Ozone Concentration Levels in Urban Environments-Upper Silesia Region Case Study

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Atmospheric Chemistry
• Public Health

Background:

• Tropospheric ozone (O3) is a harmful air pollutant and greenhouse gas, impacting human health and ecosystems.
• Assessing O3 concentrations is vital for public health protection, especially in industrialized regions like Silesia Province.

Observation:

• Ozone (O3) levels were monitored at rural, urban, and city locations in Silesia Province from 2015 to 2017.
• Data analysis involved cluster analysis, WPGMA, and Chebyshev distances to compare ozone concentration distributions.
• Measurements were based on 8-hour averages, with specific attention to alarm (240 µg/m³ for 3h) and target levels.

Findings:

• The alarm level for ozone (O3) was not exceeded at any monitoring station during the study period.
• The target level for O3 was exceeded in 2015 at all stations, and in subsequent years at specific locations (Zloty Potok, Katowice).
• Exceedances of the target O3 level predominantly occurred in August, influenced by environmental factors such as landform and surrounding areas.

Implications:

• Ozone (O3) concentrations in Silesia Province during 2015-2017 did not present a significant health risk to the general population.
• Environmental conditions play a crucial role in determining local ozone (O3) levels, highlighting the need for geographically specific air quality management.
• Continued monitoring of tropospheric ozone is essential for safeguarding public health and understanding atmospheric processes.