1. Moss biomonitoring of the distribution of chemical elements in the air in the Prespa region, North MacedoniaBiljana Dimkova, Robert Šajn, Trajče Stafilov, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: A study was conducted to investigate atmospheric deposition and to explore the natural distribution and possible contamination with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the Prespa region, North Macedonia, using moss samples as biomonitors for air pollution. The distribution of 19 chemical elements (Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sr, V, and Zn) was detected in 11 moss samples from this area. The moss samples were analysed after microwave digestion using inductively coupled plasma – atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). R-mode factor analysis was used to identify and characterise the elemental associations, and four associations of elements were identified. Four factors were separated from the group of elements: Factor 1 (Fe-Al-Cr-V-Ni), Factor 2 (Sr-Ba-Mg), Factor 3 (K-P-Zn) and Factor 4 (Pb-Cu). All element factors were found to be typical geochemical associations, with the exception of the distribution of K and P in the agricultural areas of the study area where fertilisers are used over a long period of time. Ključne besede: moss biomonitoring, air pollution, potentially toxic elements, Prespa region, North Macedonia Objavljeno v DiRROS: 25.07.2024; Ogledov: 118; Prenosov: 119 Celotno besedilo (1,80 MB) |
2. Assessment of atmospheric deposition of potentially toxic elements in Macedonia using a moss biomonitoring techniqueLambe Barandovski, Trajče Stafilov, Robert Šajn, Katerina Bačeva Andronovska, Marina V. Frontasyeva, Inga Zinicovscaia, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: This study aims to investigate the changes in atmospheric deposition trends in Macedonia, using a moss biomonitoring technique. This technique has been used to assess the content of potentially toxic elements in Macedonia in 2002, 2005, 2010, and 2015, within the framework of the International Cooperative Program on Effects of Air Pollution on Natural Vegetation and Crops. The content of 42 elements was analyzed using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectrometry (ICP–AES), and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), on 72 moss samples collected in the summer of 2015. The median values of the elements studied were compared with data from previous years and with median values obtained from comparable studies in Norway and the neighboring countries. Through factor and cluster analysis, three geogenic factors were identified: Factor 1, which includes the elements Al, Ce, Fe, Hf, La, Li, Na, Sc, Sm, Tb, Ti, Th, V, and U; Factor 4, which includes As, Cl, and I; and Factor 5, which includes the elements Ba and Sr. In addition, one geogenic-anthropogenic factor containing Co, Cr, and Ni (Factor 2), was identified, and one anthropogenic factor containing Cd, Pb, Sb, and Zn (Factor 3). The lead and zinc mines near the towns of Kriva Palanka, Probištip, and Makedonska Kamenica in the eastern region of the country, the former lead and zinc smelter in the town of Veles, and the ferronickel smelter near Kavadarci, have continuously had the greatest anthropogenic impact on the atmospheric deposition of potentially toxic elements during the time period of the study. In addition to the human influences, the lithology and the composition of the soil continue to play a significant role in the distribution of the elements. Ključne besede: moss, biomonitoring, air pollution, potentially toxic elements, Macedonia Objavljeno v DiRROS: 06.02.2024; Ogledov: 355; Prenosov: 124 Celotno besedilo (9,82 MB) |
3. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure assessment among active daily commuters to induce behaviour change to reduce air pollutionAnja Ilenič, Alenka Mauko Pranjić, Nina Zupančič, Radmila Milačič, Janez Ščančar, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), a detrimental urban air pollutant primarily emitted by traffic and biomass burning, poses disproportionately significant health risks at relatively limited exposure during commuting. Previous studies have mainly focused on fixed locations when assessing PM2.5 exposure, while neglecting pedestrians and cyclists, who often experience higher pollution levels. In response, this research aimed to independently validate the effectiveness of bicycle-mounted low-cost sensors (LCS) adopted by citizens, evaluate temporal and spatial PM2.5 exposure, and assess associated health risks in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The LCS quality assurance results, verified by co-location field tests by air quality monitoring stations (AQMS), showed comparable outcomes with an average percentage difference of 21.29 %, attributed to humidity-induced nucleation effects. The colder months exhibited the highest air pollution levels (μ = 32.31 μg/m3) due to frequent thermal inversions and weak wind circulation, hindering vertical air mixing and the adequate dispersion of pollutants. Additionally, PM2.5 levels in all sampling periods were lowest in the afternoon (μ = 12.09 μg/m3) and highest during the night (μ = 61.00 μg/m3) when the planetary boundary layer thins, leading to the trapping of pollutants near the surface, thus significantly affecting diurnal and seasonal patterns. Analysis of exposure factors revealed that cyclists were approximately three times more exposed than pedestrians. However, the toxicological risk assessment indicated a minimal potential risk of PM2.5 exposure. The collaborative integration of data from official AQMS and LCS can enhance evidence-based policy-making processes and facilitates the realignment of effective regulatory frameworks to reduce urban air pollution. Ključne besede: air pollution monitoring, PM2.5 exposure, citizen science, bicycle-mounted low-cost sensors Objavljeno v DiRROS: 30.01.2024; Ogledov: 433; Prenosov: 180 Celotno besedilo (2,57 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
4. Retrieval of vertical mass concentration distributionsLonglong Wang, Samo Stanič, Klemen Bergant, William Eichinger, Griša Močnik, Luka Drinovec, Janja Vaupotič, Miloš Miler, Mateja Gosar, Asta Gregorič, 2019, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Aerosol vertical profiles are valuable inputs for the evaluation of aerosol transport models, in order to improve the understanding of aerosol pollution ventilation processes which drive the dispersion of pollutants in mountainous regions. With the aim of providing high-accuracy vertical distributions of particle mass concentration for the study of aerosol dispersion in small-scale valleys, vertical profiles of aerosol mass concentration for aerosols from different sources (including Saharan dust and local biomass burning events) were investigated over the Vipava valley, Slovenia, a representative hot-spot for complex mixtures of different aerosol types of both anthropogenic and natural origin. The analysis was based on datasets taken between 1–30 April 2016. In-situ measurements of aerosol size, absorption, and mass concentration were combined with lidar remote sensing, where vertical profiles of aerosol concentration were retrieved. Aerosol samples were characterized by SEM-EDX, to obtain aerosol morphology and chemical composition. Two cases with expected dominant presence of different specific aerosol types (mineral dust and biomass-burning aerosols) show significantly different aerosol properties and distributions within the valley. In the mineral dust case, we observed a decrease of the elevated aerosol layer height and subsequent spreading of mineral dust within the valley, while in the biomass-burning case we observed the lifting of aerosols above the planetary boundary layer (PBL). All uncertainties of size and assumed optical properties, combined, amount to the total uncertainty of aerosol mass concentrations below 30% within the valley. We have also identified the most indicative in-situ parameters for identification of aerosol type. Ključne besede: valley air pollution, aerosol vertical distributions, lidar remote sensing, in-situ measurements, aerosol identification Objavljeno v DiRROS: 03.03.2022; Ogledov: 962; Prenosov: 344 Povezava na celotno besedilo |
5. Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) damage in the Zasavje district of Slovenia evaluated by two methodsNatalija Vidergar-Gorjup, Andrej Strniša, Franc Batič, 2000, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: The Zasavje district has been heavily affected by air pollution due to mining,the presence of a coal-fired power plant, and industry. The extent of forest damage differs according to location because of specific climatic and orographic characteristics. Norway spruce damage was estimated by two methods at 10 locations in the Zasavje district using the Slovenian forestry method for the estimation of forest damage (KOVA et al. 1995), and a Czech method forestimation of damage to the branching system and needle loss and discoloration (CUDLIN & CHMELIKOVA 1995). Comparison of the results obtained by the two methods gave similar damage assessments at heavily polluted sites, although the data obtained by the two methods differ due to several environmental parameters. The Czech method did not give as good results as wasexpected. A possible reason might be that spruce trees in the investigated locations are less damaged than those in the Czech Republic, where the method was developed. Ključne besede: air pollution, Norway spruce, Picea abies (L.), tree damage, Zasavje, propadanje gozda, poškodovanost drevja, gozdno drevje, onesnaženost zraka, Zasavje, smreka, Picea abies (L.) Karst. Objavljeno v DiRROS: 12.07.2017; Ogledov: 4914; Prenosov: 1990 Celotno besedilo (876,54 KB) |