Dual-isotope ratios of carbonaceous aerosols for seasonal observation and their assessment as source indicators.

Carbonaceous aerosols exhibit seasonal variations due to a complex interplay of emission sources, meteorological conditions, and chemical processes. This study presents the first year-round dual‑carbon isotopic analysis of carbonaceous aerosols in Northeastern Europe (Lithuania). The emphasis was placed on the processes affecting carbonaceous submicron particle (PM) concentrations and their isotopic composition (δC, f) during different seasons.

Impact of long-range transport on black carbon source contribution and optical aerosol properties in two urban environments.

Urban areas, as major sources of aerosol black carbon emissions, contribute to increased pollution levels in surrounding regions by air mass long-range transport, which should be taken into account in implementation of emission-reduction strategies. Properties of light-absorbing aerosol particles and a novel approach to assess the impact of long-range transport on black carbon (BC) pollution in two under-investigated urban environments: Warsaw (Poland, Central Europe) and Vilnius (Lithuania, North-Eastern Europe) are presented. During the warm season of May-August 2022, BC mass concentration and aerosol optical properties: the scattering Ångström exponent (SAE), absorption Ångström exponent (AAE), and single scattering albedo (SSA) were investigated.

Synergic use of in-situ and remote sensing techniques for comprehensive characterization of aerosol optical and microphysical properties.

We report on importance of conducting comprehensive studies of atmospheric aerosol particles, which cannot be done if information from various complementary sensors is unavailable. We present an example for such application and recommend on the types of sensors that should be used in view of the ACTRIS and RI-URBANS new strategies for monitoring at supersites. Although active and passive remote sensing data was not available in continuous mode, we show that synergic use of them with in-situ observations allows for comprehensive study of temporal and height-resolved distribution of aerosol in the lower troposphere and it can be successfully combined to assess biomass burning impact on air quality and optical properties.

Evaluation of Work-Related Personal Exposure to Aerosol Particles.

The effects of air pollution on the general public received much attention recently. Personal exposure and deposition fraction of aerosol particles were studied in Vilnius, Lithuania, focusing on individuals working in an office and driving to work. Aerosol monitoring in the urban background was found to give an indication of the minimum concentrations of particulate matter (PM) expected at urban roads, as these correspond to the lowest PM concentrations measured there.

Evaluation of the anthropogenic black carbon emissions and deposition on Norway spruce and silver birch foliage in the Baltic region.

This study investigates potential influence of urban trees on black carbon (BC) removal by Norway spruce and silver birch along with the BC formation, mass concentration in air, and source apportionment. The main sources of BC in urban areas are transport, household and industry. BC concentrations monitored in urban background station in Vilnius (Lithuania) showed that biomass burning was a significant contributor to BC emissions even during warm period of the year.