Aerosol impact on light pollution in cities and their environment. (1st June 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wallner, Stefan; Kocifaj, Miroslav
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental management. Volume 335(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-06-01
• Subjects: Light pollution -- Aerosol physics -- Atmospheric optics -- Environment -- Sustainability -- Night sky brightness; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; 363.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117534
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4797

Abstract

Abstract: Measurements of artificial light at night represent an incredible challenge as the optical state of the atmosphere is highly unstable thus making both long-term trend analyses and inter-comparison of multiple observations difficult. Variations of atmospheric parameters, caused by either natural or anthropogenic processes, can massively influence the level of resulting night sky brightness caused by light pollution. Focusing on six parameters, either from aerosol optics or emission properties of light sources, this work literarily and numerically examines defined variations in aerosol optical depth, asymmetry parameter, single scattering albedo, ground surface reflectance, direct uplight ratio, and aerosol scale height. For each individual element the effect size and angular reliance is investigated, with results indicating that besides the aerosol scale height all play non-negligible roles in forming skyglow and environmental impact. Especially variations in aerosol optical depth and city emission function displayed severe discrepancies in consequential light pollution level. Hence, future improvement on atmospheric condition, i.e., air quality, focusing particularly on discussed elements indicates to positively influence the level of environmental impact caused by artificial light at night. We underline the need of inclusion of our outcomes to urban development and civil engineering processes in order to create or protect habitable areas for humans, wildlife and nature. Highlights: Atmospheric elements must not be neglected in light pollution analyses. Studied parameters play varying role in forming night sky brightness. Air quality/atmospheric state and light pollution are strongly connected. Both should be included to environmental management activities in the future. AcTions improving air quality can also mitigate light pollution over cities.