Naslov
PM10 and PM2.5 levels in urban part of Zagreb, Croatia: self-constructed vs. reference samplers

Autori
Bešlić, Ivan ; Šega, Krešimir ; Bencetić Klaić, Zvjezdana

Izvornik
EURASAP newsletter 53

Vrsta, podvrsta
Ostale vrste radova, ostali članci/prilozi

Godina
2004

Ključne riječi
particulate matter; sampler; urban; Zagreb

Sažetak
Airborne particulate matter (PM) gives rise to concern as a result of its well established adverse effects of human health. A number of epidemiological studies have demonstrated that not all particles are equal with the respect to health effects. These findings have led to the introduction of size specific particulate mass concentrations, where PM10 and PM2.5 correspond to thoracic and alveolar particles (aerodynamic diameter < 10 &#956; m and < 2.5 &#956; m, respectively). In the light of epidemiological studies, in 1997 the European Commission (EC) has included PM10 limit values in the new air quality directive in order to protect a human health. The new EC Directive establishes an annual daily limit of 20 &#956; g m-3, and a 24 h limit value of 50 &#956; g m-3, which cannot be exceeded more than 25 (from 1 January 2005) and 7 days per year (from 1 January 2010), respectively. In Croatia, PM concentrations have been measured regularly on daily basis only in Zagreb since 1972. However, these measurements comprise solely total PM. Therefore, in order to establish a monitoring network for separate PM10 and PM2.5 particle fractions, sampling equipment aiming to satisfy European Norm EN 12341, is designed and manufactured at the Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health in Zagreb (IMROH). Here, we compare PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations obtained by self-constructed (IMI) and reference (REF) sampling equipment based on 3-year measurement in residential part of Zagreb. The aim of this study is twofold &#8211; to test the suitability of IMI equipment regarding the EN 12341 standard, and, to get insight into urban pollution levels for particle fractions separately. Results suggest that self-constructed equipment does not fully satisfy all prescribed requirements. Nevertheless, statistical parameters, which are commonly used in assessment of the air quality, do not significantly differ from those obtained by means of reference equipment. Therefore, IMI samplers, which are available with lower expenses compared to reference equipment, may be satisfactorily used for the air quality monitoring purposes. Further, during the investigated period both annual daily mean and 24-hour mean concentrations of PM10 recorded in residential part of Zagreb exceeded new EC Directive limit values which should be met by 1 January 2005.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Geologija, Javno zdravstvo i zdravstvena zaštita

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