Atmosferik partikül madde fiziksel ve kimyasal karekterizasyonu ile hava kirletici kaynaklarının tespiti: Bolu ili saha uygulaması

Air pollution is responsible for several million deaths worldwide every year. Particulate matter (PM) is one of the air pollutants and its constituents such as organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), and mineral dust are known as short life climate forcers (SLCFs) due to their climate forcing effect. Nor only chemical composition but also size of PM in the air is important parameter for health concern. In order to take appropriate measures to keep the air clean to protect public health and to combat with climate change, it is important to know the sources of PM. This study examined the chemical composition and sources of size segregated particulate matter (PM) in Bolu City center (40.73° N–31.60° E and 741 m asl), Türkiye, to enhance regional air quality data and inform decision-making strategies. Size-segregated PM samples (>7.2, 3.0-7.0, 1.5-3.0, 0.95-1.5, 0.49-1.5, <0.49 µm) were collected using a High Volume Cascade Impactor (HVCI) with a 96-hour continues sampling period between February 2021 and March 2022 (about once in a week). The collected samples were analyzed in terms of OC and EC by using thermal-optical analyzer. The research revealed high average OC/EC ratios (10.84 for PM2.5 and 11.15 for PM10), while typical urban environment is around 6.6 on average. It surpasses those of many urban areas and indicating significant secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation. Notably, secondary organic carbon (SOC) constituted up to 98% of OC in the PM2.5 fraction in Winter, despite lower photochemical activity, due to high concentration of precursors from domestic heating activities. Meteorological factors, particularly atmospheric pressure and wind speed, showed significant correlations with SOC levels. These findings highlight Bolu City's unique air quality challenges, emphasizing the need for tailored management strategies addressing both primary emissions and SOC precursors. Based on these results, the study recommends establishing a network of sampling sites across Bolu City, conducting more detailed source apportionment studies, and investigating specific mechanisms driving year-round SOA formation in the region. This research contributes valuable data to inform air quality planning and strategy development by local decision-makers and implementers, while also identifying critical areas for future investigation.