An investigation of local and regional sources of fine particulate matter in Ostrava, the Czech Republic Teri Vossler1, Libor Černikovský2, Jiří Novák2, Helena Plachá2, Blanka Krejčí2, Irina Nikolová2, Eva Chalupníčková2, Ronald Williams1 1U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA 2Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, Prague, Czech Republic Corresponding Author: Teri Vossler U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Mail Drop E205-03 Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711 Phone: (919)-541-3157; FAX: (919)-541-0960
[email protected] 1 Disclaimer The United States Environmental Protection Agency through its Office of Research and Development collaborated with the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute in the research described here. It has been subjected to Agency review and approved for publication. 2 Abstract Despite efforts to reduce air pollutants, particularly in the coal power plant and industrial sectors, the Ostrava region of the Czech Republic continues to experience episodes of high pollutant concentrations, especially during the fall and winter seasons. A short-term pilot investigation was conducted to improve understanding of air pollution sources that may be impacting the Ostrava air quality. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) samples were collected in consecutive 12-hour day and night increments during spring and fall 2012 sampling campaigns. Sampling sites were strategically located to evaluate conditions in close proximity of a large steel works industrial complex, as well as away from direct influence of the industrial complex. These samples were analyzed for metals, organic and elemental (black) carbon, and selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The PM2.5 samples were supplemented with continuous monitoring of gases and meteorological parameters.