2024, Environmental protection and decarbonization, pp. 77-83
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Examining PAHs presence in Novi Sad's ambient air: Sources and assessment
aUniversity of Novi Sad, Faculty of Technical Science, Serbia bFaculty of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Information Technology, Osijek, Croatia cUniveristy of Niš, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Serbia dUniversity of West Attica, School of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Athens, Greece
email: majabrboric@uns.ac.rs, nakomcic@uns.ac.rs, damir.sljivac@ferit.hr, sasa.pavlovic@masfak.ni.ac.rs, bellose@uniwa.gr
Project: Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia (Institution: University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Technical Science) (MESTD - 451-03-68/2020-14/200156) Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad through project "Scientific and Artistic Research Work of Researchers in Teaching and Associate Positions at the Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad" (No. 01-3394/1) REWARDING - REmote WAter quality monitoRing anD INtelliGence (ScienceFundRS_Zeleni - 6707)
Keywords: PAHs, benzo(a)pyrene; air pollution; sources identifications, assessment
Abstract
Air pollution poses a significant global health risk, with severe consequences for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, particularly among vulnerable populations facing heightened exposure. The respiratory system is particularly susceptible to pollutants, resulting in various adverse health effects. Ambient air monitoring for benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) was conducted at four sites in Novi Sad throughout 2020, representing diverse environmental conditions. Sampling and analytical methods adhered to standardized protocols. B(a)P concentrations exceeded prescribed limits at most sites, with combustion processes and traffic emissions identified as primary pollution sources. Principal component analysis highlighted the dominance of combustion-related pollution, particularly during winter. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed distinct pollution patterns across sites, with areas less burdened by traffic and combustion showing lower B(a)P levels. The study underscores the urgent need to mitigate local pollution sources, especially combustion and traffic emissions, to safeguard public health. The findings provide crucial baseline data for future monitoring efforts and highlight the importance of addressing air pollution for sustainable development and climate change mitigation.
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