14. The Influence of Meteorological Conditions on Fine Particle (PM1.0) Levels in the Urban Atmosphere

It is well known that airborne particulate matter (PM) can damage human health and affect climate. Fine particles with an aerodynamic diameter less than 1 μm (PM1.0) are generally more harmful to humans compared to coarser particles. This study investigates the relationships between 1-min average PM1.0 mass concentrations and atmospheric conditions at the same time-scale. Concentrations were measured by the DUSTTRAK^TM Aerosol Monitor, which was located in Zagreb’s residential quarter, far from major pollution sources. The monitor was placed at a height of 15.8 m above the ground. While the influences of temperature and global radiation remained unclear, it was shown that PM1.0 levels depended on horizontal and vertical wind speed, air pressure and relative humidity. Thus, climate change may at least locally modify PM pollution levels and accordingly affect human health. Finally, results suggested that a nearby road, at a distance of approximately 100 m, with weak to moderate traffic did not affect PM1.0 levels. Instead, recorded concentrations mainly originated from other urban sources that were several kilometers away.