Evaluation of Local Scale PM Pollution Levels in Typical Street Canyon in Riga

Iveta Steinberga, Janis Bikshe Jr.¹, Karlis Kundzins, Janis Kleperis, Janis Bikshe

Faculty of Engineering, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, Valmiera, Latvia.
Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia.
Housing and Environment Department, Riga City Council, Riga, Latvia.
Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia.
Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia.

DOI: 10.4236/jep.2013.49110                

Abstract

The present study describes long term PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 changes in typical street canyon with particular emphasis on seasonal, diurnal variations in context with meteorological data. In order to understand PM₁₀ pollution sources during 28 April 2007-31 December 2007, chemical composition measurements were done with particular emphasis on heavy metals (As, Cd, Ni, and Pb), crustal material (Ca, Mg, Na, and K) and anions (sulphates, nitrates, chlorides). Meteorological data used for this evolutional analysis were measured close to traffic related stations and several meteorological parameters were analyzed in relation to particulate measurements. Keep in mind that atmospheric aerosols are generally hydroscopic. Relative humidity which plays very important role in rain/snow and humidity impact are analyzed.

Keywords

Air Pollution; PM; Riga; Street Canyon; Source-Apportionment

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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