Radiocarbon analysis of carbonaceous aerosols in Bratislava, Slovakia. (July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kontuľ, Ivan; Kaizer, Jakub; Ješkovský, Miroslav; Steier, Peter; Povinec, Pavel P.
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental radioactivity. Volume 218(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-07
• Subjects: Carbonaceous aerosols -- Radiocarbon -- AMS -- Source apportionment; Radioactivity -- Periodicals; Radiation, Background -- Periodicals; Radioecology -- Periodicals; Radioactive pollution -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollutants -- Periodicals; Radioactive Pollutants -- Periodicals; Radioactivity -- Periodicals; Radioécologie -- Périodiques; Pollution radioactive -- Périodiques; Fond de rayonnement -- Périodiques; 539.752
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2020.106221
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0265-931X

Abstract

Abstract: Aerosols dispersed in the atmosphere represent important factors influencing not only the environment, but also human health. Carbonaceous aerosols are one of the main components of total atmospheric aerosols, and their sources are of great interest. Radiocarbon analysis provides an excellent way to determine the fraction of fossil and non-fossil aerosols in the atmosphere. Over the period of one year (June 2017–June 2018), we sampled atmospheric aerosols with size greater than 0.3 μm in Bratislava, Slovakia and used the exposed quartz filters for radiocarbon analysis of the elemental carbon (EC) aerosol fraction. The results show that on average the fossil fuel combustion is the dominant source of EC aerosol particles in Bratislava. In summer months, they represent more than half (65–80%) of the total EC aerosols. The relative amount of EC particles derived from biomass burning was 20–35% in summer, which increased to 40–55% in winter months. The dominance of fossil fraction is caused by high degree of industrialization and urbanization of the city. The increase of biomass fraction in winter is probably caused by domestic wood burning in areas surrounding the Bratislava city. Highlights: Radiocarbon analysis of elemental carbon aerosol particles and their source apportionment. Seasonal variation of fossil and non-fossil fractions of elemental carbon in the atmosphere of Bratislava. Fossil fuel combustion identified as the dominant source of these aerosol particles in Bratislava.