Determination of the concentration and characterization of large mode particle matter (pm10) and fine mode particle matter (pm2.5) in the atmosphere of Bayburt city

This study aimed to detect the presence of coarse mode total suspended particulate matter (TSP/PM10) and fine mode particulate matter (PM2,5) in the Baberti campus, located in a semi-urban area within the boundaries of Bayburt province, to calculate their concentrations, and to detail their characterization. In this study conducted in Bayburt province, active sampling was performed using two Techora brand High-Volume devices (high-volume air samplers: HVAS). To this end, HVAS with TSP/PM10 heads were used to capture coarse particulate matter (PM) in the Baberti atmosphere. A YHHÖ labeled PM2,5 was used to capture fine-mode PM. The sampling study was conducted at the same point and simultaneously on a temporal and seasonal basis. In addition, glass fiber filters (GFF) that capture PM were used daily, once every 24 hours. Sampling was conducted seasonally for two months in summer and then for two months in winter. After sampling, the collected filters were brought to the laboratory environment and stored. Subsequently, appropriate laboratory studies and gravimetric analysis methods were used to calculate PM concentrations. At the same time, the characterization of PMs was determined by explaining their interactive relationships with separate meteorological factors using statistical and graphical methods. Thus, the presence, concentrations, and characterization of PM were successfully determined. As a result, the Bayburt city atmosphere was compared with similar literature studies in terms of PM2,5 and PM10, the findings were discussed, and general conclusions were reached. In this study, based on data obtained from the Baberti campus, the average concentration of PM2,5 atmospheric particulate matter during the winter months was determined to be 28.80 ± 30.48 µg m-3. In the summer months, it was found to be 54.18 ± 36.25 µg m-3. When seasonal and temporal averages were evaluated, the general annual average concentration for PM2,5 was found to be 41.74 ± 35.69 µg m-3. Similarly, the average concentration values for PM10 were measured as 36.03 ± 29.95 µg m-3 in winter and 61.87 ± 38.91 µg m-3 in summer. The overall average for PM10 throughout the year was determined to be 48.75 ± 36.86 µg m-3. Meteorological parameters, particularly temperature, precipitation, and wind speed, were found to have significant positive or negative effects on PM2,5 and PM10 concentrations. Research results show that the Baberti campus atmosphere has lower PM2,5 and PM10 levels compared to many large urban areas, but higher levels than similar areas. At the same time, these determined values indicate that the air quality is within clean air quality limits. The findings obtained in this context reveal the need to monitor the region's current atmospheric structure. Furthermore, it is believed that the acquisition of these data provides an important first step in contributing to future comparative studies and informing air quality policies.