Characterization of the aerosol field over Sofia, Bulgaria, using contact and passive-remote-sensing methods and instruments

Abstract

The atmospheric aerosol particles, called also atmospheric particulate matter, that include also fine dust particles (FDP), are an important factor conditioning many physical processes in the atmosphere, affecting the climate and the air quality, and posing serious potential risks to the human health. In this regard, the regular observation of the atmospheric aerosol load and its dynamics is a valuable source of scientific information concerning these processes, while also allowing the relevant institutions to undertake preventive measures in cases of a dangerous FDP concentration increase. This work is devoted to estimating experimentally, by passive optical sensing and contact measurements, some important integral microphysical and optical characteristics and their dynamics of the aerosol ensembles over Sofia, Bulgaria. The results obtained outline the springtime values of the aerosol number and mass concentration in the near-ground urban atmosphere, the depth of the atmospheric boundary layer, the aerosol optical depth at different optical wavelengths, the water vapor content, and the Ångström exponent at the wavelengths of 440/870 nm.

A Simplified Model for Estimating Household Air Pollution in Challenging Contexts: A Case Study from Ghana

“…Thus, the probability exists that some measurements could be approximate. However, other research has recently used these devices (Trotec International BQ20) for air measurements [33,34]. Every field mission in each village lasted between 1 and 3 h because of the bad quality of most roads and the distance from the headquarters, located in Tamale (the Northern Region's capital).…”