Submit to Atmosphere Review for Atmosphere Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Air Pollution in Urban and Regional Level: Sources, Sinks and Transportation (2nd Edition)

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

A special issue of Atmosphere (ISSN 2073-4433). This special issue belongs to the section "Air Quality".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 April 2024) | Viewed by 11713

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Elena Hristova

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

National institute of meteorology and hydrology, Department" Meteorology", 66, Tsarigradsko Shose Blvd, 1784 Sofia, Bulgaria
Interests: air pollution; air particulate matter; airborne black carbon; source apportionment; precipitation chemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Manousos Ioannis Manousakas

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Paul Scherrer Institute, Laboratory of Atmospheric Chemistry, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
Interests: aerosols; source apportionment; elemental analysis; PMF; PM; metals; air pollution
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Anikó Angyal

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Institute for Nuclear Reseast (ATOMKI), 4026 Debrecen, Hungary
Interests: atmospheric pollution; airborne particulate matter; elemental analysis; source apportionment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Maria Gini

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Institute of Nuclear & Radiological Science & Technology, Energy & Safety, NCSR "Demokritos", 15310 Athens, Greece
Interests: aerosol chemistry and microphysics; particulate matter; air quality; exposure assessment; nanoparticle technology; GHGs
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is a follow-up of the first Issue entitled “Air Pollution at the Urban and Regional Level: Sources, Sinks, and Transportation” (https://www.mdpi.com/journal/atmosphere/special_issues/Air_Pollution_Sources_Sinks_Transportation) published in Atmosphere in 2021.

More than half of the world’s population (55%) lives in urban areas, where they are subjected to high particulate matter (PM)-related pollution. PM can originate from a vast number of different sources, but is mainly attributed to industrial emissions, local traffic, biomass burning, and natural sources like soil dust and sea salt. Therefore, research aimed at better understanding the sources of PM and the processes they undergo in the atmosphere continues to be very relevant.

The goal of this Special Issue is to bring together the latest scientific knowledge aimed at assessing air pollution at urban and regional levels, including experimental and numerical model studies. The Issue will focus on identifying sources of particulate air pollution, their trends, and inter-urban and regional transport. In addition, the Issue will cover all major aspects of urban aerosol observations, including the chemical characterization of particulate matter and its impact on human health.

Dr. Elena Hristova
Dr. Manousos Ioannis Manousakas
Dr. Anikó Angyal
Dr. Maria Gini
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Atmosphere is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

air pollutants
particulate matter (PM)
particulate matter chemical characterization
long-range transport
wet and dry deposition
source apportionment
air pollution modelling
air quality impact on health

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

18 pages, 4759 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hourly Particulate Matter (PM₁₀) Concentration Forecast in Germany Using Extreme Gradient Boosting

by Stefan Wallek, Marcel Langner, Sebastian Schubert, Raphael Franke and Tobias Sauter

Atmosphere 2024, 15(5), 525; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15050525 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024

Abstract

Air pollution remains a significant issue, particularly in urban areas. This study explored the prediction of hourly point-based PM₁₀ concentrations using the XGBoost algorithm to assimilate them into a geostatistical land use regression model for spatially and temporally high-resolution prediction maps. The model configuration and training incorporated meteorological data, station metadata, and time variables based on statistical values and expert knowledge. Hourly measurements from approximately 400 stations from 2009 to 2017 were used for training. The selected model performed with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 6.88 μg m⁻³, root mean squared error (RMSE) of 9.95 μg m⁻³, and an R² of 0.65, with variations depending on the siting type and surrounding area. The model achieved a high accuracy of 98.54% and a precision of 73.96% in predicting exceedances of the current EU-limit value for the daily mean of 50 μg m⁻³. Despite identified limitations, the model can effectively predict hourly values for assimilation into a geostatistical land use regression model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution in Urban and Regional Level: Sources, Sinks and Transportation (2nd Edition))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2701 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trace Elements Concentrations in Urban Air in Helsinki, Finland during a 44-Year Period

by Eleftheria Ioannidou, Stefanos Papagiannis, Manousos Ioannis Manousakas, Chrysoula Betsou, Konstantinos Eleftheriadis, Jussi Paatero, Lambrini Papadopoulou and Alexandra Ioannidou

Atmosphere 2023, 14(9), 1430; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14091430 - 13 Sep 2023

Viewed by 810

Abstract

The atmospheric concentrations of seventeen elements were measured in air filters at the Finnish Meteorological Institute station in Helsinki, Finland, during a period of 44 years (1962–2005). The mean annual concentrations were calculated and are presented from the lowest values to the highest ones Cr < Ni < Ti < Br < V < Mn < Cu < Zn < Cl < Al < Fe < K < Ca < Na < Pb < Si < S. Most of the elements (Fe, Si, Ti, K, Ca, Zn, Br, Pb, V, Ni, S, Cr, Na, Al, and Cl) present higher values during spring and winter season, while in summer the elements (Ti, Ca, S, and Na) are found in higher concentrationsdue to the weather conditions across seasons and the sources and emissions of air pollutants. There is a strong correlation between the elements (V-Ni, Si-Pb, Fe-Ca, V-Cr, Si-K, K-Ca, Fe-Ti, K-Na, Si-Ca, and V-S), indicating their common source. The identification of the sources of trace elements was performed based on positive matrix factorization analysis, using SoFi software. Four Suspended Particulate Matter (PM) sources were identified: road dust (due to usage of leaded fuel), heavy oil combustion/secondary sulfates, traffic emissions, and natural dust (soil). For the total of 44 years studied, significant decreases in concentrations were observed for all elements, most of which were over 50%: Na (−74%), Al (−86%), Si (−88%), S (−82%), K (−82%), Ca (−89%), Ti (−80%), V (−89%), Cr (−82%), Mn (−77%), Fe (−77%), Ni (−61%), Zn (−72%), and Pb (−95%). In general, a significant decline has been observed in the majority of the elemental concentrations since the end of the 1970s, underlying the effectiveness of different environmental policies that have been applied during the last few decades. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution in Urban and Regional Level: Sources, Sinks and Transportation (2nd Edition))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 6597 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Low Transportation Emission Analysis and Projection Using LEAP: The Case of Qatar

by Maryam Al-Jabir and Rima J. Isaifan

Atmosphere 2023, 14(8), 1286; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14081286 - 14 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1546

Abstract

The transportation sector is a significant source of pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions contributing to global warming. Although research on the actual emissions from transport has been conducted in several parts of the world, very limited outcomes in this field have been reported in the Gulf region. This is especially true for road transportation, one of Qatar’s most significant sources of air pollution. To address this research gap, this study provides an invaluable resource for policymakers as it is the first to quantify the current and forecast future transport emissions. In this work, actual data on traffic counts were input into the Low-Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) tool, which has never been used in the context of Qatar, making it an outstanding addition to the research in this domain. The ultimate goal is to estimate the transportation emissions from road traffic in Qatar and investigate how different actions lead to three different scenarios that can impact it. Considering that the policy reformation in the transportation sector is crucial to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, a scenario analysis can provide theoretical support for policy development and implementation. The investigation used the actual vehicle count data from 2017 to 2021, while all future projections considered the duration from 2022 to 2050 using three scenarios. The first was based on the historical growth in the number of vehicles; the second was based on the business-as-usual scenario (BAU); and the third considered that the public transport shall be divided into three sub-scenarios, namely fuel-economy improvement, the electrification of public transportation, and the replacement of diesel or petrol fuel with compressed natural gas (CNG). The results show that carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions were the highest in all scenarios. Moreover, it was found that in the BAU, the light-duty vehicles (LDVs) category is the most significant contributor to GHG emissions compared to motorcycles and heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs). In addition, it was found that emissions can be reduced by improving public transportation, switching to a cleaner fuel, and reducing reliance on private vehicles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution in Urban and Regional Level: Sources, Sinks and Transportation (2nd Edition))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 5862 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study of Particular Air Quality and Meteorological Parameters at a Construction Site

by Lazar Milivojević, Sanja Mrazovac Kurilić, Zvonimir Božilović, Suzana Koprivica and Olja Krčadinac

Atmosphere 2023, 14(8), 1267; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14081267 - 10 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1115

Abstract

The construction industry is a major contributor to dust, greenhouse gases, and other air pollutants. Implementing effective and sustainable practices in managing construction site operations can greatly mitigate the environmental effects of a project. To achieve this, a collaboration between a scientific research institution and a construction company enabled the real-time monitoring of air quality parameters at a construction site using Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. They implemented an IoT-based system framework that integrated a distributed sensor network to collect real-time data from the construction site. Various sensors were utilized to gather data on the concentration of NO₂ and particulate matter (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀), as well as meteorological parameters such as wind speed, wind direction, humidity, pressure, and temperature. The real-time measurements yielded insights into the level of air pollution at the construction site and its association with earth excavation, the primary construction activity. This information can be utilized to manage excavation work and reduce the levels of polluting gases (NO₂) and suspended particles. By conducting an on-site monitoring of these three pollutants, the study discovered that the dust levels resulting from excavation activities were relatively high. When comparing the wind direction with NO₂ and PM concentrations, it was concluded that earth excavation significantly influenced the air quality in the construction area. However, in terms of the primary factors affecting NO₂ and construction dust concentrations, the analysis revealed that meteorological factors did not exhibit a significant correlation with NO₂ and dust levels at the construction site. The multiple linear regression (MLR) and the artificial neural network (ANN) models for predicting PM_2.5, PM₁₀ and NO₂ concentration in air using meteorological parameters as predictors were applied. The ANN model showed greater accordance with the measured concentrations in air than the MLR model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution in Urban and Regional Level: Sources, Sinks and Transportation (2nd Edition))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 284 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Risk Assessment of the Impact of Heavy Metals in Urban Traffic Dust on Human Health

by Nima Mahmoud, Dana Al-Shahwani, Hanadi Al-Thani and Rima J. Isaifan

Atmosphere 2023, 14(6), 1049; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14061049 - 19 Jun 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2065

Abstract

Excessive exposure to heavy metals induces potential adverse health impacts in humans. More specifically, heavy metals in particulate matter (PM) have a significant impact since PM can penetrate human organs and systems, causing several morbidities. In this work, dust samples were collected from 20 different types of roads in a busy zone in Doha during the winter of 2016–2017, where a higher human exposure rate occurs due to extensive outdoor activities during this time of the year. The elemental composition in terms of the mass concentration of 30 elements was determined in each sample via an energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer. Then, the toxicity of six heavy metals in these airborne traffic dust samples was investigated. The heavy metals reported to have a hazardous impact on human health are As, Pb, Hg, Cd, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn. The extent of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk impact was assessed using pollution indices and then determining the health risks associated with exposure to heavy metals through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact. The non-carcinogenic hazard index analysis results indicate no toxicity for all metals. However, the carcinogenic risk factor results show that only chromium might induce a slight risk for children and adults. In light of this, further research is recommended to investigate more areas in urban Doha where more samples can be collected and analyzed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution in Urban and Regional Level: Sources, Sinks and Transportation (2nd Edition))

25 pages, 6165 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Chemical Characteristics of Rainwater and Wet Atmospheric Deposition Fluxes at Two Urban Sites and One Rural Site in Côte d’Ivoire

by Mohamed L. Kassamba-Diaby, Corinne Galy-Lacaux, Véronique Yoboué, Jonathan E. Hickman, Camille Mouchel-Vallon, Kerneels Jaars, Sylvain Gnamien, Richmond Konan, Eric Gardrat and Siélé Silué

Atmosphere 2023, 14(5), 809; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14050809 - 28 Apr 2023

Viewed by 2247

Abstract

Due to their close relationship with atmospheric chemical composition and global impacts on ecosystems, it is of crucial importance to determine rain chemical composition and quantify wet deposition. In this study, we characterized the chemical composition of precipitation at one rural and two urban sites in Côte d’Ivoire along a south-north transect. Annual and monthly Volume Weighted Mean (VWM) concentration of major ions, as well as wet deposition fluxes in rainwater samples from Abidjan, Korhogo (urban sites), and Lamto (rural site), have been calculated. We also simulated air mass back-trajectories and generated satellite maps of burnt fraction and nitrogen species emissions (NH₃, NO₂) to better analyze our results. Results show that the dominant ion at both urban sites is Ca²⁺, whereas NH₄⁺ dominates the chemical content of the Lamto rural site. The analysis of atmospheric sources of influence shows that urban sites rains are characterized by a mixture of terrigenous continental and anthropogenic sources (39–33%), as well as a high marine contribution (34–24%) and a significant nitrogenous contribution (18–25%) mainly associated to fossil fuel from road traffic, domestic and biomass burning sources. At the rural Lamto site, marine, terrigenous, and nitrogenous contributions represent, respectively, 14%, 25%, and 30%. The average pH values are, respectively, 5.76, 5.31, and 5.57 for Abidjan, Lamto, and Korhogo, with a preponderance of mineral acidity contribution at the urban sites, while the organic acidity contribution dominates in Lamto. Neutralization factor (NF) of mineral and organic acids calculations revealed that Ca²⁺ and NH₄⁺ are the most important neutralizing ions in the rain at all three sites, and we estimated that 79% to 87% of the rain acidity is neutralized by alkaline compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution in Urban and Regional Level: Sources, Sinks and Transportation (2nd Edition))

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

25 pages, 4292 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Source Apportionment of Ambient Particulate Matter (PM) in Two Western African Urban Sites (Dakar in Senegal and Bamako in Mali)

by Thierno Doumbia, Catherine Liousse, Marie-Roumy Ouafo-Leumbe, Seydi Ababacar Ndiaye, Eric Gardrat, Corinne Galy-Lacaux, Cyril Zouiten, Véronique Yoboué and Claire Granier

Atmosphere 2023, 14(4), 684; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14040684 - 05 Apr 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2746

Abstract

Following population growth and rapid urbanization, West African cities have become major sources of anthropogenic pollution. Additionally, Saharan dust has had a significant impact, representing a potentially toxic mix of sources for the population. This study characterizes the atmospheric composition and its sources in two African capitals, Bamako, Mali and Dakar, Senegal. TSP, PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 samples were collected during the dry season in 2009 when pollution levels were high: chemical analysis included organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), ions, and metals. PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ concentrations were 5–10 times and 3–8 times higher, respectively, than the 2005 WHO 24 h standards. Using PCA and PMF methodologies, five sources were identified in each city. In Bamako, traffic (motor vehicles and resuspended road dust) was the prevailing source of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀, accounting for 47% and 45%, respectively. Crustal dust was the second most important source (24–30%), followed by solid fuel combustion (16–13%) and secondary aerosols (10–16%). In Dakar, the following sources of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ are identified: traffic (49%), mineral dust (16–25%), sea salts (15–20%) and industries (10–11%). Our study provides crucial information about the historical change in source characteristics in these two African cities, which can help for future mitigation strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution in Urban and Regional Level: Sources, Sinks and Transportation (2nd Edition))

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Air Pollution in Urban and Regional Level: Sources, Sinks and Transportation (2nd Edition)

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (7 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI