pearson's correlation of surface ozone with solar radiation/maximum air temperature (r >0.5). The correlations were strongest during the summer months. Using the composite method, between warm season and cold season a difference of the pollutants concentration greater than 30 units for NOx was observed. Synoptic conditions associated with high pollution are also described.
Highlights
The topic of atmospheric pollution is currently intensely discussed as a result of the industrial development combined with the steap increase of the population living in and around the cities worldwide and the increase in the car traffic in the last decennia as a major contributor to atmospheric pollution, especially within the cities and mainly with nitrogen oxides
Our study describes the general features of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and O3 concentration and distribution in Iași, and their relation to weather conditions, representing a first mandatory step in the current attempt to mitigate this local environmental problem
The first peak is directly in relation with the the accumulation in the maximum traffic hours (7-9,30), while the second one is probably related with the increasing atmospheric stability during the night. This link with traffic conditions and urban climate conditions is sustained by the lowest values of the nitrogen dioxides during the weekend days when the traffic is reduced and the NOx day maximum is lower than the night maximum
Summary
The topic of atmospheric pollution is currently intensely discussed as a result of the industrial development combined with the steap increase of the population living in and around the cities worldwide and the increase in the car traffic in the last decennia as a major contributor to atmospheric pollution, especially within the cities and mainly with nitrogen oxides. Beyond their origins, it is widely known that the concentration and the distribution of. Many studies have prroven that the ozone exposure is especially associated with small increases in asthma morbidity and even mortality (Kalabokas et al, 2000; Posede, 2008)
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