Urban air pollution: Particulate matter in Bologna

Abstract

Particulate matters (PM₁₀, PM_2.5 and PM₁) are monitored in different places of Bologna (Italy) by using the portable aerosol spectrometer Grimm. The measures indicate a very high exposure of citizens to peaks of concentration of these pollutants. Other experiences (including didactic purposes too) in monitoring volatile organic compounds, mainly benzene and toluene, are obtained by collecting these pollutants with passive sampling system, revealing some very critical situations arising from the amount of benzene in private garages (with a car parked) and in underground public parking (levels above 100 µg m⁻³). Furthermore, toluene is found in a very large amount (more than 1000 µg m⁻³) in news-stands. The risk involved to exposure to high peaks of pollutants cannot be perceived and evaluated by using measures obtained by standard methods, where the amount of pollutants is averaged through time, for instance, on a day.

Keywords:

• particulate matter
• particulate from firewood heaters
• benzene
• toluene

Acknowledgments

The major part of this activity was performed with the auspices and financial assistance of “Progetto Ministeriale Lauree Scientifiche”. Many thanks are due to Teachers and Students of involved Schools.