Multi-site vs. supersite aerosol source apportionment in a lignite basin area

We investigated aerosol sources in Central Europe's industrialized and coal-mining basin using two distinct approaches: year-long offline measurements from four sites and a semi-annual combined online-offline dataset from a single supersite station. Both approaches, despite methodological differences, yielded consistent results on PM₁₀ source contributions. Surface coal mining was identified as the dominant contributor, accounting for up to 30 % of PM₁₀ mass, followed by secondary inorganic aerosols and residential heating emissions. Since the single-site method limited spatial interpretation, the multi-site approach enabled better differentiation of local, regional, and long-range sources. Notably, power plants and heat generation had minimal local impact due to elevated emission release and atmospheric dispersion dynamics. These findings underscore the importance of targeted regional air quality strategies, particularly addressing mining and residential heating emissions.