ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Air Pollution Origins Using PM10 Data and CO2
Isotopic Analysis
Anna Zwoździak1, Maciej Górka2, Izabela Sówka1, Dominika Lewicka-Szczebak2,
Jerzy Zwoździak1, Mariusz Orion Jędrysek2
More details
Hide details
1Ecologistics Division, Institute of Environmental Protection Engineering, Wroclaw University of Technology,
Pl. Grunwaldzki 9, 50-377 Wrocław, Poland
2Laboratory of Isotope Geology and Geoecology, Department of Applied Geology and Geochemistry,
Institute of Geological Sciences, University of Wroclaw,
Cybulskiego 30, 50-205 Wrocław, Poland
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2010;19(6):1345-1352
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
PM10 concentrations (in relation to main gaseous pollutant levels and prevailing meteorological conditions)
and carbon isotopic composition of atmospheric CO2 have been analysed in two health resorts in SW
Poland (Cieplice and Czerniawa) to determine the main air pollution sources. In Cieplice, PM10 concentrations
followed the variations in NO2 and CO, as well as SO2, suggesting traffic and domestic heating to be the main
sources of aerosol particles. Conversely, in Czerniawa periodically pollutant rich air masses originating from
regional sources contribute to increases in SO2 and NO2 levels, whereas the PM10 concentrations are at the
background level. The analyzed δ13C(CO2) values reinforced the conclusions drawn on the basis of traditional
methods and indicated the different impact of pollution sources between the investigated regions. Czerniawa
was controlled by regional sources of CO2, whereas Cieplice was dominated by multiple local sources of pollutants
(mainly traffic pollutants).