Long-range transport and potential source regions of PM2.5 during the autumn season in Edirne, Türkiye

Abstract

The variation in daily Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5) concentrations was studied in Edirne city center from September 1, 2019 to November 30, 2019 (autumn season). The values of daily PM2.5 concentrations were between 5.65 and 77.59 μg m-3. The values of PM2.5 concentration had the highest average value on Tuesdays compared to other days. The mean value of daily PM2.5 concentrations on Tuesdays was 23.41 μg m-3. The backward trajectories were computed and clustered by applying the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model. The backward trajectories clustered in eight major clusters during the autumn. In Cluster 4 (C4), which has more short-range transport according to the other seven clusters, the mean value of PM2.5 concentrations was 19.52 μg m-3. The mean value of PM2.5 concentrations was 28.11 μg m-3 in C8 (3.3%), which has more long-range transport than the other seven clusters. Potential source areas of PM2.5 have been determined by the Potential Source Contribution Function (PSCF) model. The results of PSCF analyses illustrated that the north, northeast, south, and southeast regions of the sampling area as major potential source areas for PM2.5. The results obtained in this study can make important contributions to the evaluation of PM2.5 concentration in the region in terms of health and long-range transport.