Urban air pollutants and their impact on biota

Abstract

This chapter presents the results of studies of changes in the environment caused by air pollution increasement, in urban areas in the function of time, Vranje town case study, southern Serbia region. Vranje is a typical town with increasing traffic and industry and consequently increasing air contamination. Emissions of pollutants CO, nitrogen oxides, and soot were measured, as well as consequent pollution of agricultural land and biota in the town and region. Air quality measurements were carried out at two locations in the town. Three hundred sixty-five samples of sulfur dioxide, 365 samples of soot, and 365 samples of nitrogen oxides were collected and analyzed by physical chemical methods. The emission of pollutants from stationary sources, which was maximal on two representative sites, is determined by measuring and calculating the emission parameters, based on the measurement results. Measuring emissions of pollutants is done using special devices that are calibrated in accordance with EU legislation. Results of measuring emissions were compared with emission limit values, which are given by the Regulation and comply with EU environmental legislation. Impact of air pollution is analyzed on the biota within the town and in the surrounding agriculture areas. The conclusion is that pollution of air and soil is more intense in the winter. Pollution arrives even to agricultural products that are grown in the region. Findings indicate the imperative shift toward renewable energy sources and sustainable environmentally friendly technical and industrial solutions, in order to decrease pollutions in the towns and to preserve the quality of the environment.