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Description
Benzo(a)pyrene and aerosol particles are considered the most problematic pollutants in almost the entire territory of the Czech Republic, including the Zlín Region (ZK). The project is therefore focused on the medium-term measurement of the concentrations of PAU defined by European legislation, led by benzo(a)pyrene, and aerosol particles of the PM10 and PM2.5 fractions, so that the measured results can be compared with the emission limits. The measurement will take place at 5 locations in the Zlín region. The selection of monitored localities is based on different typologies of settlements with up to 2000 inhabitants according to the methodology developed in project No. TA 02021267. Based on a detailed evaluation of the measured data, a Final Measurement Report will be prepared, which will include annotated measurement results, including the identification of sources of air pollution in the given locality with a focus on the local heating plant. The target group of this project are mainly residents of the Zlín region. Another target group are municipal workers who will use the results of the project when evaluating their time plans for improving air quality and municipal workers with extended powers who will use the results in control activities in the area. Employees of the Zlín Region will use the measurement results to verify the setting of the existing priorities of the Air Quality Improvement Plan in the Zlín Region and when preparing measures to improve the state of the territory in terms of measured pollutants for the next period.
Summary of project results
The main objective of the project was to measure the impact of local heating systems on air pollution in municipalities with up to 2000 inhabitants, with different heating and ventilation patterns. For the measurements we selected 5 small villages in the Zlín region. The measurements were carried out from July 2023 to April 2024 and consisted of "online" measurements of concentrations of aerosol particles of PM10 and PM2.5 fractions and regular sampling of aerosol particles for subsequent laboratory determination of concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) defined by European legislation, led by benzo(a)pyrene. Our main motivation was to measure the immission load of small settlements with different typologies and to evaluate the expected impact of local heating sites by comparing the results in the non-heating, transition and heating seasons. The results were then presented to the public and local government representatives to raise awareness of the negative impact of poor heating on air quality.
The monitoring was carried out by ENVItech Bohemia s.r.o. staff in the form of three 14-day campaigns, which took place from August 2023 to February 2024. In order to compare data in the heating and non-heating season, each location was measured once during the heating season, once during the so-called transitional season and once during the non-heating season. ENVItech Bohemia staff monitored 6 sites at the same time and then moved the measuring equipment to the other 6 sites. During the 14-day campaign, they collected 5 PAH samples from each site for subsequent analysis and 14 samples of aerosol particles of PM10 and PM2.5 fractions for subsequent gravimetric determination of concentrations. The PAH sampling days coincided with the CNMI sampling calendar so that the measured concentrations could also be compared with data from other measurement stations. The stations in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm, Loštice and Olomouc were selected for comparison. Thus, 15 PAH samples were collected from each site during the project implementation, for a total of 180 samples at 12 sites. In addition, 42 PM10 and PM2.5 samples were collected from each site, for a total of 504 samples. The samples collected were subsequently analysed in the accredited laboratory of the Transport Research Centre. The final samples were evaluated in April 2024 and subsequently published on the project website. In the early phase of the project (October 2023) we organised a full-day expert seminar where we presented the project objectives and prepared a series of interesting lectures for invited guests on air protection related to local heating issues. This activity was repeated at the end of the project (April 2024), when, in addition to the awareness-raising lectures, we also presented the main project results, conclusions and recommendations.
The long-term impact of this project lies in its ability to provide detailed data on pollution sources and levels in small communities. These data are underrepresented in the national immission monitoring network. By understanding the fundamental contribution of local heating plants to air pollution through the example of specific small communities, we can develop targeted measures to reduce emissions and improve air quality, thereby protecting public health. In addition, the data obtained will enable us to develop awareness-raising and educational activities aimed both at the inhabitants of the municipalities of the Zlín Region and at local government representatives, and consequently at politicians at the regional and eventually supra-regional level.