| Abstract [eng] |
Atmospheric black carbon (BC) commonly referred to as soot has significant adverse effects on air quality, climate change, and human health, contributing to issues such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases as well as reduced cognitive function, both locally and globally. This thesis aims to assess the dynamics of source-apportioned BC mass concentration in urban environments and identify the principal factors influencing these concentrations during the period from September 2020 and May 2022 in Vilnius, the capital and largest city of Lithuania. Such studies are particularly crucial in urban areas, where high population densities face increased exposure to BC emissions from transportation and residential heating, resulting in poor air quality and heightened health risks for residents. This thesis outlines three main research directions: (i) the urban background BC mass concentration sampling campaign; (ii) the investigation of the indoor-outdoor relationship of BC concentrations and their source apportionment; (iii) an analysis of BC deposition on urban trees (Norway spruce and silver birch). The findings reveal that fossil fuel combustion is the predominant BC source in outdoor and indoor air. Mechanical ventilation significantly reduces indoor pollutant concentrations compared to outdoor levels. Local sources were identified as the primary contributors to BC levels, particularly during the heating season. Additionally, all analysed samples of tree leaves and needles contained traces of BC, demonstrating the role of urban greenery in mitigating pollution through its capacity to capture airborne particles. |
