Characterisation of Fine and Coarse Atmospheric Aerosols at the Measuring Sites in Riga City Centre, Latvia

摘要

Good air quality in urban environment is an important issue for city sustainable development and prosperity of the population. Despite different improvements in vehicle, fuel and heating technologies that have made possible to reduce particulate matter emissions, high ambient aerosol concentrations are still an important challenge in several European cities, among them in Riga city (56°56'N, 24°6'E). PM_(10), PM_(2.5) and PM_1 in Riga city is evaluated from direct monitoring results during time period from October 2009 until December 2010. Monthly means of PM_(10) concentrations ranged from 21 to 73 μg m ~(-3)PM_(2.5) from 13 to 63 μg m~(-3) and PM_1 from 10 to 60 ug m~(-3). The data were used to characterize correlations between particulate matter concentrations, some other pollutants and meteorological factors. It is concluded that PM|() concentrations exceeded both thresholds: average daily concentration above 50 μg m~(-3) more than 35 times a year, and annual average concentration - 40 μg m~(-3) only on the densely congested traffic streets - Brivibas and Kr. Valdemara Street.