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Spatial variation, temporal evolution, and source direction apportionment of PM1, PM2.5, and PM10: 3-year assessment
D Mecca1, C Boanini1, V Vaccaro1
1Politecnico Di Torino, DIATI - Department of Environment, Land and Infrastructure Engineering, Turin, Italy.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
|November 25, 2024
Summary
Urban air quality analysis in Turin revealed significant particulate matter (PM) pollution, especially PM10 and PM2.5, at traffic sites. Pollution sources were identified from the Po Valley and Saharan dust transport.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Atmospheric Chemistry
- Urban Climatology
Background:
- Increasing urban populations necessitate understanding particulate matter dynamics.
- Turin, located in the Po Valley, is a significant European pollution hotspot.
- Particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM10) impacts urban air quality and public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate temporal and spatial variations of PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 in Turin.
- Analyze particulate matter source directions using the conditional bivariate probability function (CBPF).
- Assess pollution trends, including during the COVID-19 lockdown period.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution monitoring campaign data from 2018-2021.
- Analysis of particulate matter concentrations (PM1, PM2.5, PM10).
- Application of the conditional bivariate probability function (CBPF) for source apportionment.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in PM10 concentrations between background (28-30 µg/m³) and traffic (36 µg/m³) stations.
- Highest PM2.5 concentrations (24 µg/m³) recorded at traffic stations.
- Daily PM concentration peaks observed from 9:00-11:00 AM, with seasonal variations in trend.
Conclusions:
- External particulate matter contributions to Turin originate from the Po Valley (N-NE) and Saharan dust transport (S-SW).
- The study enhances understanding of air pollution dynamics in a major European urban center.
- Provides insights into emerging pollutants like PM1 and their trends in urban environments.
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