Harmonizing elemental carbon (EC) and organic carbon (OC) measurement methods across Europe is essential for standardized air quality data. The reference method (EN 16909) is accurate but time-consuming, prompting the need for automated alternatives. The CEN/TR 18076 report provides guidance on assessing the equivalency of automatic methods to EN 16909. An intercomparison campaign at ACTRIS SIRTA in early 2025 tested TC-BC methods against standard 24h offline filters. These efforts support the development of automated, reliable EC/OC monitoring for regulatory use.

The assignment of total carbon to organic and elemental carbon via thermal-optical analysis is influenced by various parameters set prior and after the measurement. Here, we focus on the bias introduced by the co-occurrence of mineral dust in PM₁₀ and snow samples collected at the Global Atmosphere Watch station Sonnblick Observatory between 2019 and 2024. We review the data, identify affected samples and assess the underestimation of elemental carbon by routine protocols for evaluation. Utilizing this interference, we estimate the mineral dust mass directly from thermal-optical analysis data.

This work uses geostationary satellite GOES-16 data from 2020 to 2022 to study fire patterns and emissions in the southern Amazon. The Fire/Hotspot Characterization algorithm processes GOES-16's Advanced Baseline Imager data, providing insights into fire dynamics with an unparalleled temporal resolution of 10 minutes. This approach allows for retrieving accurate temporal evolution of fire radiative power (FRP) and emission estimates compared to previous efforts based on polar satellites.

Black carbon (BC) is a significant component of atmospheric aerosols, heavily influencing air quality, human health, and climate forcing. The need for real-time, spatially resolved BC measurements—especially in urban areas and near emission sources—highlights the importance of portable, cost-effective sensors. This study evaluates a novel portable optoacoustic BC sensor for exhaust applications, in lab conditions. Controlled experiments assess its sensitivity, accuracy, and stability. Results indicate that the sensor is a promising low-cost alternative for field monitoring, particularly in near-source and exhaust emission studies.

The new multidisciplinary project ADRIAirBURN aims to enhance scientific knowledge on physico-chemical properties of biomass burning aerosols, focusing on chemically reactive organic fraction, and how their ageing in the atmosphere affects air quality, human health and marine environment in coastal aeras. The project focuses on the Adriatic coast, prone to extreme fire hazards, where the impact of biomass burning remains largely unknown. The overall concept of the ADRIAirBURN project will be presented together with the first results of the field campaign conducted during and outside the heating season in the Central Adriatic area combining online and offline measurements.

The Mediterranean Basin is regularly affected by dust transport from the Saharan desert, which has strong implications for the Earth’s energy budget, cloud formation processes, and human health. In our work we present a 21-year climatology of Saharan dust event identification from in-situ measurement at Monte Cimone in northern Italy coupled with backward trajectories. Overall, 15.8 % days affected by dust events, of which most of them lasted one day. We further present analysis from the FLEXPART model and ice-nucleating particle parameterizations to assess the dust transport time and the possible contribution to ice formation in clouds, respectively.

This study analyzes four major dust events (2021–2022) in the Mediterranean using ground-based observations (lidar and sun photometry), trajectory analysis, and satellite data. It examines aerosol optical depth, Ångström exponent, single scattering albedo, and size distributions, revealing significant variability between stations and events. Event C, originating from the Middle East, features smaller, more absorbing particles, confirmed by ground-based in-situ observations. To assess the dust contribution to the total aerosol load, we estimated the DOD-to-AOD ratios using the MIDAS dataset. METAL-WRF simulations assess mineralogical composition and transport effects, providing insights into dust dynamics.

The study investigates aerosol emissions and their effects on air quality and climate in the Western Mediterranean, focusing on Granada. Despite its mid-size and non-industrial profile, the city experiences high pollutant levels. Measurements at urban and mountain stations assessed aerosol transport and atmospheric boundary layer dynamics. Traffic was identified as the dominant black carbon source, with a smaller contribution from biomass burning. The study analyzed vertical pollutant transport, Saharan dust intrusions, and their impact on air quality and the regional radiative balance, offering deeper insights into aerosol behavior in this complex valley-mountain system of the western Mediterranean basin.

The present project aims to provide a contribution to the characterization of the dust component from Iceland capable of being transported over great distances towards Svalbard. A sampling campaign of sediments, resuspended dust and aerosols was carried out in Icelandic dust hot spots. The sediment samples underwent resuspension tests in a dust resuspension/sampling chamber designed for the purpose. All the samples were analysed by ICP-MS and SEM-EDS methods in order to compare soil, dust and aerosol samples, and finally compared with aerosol samples from Ny-Ålesund and Hornsund Arctic stations. The results of the geochemical investigation are reported and discussed.

The metal-bearing airborne particles pose obvious risks to human health.This study aimed to characterize and identify the sources of atmospheric dust collected around an open pit mine and hydrometallurgical plant on the Congolese Copperbelt. PM was collected using a Dekati 3-stage cascade impactor at eight sampling points around the mining site. Results indicated that PM2.5 concentrations ranged from 146 to 380 μg m-3. Silicon and related detrital elements: Al, K, etc. were abundant in all size fractions and showed a decreasing trend with PM size. Dust from dry mine dumps, rock blasting, and terrigenous sources were the main sources identified.

Stubble burning (SB) in North-Western India significantly impacts air quality, particularly post-monsoon. To study fresh SB aerosols, we conducted the STUB-BURN campaign at a rural site in Punjab using CARLab, a mobile research platform with real-time PM₂.₅ and gas analyzers. Sampling period was from Oct 27–Nov 18, 2023 and we identified ten plume events based on CO and BB% enhancements. Emission factors (EFs) were estimated for key species. These first-of-their-kind regional EFs will aid emission inventory refinement and chemical transport modeling, providing crucial insights into agricultural residue burning emissions and aerosol evolution in N-W India.

Radiative properties and cloud condensation from wildfire aerosols depend on organic coatings and on the distribution of optically and nucleation-active substances across the particle ensemble. We show the distribution of hydrophilic molecules and hydrophobic polyaromatic hydrocarbons in a boreal forest smoke experiment. For the water-soluble phase, glyoxal and methylglyoxal are emitted directly from the combustion and oxalate is rapidly formed upon ageing. The co-existence of hydropobic, optical absorbing PAHs and hydrophilic oxalate on the same particles indicates that the resulting lensing and droplet activation are highly prevalent in wildfire smoke and need to be considered in models.

The effects of blending ratios on soot formation remain unclear as sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) are introduced to replace fossil fuels and reduce particulate emissions. Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) is used to investigate soot primary particles from ethylene, Jet A-1, and SAF blends in laminar diffusion flames. A Bayesian framework with physical constraints analyzes the SAXS data using a pair-correlation-based model, yielding spatially resolved primary particle size distributions. Results highlight the impact of replacing Jet A-1 with SAF on particle size distribution, Porod invariant (proportional to soot volume fraction), and surface-to-volume ratio.

The climatic impact of aviation is a subject of significant scientific scrutiny, encompassing effects beyond direct radiative forcing from carbon dioxide. A substantial component of the effective radiative forcing is attributable to non-CO2 effects, including the formation of contrail-cirrus clouds, for which non-volatile particulate matter (nvPM) emissions act as precursor nuclei. These emissions also degrade local air quality at airports. Therefore, the development of effective mitigation strategies is imperative. Empirical studies have demonstrated that Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) represent a viable mitigation pathway, capable of significantly reducing nvPM mass and number emissions from jet engines.

Real-world emission data of aircrafts is essential for the development of realistic air quality models. In the present work, about 1600 single aircraft exhaust plumes were investigated during two measurement campaigns at Frankfurt Airport as part of the project SOURCE FFR (Study On Ultrafine Particles in the Frankfurt Airport Region). Based on these measurements emission indices for both total and non-volatile particle number as well as NO_x were obtained covering about 70 different aircraft engine types. This dataset provides a valuable source of input parameters for ongoing modelling efforts.

Aircraft operations emit significant particulate matter (PM) and ultrafine particles (UFP), impacting air quality near airports. The Appropriate project assessed emissions at Zürich Airport via laboratory studies, test cell measurements, and a month-long field campaign in 2022. A suite of advanced instruments, including LToF-AMS, EESI-TOF, and VOCUS PTR, quantified non-refractory PM components and volatile organic compounds. Preliminary LToF-AMS data revealed elevated oil-related organic markers (m/z 85/71 > 0.66), suggesting lubrication oil contributions. Coupled with molecular-level EESI and VOCUS data, measurements enable detailed source apportionment of primary and secondary aerosols, providing critical insights into aviation-related atmospheric chemistry and health impacts.

Biomass burning (BB) emits pollutants affecting air quality, climate, and health, but its aerosol composition and transformation remain unclear. This work presents the set-up and rationale of a campaign conducted at the high-volume EUPHORE simulation chamber. An in-depth characterization of gas and particle-phase emissions and optical properties from domestic stoves burning oak, pine, and pellet-wood in flaming and smoldering phases and oxidized under day and nighttime conditions was done along with human cell exposure to asses toxicological risks. Focusing on aerosol composition characterization (API-ToF-CIMS+FIGAERO), this work aims to improve understanding of BB emissions, supporting air quality models and mitigation strategies.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and oxygenated derivatives (OPAHs) were measured in the particle phase of pellet and wood stove burning emissions through a series of experiments. PAHs and OPAHs wood-burning emissions were characterized under fresh, daytime-aged (oxidation by OH radicals) and nighttime-aged (oxidation by NO₃ radicals) experimental conditions in the chamber. Besides the effects of aging, the PAC levels were studied under different relative humidity (RH) conditions. Furthermore, the toxicity indicator, Benzo(a)pyrene equivalent (BaPeq), was calculated for the different experiments. Finally, the chamber PAC profile was compared to the biomass burning source profile (from PMF analysis) for ambient particle PACs.

Black carbon (BC) is a key anthropogenic climate forcer, with its radiative impact depending on its absorption, cloud activation, and ice-nucleating properties. These evolve with atmospheric ageing, which is challenging to parameterize in models, leading to uncertainties in Arctic BC forcing estimates. The ARCTEx project investigated BC ageing timescales under Arctic transport conditions using the AIDA chamber. Results show altitude strongly modulates BC ageing, with rapid transformation at low altitudes but stable fractal-like BC at high altitudes. Seasonal effects influenced optical and cloud activation properties. Findings highlight the need to refine BC ageing in climate models.

In our study, we found that the oxidation of naphthalene by OH radicals, combined with the presence of ozone, significantly increases the formation of highly oxygenated organic molecules (HOM) contributing to secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation. Experiments showed that ozone plays a crucial role in the rapid oxidation of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like naphthalene, 1 and 2-naphthols, biphenyl and anthracene affecting SOA formation. These insights help resolve discrepancies in previous molecular-level studies.

The UFP number concentration and number size distribution have been measured at an urban background site in Wildau (Brandenburg, Germany) during the entire year 2024. The employed measurement devices included a Condensation Particle Counter (Grimm 5421-CEN), fully compliant with EN16976 and a Mobility Particle Size Spectrometer (Grimm SMPS+C 5420-CEN) according to CEN/TS 17434. In addition, a Partector 2 and Partector 2 Pro (naneos) were employed as simplified methods to measure the number concentration and size distribution, respectively. The results show that all devices can reliably be applied with reasonably good comparability of the results.

In the context of the project “MITIGATING TRANSPORT-RELATED AIR POLLUTION IN EUROPE (MI-TRAP)”, an MPSS calibration workshop took place in Prague, Czech Republic from November 25, 2024 to December 2, 2024. One of the participating instruments (a negative polarity MPSS) displayed significant difference (~25%) from the reference MPSS (positive polarity). A regularization based inversion method was applied so as to harmonize measurements acquired by the participating instrument with those obtained from a reference instrument.

Faraday Cup Aerosol Electrometers (FCAE) are the preferred reference instrument for CPCs used stand alone or used as detector in an MPSS setup. So far, the standard method to calibrate FCAE involves rather extensive and stationary instrumentation, involving high precision laboratory-based instrumentation, mostly only available at dedicated national metrology institutes that also have specialized in the field of low current measurement. Here we present data and the use of a commercially available Ultra-stable Low-noise Current Amplifier (ULCA) for the calibration of a GRIMM FCE 5705, teamed up with the newly developed GRIMM FCE Controller 5704.

Condensation Particle Counters (CPCs) are widely-used instruments for atmospheric measurements of the particle number (PN) concentration. EN 16976:2024 compliant CPC work with butanol and have D50 of 10 nm. A water-based V-WCPC (3789) allows custom temperature settings and was calibrated. It was found that the different temperature settings from calibrations with sucrose and silver (in N₂) particles were different and then used to measure ambient aerosol with 3 units of V-WCPC and in parallel with a fully compliant CPC (3750-CEN10). They show an overall good agreement for ambient air in Aachen when using the sucrose-based calibration for the V-WCPC.

To investigate the impact of NPFE on the formation of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and cloud droplet numbers and to understand how gas phase emissions of reactive trace gases contribute to initiation of NPFE in the atmopshere, we designed a holistic set of observations, from reactive trace gases to CCN, both in-situ and remote sensing technologies, at the Cyprus Atmospheric Observatory (CAO) during spring 2024. The measurements included e.g. aerosol in-situ observations, ultrafine particle observations, reactive trace gas measurements, aerosol precursor observations, CCN and hygroscopicity measurements and aerosol remote sensing for aerosol optical depth and boundary layer hight estimations.

The East Mediterranean experiences high PM2.5 levels from transported pollution, local emissions, and natural sources like desert dust. Rising temperatures may intensify photochemical pollution. A study in Lebanon analyzed nearly 300 PM2.5 samples from four sites. PMF source apportionment showed natural sources contributed 21–48%, long-range transport 19–28%, and local anthropogenic sources 33–51%. Oxidative potential (OP), assessed via DTT and AA assays, was highest for traffic, biomass burning, and HFO combustion. Crustal dust had minimal OP impact, while ammonium sulfate showed significant contributions, likely due to associated carbonaceous species.

To assess the impact of ship emissions on the atmospheric PM load and chemical composition at the Piraeus Port (Greece), the WRF-CAMx modelling system was applied for January/July 2019 following the zero-out approach for ship emissions. Anthropogenic emissions were obtained from the CAMS-REG database, including ship emissions from the STEAM model. WRF-CAMx results were compared with PMF receptor modelling estimations for apportioned contributions of ships. Bottom-up domestic shipping pollutant emissions of the FEI-GREGAA emission inventory were compared with the STEAM model emissions to investigate the contribution of national versus international shipping on PM at the greater area of Piraeus Port.

A study within the AIR-PHONEMA project applied the Lenschow approach and advanced source apportionment techniques to assess road traffic and harbor activities' contributions to aerosol concentrations in Barcelona. Preliminary results indicated higher elemental concentrations at traffic and harbor sites compared to an urban background site. Notably, increased levels of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), barium (Ba), and chromium (Cr) were detected at the traffic site, while elevated vanadium (V) and nickel (Ni) levels were observed at the harbor site. The findings will support targeted mitigation strategies in coastal cities and enhance exposure assessments and health impact studies.

This study investigates Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds (PACs) in Heraklion, Greece, through a three-year monitoring campaign (2022–2024). Seasonal variations reveal significantly higher PAC concentrations in winter, driven by residential biomass burning, while summer levels are influenced by traffic and shipping. Benzo[a]Pyrene (B[a]P) and oxygenated PAHs (OPAHs) exhibit concentrations up to 18 times higher in winter. Carcinogenic risk assessment (BaPeq) indicates a 16-fold increase in winter. These findings provide critical insights into PAC sources and exposure, emphasizing the need for targeted air quality management strategies in urban Mediterranean environments.

Black Carbon (BC) particles contribute to air pollution and climate change. Its health impacts extend beyond respiratory diseases. Studying BC translocation into human tissues explores the mechanisms of adverse outcomes. The placenta provides tissue for understanding BC impacts on this organ and embryo/fetus, and for developing prevention strategies. Thus, measured tissue dose metrics provide an epidemiological tool to related exposures to a variety of health outcomes in the woman, fetus, and resulting child. A microscopic methodology for quantifying BC particles in human placental histology slides free of artifacts was developed in which the transplacental movement of BC particles were determined

The transportation sector emits ultrafine particles (UFPs), impacting air quality and health. A co-culture model of bronchial, macrophage, and endothelial cells was exposed to emissions from six transportation sources, including road, marine, and aviation. Fresh and aged emissions were tested using the oxidation flow reactor PEAR. Cytotoxicity, barrier integrity, and inflammation were assessed via LDH, TEER, and IL8. A hazard ranking using weighted Power Weakness Ratio (wPWR) for multi-criterion decision making identified fresh CNG and diesel as most hazardous. Ageing generally reduced toxicity, especially for diesel, while marine fuels showed minimal change.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous organic compounds from human activities like industrial processes and vehicle emissions. Recent studies are focusing on PAH derivatives (nitro-PAHs and oxy-PAHs) produced from incomplete combustion and photochemical reactions in atmosphere known for their high toxicity and limited emission sources knowledge. This work deals with the determination of PAH, Nitro- and Oxy-PAH concentrations in two sites located in Sacco River Valley (IT) and on the investigation of possible relationship between local emission source and PHAs and their derivates concentration. In addition, correlation with oxidative potential were evaluated and risk assessment analysis was performed.

Here, the light absorption of wildfire-like Brown Carbon (BrC) emitted by wood combustion is elucidated using an integrated generation platform coupled with a real-time monitoring and time-integrated sampling instrumentation. The optical properties and particle size distribution of Brown Carbon (BrC) are controlled by varying the wood mass. The size fractionation of such wildfire-like BrC reveals that the PM_0.1-2.5 fraction absorbs up to five times more light compared to the PM_0.1 fraction. The size-resolved optical properties of BrC measured here can be interfaced with climate models to determine the contribution of wildfire PM to global warming.

Residential wood combustion (RWC) is a major source of light-absorbing particles into atmosphere. This study investigated how RWC aerosol optical properties are influenced by combustion conditions, novel emission control techniques and atmospheric aging. We found that an electrostatic precipitator (ESP) removed 71% of particle emissions, but considerably changed the particle size and composition, leading to increase in radiative forcing efficiency of the particles. Photochemical aging of emissions strongly decreased radiative forcing efficiency, but the particles still estimated cause a net warming effect. The results can be used to assess how efficiently new emission control technologies mitigate climate impacts of RWC.

Aerosol emissions, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), from biomass combustion are extremely difficult to predict and to reproduce due to their complex nature and high sensitivity to the combustion conditions.

This study aimed to characterize fire emissions from commonly used wood-based construction materials during key combustion conditions, including well-ventilated, under-ventilated, and vitiated (reduced oxygen by nitrogen dilution) conditions with non-flaming smoldering combustion.

The results show that particle-phase PAH emissions were substantially increased with decreasing degree of ventilation. On the other hand, vitiated conditions did not result in similar PAH-rich emissions under the same heating conditions.

Condensable particulate matter (CPM) is a subset of primary particulate matter, formed through rapid condensation of vapors emitted from stacks to the atmosphere. CPM promotes new particle formation through homogeneous nucleation and particle growth through heterogeneous nucleation/condensation on the surface of filterable particulate matter (FPM). The effect of pre-existing particles and gaseous air pollutants around the stacks on the heterogeneous CPM formation has not been well understood. In this study, the effects of pre-existing particles and gaseous pollutants on the formation of heterogeneous CPM were investigated using the real-time CPM measurement system, PNU-CPM, developed by Pusan National University.

Recent advances in computational chemistry and physics have enabled fully ab initio cluster formation simulations, crucial for understanding aerosol nucleation. However, challenges remain in combining quantum-level theory with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. A key issue is the classical treatment of atomic motion in MD, which can misrepresent energy distribution, artificially accelerating processes like evaporation. Additionally, thermostatting algorithms, while maintaining temperature, may introduce unphysical effects. These concerns are particularly relevant in atmospheric nucleation studies, where best practices are still evolving. Addressing these methodological challenges will improve simulation accuracy, ensuring better representation of real-world processes and advancing aerosol science.

The diffusivity of aerosol nanoparticles (NPs) under 5 nm is crucial for nanotechnology and aerosol science yet remains unclear. Experiments used micron-sized particles at low pressures to achieve high Knudsen numbers, overlooking the critical atomic-level interactions. Here, molecular dynamics simulations provide diffusivities of fullerene and silica NPs (0.4 to 7 nm) in air, accounting for detailed structure and force fields. Below 3 nm, NP-diffusivities align well with gas diffusivity correlations but deviate from classic equations like Epstein and Stokes-Cunningham-Millikan for particle diffusivity. Differences become more pronounced as NPs approach gas-molecule sizes, while above 5 nm, NP-diffusivities converge with classic equations.

Aerosol Spray Pyrolysis (ASP) is an efficient method for synthesizing iron-based nanoparticles, which are widely used in biomedicine and catalysis. The characteristics of resulting nanoparticles, including size and structure, depend on precursor composition and processing conditions. This study uses molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate nanodroplet evaporation process that leads to nanoparticle formation. Results show iron ions precipitate on the droplet surface, forming a core-shell structure, with Fe³⁺ from iron nitrate favoring this formation more than iron chloride. The MD model results aligns well with experiments and provides insights into key parameters like diffusivity and evaporation, which are difficult to measure experimentally.

This presentation highlights the role of external charging in flame synthesis and its impact on the evolution of nanoparticles generated in the system. The study focused on MgO nanoparticles formed during magnesium combustion. Negative ion emission resulted in partial melting of nanoparticles, while positive ions had little effect. Numerical estimates showed that the observed effect was possible due to the influence of external charging on the thermionic emission of electrons from growing nanoparticles, which could play a significant role in the overall heat exchange. This emphasizes the need to consider the corresponding gas-nanoparticle heat transfer channel in accurate modeling.

Dust in the Arctic is an emerging topic related to climate and environmental impacts. Here we give an overview of our recent understanding on dust emissions and their long-range transport routes, deposition, and ecosystem effects in the Arctic.

We investigate the potential of wildfires to emit soil-dust particles on a global scale using a newly developed parameterization that was implemented into the aerosol-climate model ICON-HAM. This work is embedded in the newly established Leibniz ScienceCampus ‘BioSmoke’ (smoke and bioaerosols in a changing climate) linking the interplay of wildfires, atmosphere and biosphere in the context of climate and environmental change.

Saharan dust events significantly impact photovoltaic power forecasting in Hungary, where solar energy plays an increasing role. Analyzing 46 dust storms (2020–2023), this study finds that forecast errors were 30.9% larger on dusty days. Indirect effects, particularly dust-induced cloud modifications, were more influential than direct radiative reduction. Extensive cirrus cover caused production deficits, while unexpected cloud dissipation led to surplus generation. As dust storm frequency rises due to shifting atmospheric patterns, current forecasting models fail to account for real-time dust-cloud interactions. Improved forecasts integrating real-time dust transport data and cloud physics are essential for grid stability and renewable energy reliability.

Atmospheric aerosol deposition supplies essential micronutrients like iron to oceans, influencing marine ecosystems and carbon sequestration. While desert dust is the primary source, its bioavailability is low compared to anthropogenic emissions, such as pyrogenic iron. This study presents preliminary data from a 2024 Indian-Ocean ship cruise using a single-particle mass spectrometer with resonant laser ionization, enabling sensitive detection of transition metals. SPMS identified thousands of particles from long-range transport, including anthropogenic sources, with diverse compositions reflecting varied origins and aging processes. The findings highlight a potentially underestimated role of anthropogenic aerosols in biogeochemical cycles, underscoring the need for further research.

Air pollution is the leading environmental health risk, with emerging evidence linking it to cognitive decline. A study on 26 adults found that exposure to high particulate matter (PM) levels for one hour led to reduced selective attention and emotion recognition four hours later. This impairment may result from neuroinflammation triggered by PM entering the brain or causing systemic inflammation. Long-term exposure is also linked to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. With potential impacts on education, work productivity, and healthcare costs, addressing air pollution is essential. Strengthening environmental policies can help protect cognitive function and reduce societal burdens.

We are conducting surveillance of air pollution – mostly fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) – and health. We have developed the pilot air pollution vulnerability indicator focusing on the susceptibility to ambient air pollution by age, socioeconomic status (SES) and location related to air pollution concentrations. The Air Quality and Health dashboard collects, analyses and publishes health indicators associated with air quality across England in one tool as part of a whole system approach; the purpose of this is to inform and support local decision-making for improving health outcomes and reducing inequalities associated with air pollution exposure.

The EU project ULTRHAS has explored effects of ultrafine particles and gas phase emissions from different transport modes and fuel types: passenger cars (gasoline, diesel and natural gas), aviation (JP-8 jet fuel), and ship (heavy-fuel oil and marine gas-oil).

Fresh and photochemically aged emissions was extensively characterized, and toxicity have been tested in ALI 3D lung tissue models and secondary tissue models.

Emissions from different sources vary considerably in physicochemical characteristics and toxicity, and this was further altered by photochemical ageing.

Primary VOC/SVOC emissions and PM chemistry appeared to be more important for biological effects than particle mass- or number-concentration.

The WellHome study focused on indoor air quality inside and outside over 100 homes in London to identify dominant air pollution exposures across the indoor:outdoor continuum. Air quality measurements were sampled in three rooms in each house during two 4-week campaigns using 60 small sensors. To ensure comparability between homes a robust quality assurance calibration program was designed to account for source specificity for home activities. Our findings demonstrate significant drift in pollutant responses for the sensors and by challenging the sensors with different PM_2.5 sources we showed that the PM_2.5 sensors had a lower sensivitivity to some indoor sources.

In low-income countries, resource shortages limit student training and research opportunities. At Arba Minch University, Ethiopia, low-cost sensor (LCS) development and research with students (student science) addressed this challenge for air quality research. A locally developed PM_2.5 sensor system was validated at ambient and indoor locations, showing strong intra-correlation (r≥0.97) and accuracy versus gravimetric methods (r≥0.95). More than 50,000 hours of data across 16 locations were collected, 7,048 of which by undergraduate students. LCS development and student science provided local training and reliable data at costs under €1,500, making air quality research more accessible to Ethiopian universities.

With the decrease of electronic component prices, powerful yet low-cost optical particle counters (OPCs) gain in popularity. Sensor performance and long-term accuracy must be evaluated in order to maintain data quality. During a measurement campaign focusing on Arctic dust emission (HiLDA), we deployed seven measurement stations, equiped with four Alphasense OPC-N3 low-cost OPCs. In this work, we present a correction scheme for cross-dependencies of the measured data and different aging effects.

Low-cost sensors (LCS) can complement the current air pollution measuring network by increasing the density of the measurements collected. This additional data can be used to provide crucial information, which can be used to improve the air quality for everyone. With data collected using LCS and novel methodologies we managed to generate information which expand our understanding of air pollution, the sources driving it and their range of effect in a spatial resolution that was not possible before. Furthermore, by testing different ML methodologies we managed to fill spatial and temporal air quality data gaps and predict their future trends.

Sustainable energy transition aligns with UN Goal 7. Carbon-based fuel combustion emits CO₂, methane, and black carbon, worsening climate change. Contrasting hydrogen, ammonia (NH₃) is easier to store and transport but requires a pilot fuel for combustion because of bad ignition properties. In a dual-fuel engine study, replacing diesel with NH₃ reduced CO₂ emissions but increased N₂O and NOx. Nevertheless, at 80% diesel substitution, CO₂-equivalent greenhouse gas emissions dropped by 78%, while soot emissions also decreased. However, NH₃ and NOx emissions may enhance secondary aerosol formation, necessitating exhaust aftertreatment to mitigate environmental impacts for the low-carbon fuel alternative diesel/NH3.

Shipping is a significant source of light absorbing aerosols, i.e. black (BC) and brown carbon (BrC), which contribute to atmospheric warming. In 2020, the International Maritime Organization introduced a global regulation that reduced the maximum allowed sulfur content in fuels from 3.5 to 0.5% to mitigate sulfur pollution. We examined the light absorbing properties of fresh and aged aerosol emissions from a ship engine using fuels complying with the two major sulfur regulations. The results demonstrated that aerosol emissions from globally compliant LS-HFO can exhibit light-absorbing characteristics similar to SECA-compliant MGO, but with stronger overall absorption.

Brake wear particles, generated from the brake pad – brake disc contact, contribute significantly to particle emissions from vehicle transport. We use the pin on disc method to experimentally simulate mild and harsh braking using samples from comercial brake discs and brake pads. We find that BWP have substantial absorption at wavelengths spanning from UV to IR assessed with an aethalometer. The absorption is around 10% that of Black Carbon. We discuss the source of the absorbing material in BWP and the implications of the results on source apportionment of transport emissions.

A large waste treatment facility fire in Rusko, Tampere (November 2024) caused severe air pollution, with PM2.5 concentrations reaching 200 μg/m³ in nearby residential areas—almost 100 times the background level. Measurements using a mobile laboratory analyzed particle size, composition, and black carbon content. TEM analysis revealed diverse elements, including carbon, sulfur, and heavy metals. Despite high black carbon concentrations, organic compounds dominated. The smoke plume remained compact over long distances, worsening air quality. Findings highlight the severe impact of open waste burning on air pollution and health.

Coral reefs are among the most diverse ecosystems in the world and widely considered a potential source of aerosol particles. In this study, we present for the first time direct observations of coral reefs contribution to aerosol number size distributions above the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia. Our results show that air masses that spend more time directly over the coral reef exhibit higher fraction of the total particle number concentration in the Aitken mode and smaller diameter sizes than air masses that pass over the open ocean instead.

Atmospheric pollution affects the reliability of electric power systems by contaminating insulators with aerosol deposits, increasing surface conductivity and the risk of flashover events. This study examines the chemical composition and phase transitions of these deposits using ISORROPIA II, a thermodynamic model. Unlike standard atmospheric aerosols, insulator deposits are ammonium-poor and rich in crustal species, leading to model discrepancies. Experimental validation in an Aerosol Exposure Chamber identified necessary coding refinements, improving ISORROPIA’s predictive accuracy. This research enhances predictive models for power grid maintenance, contributing to a more reliable Italian electric system by mitigating contamination-related risks.

During the ACROSS campaign in suburban Paris (Summer 2022), hygroscopic growth and chemical composition of aerosols were analyzed using HTDMA and HR-ToF-AMS. Distinct growth factor modes—hydrophobic and hygroscopic—were identified, with hygroscopicity increasing with particle size. The Zdanovskii-Stokes-Robinson (ZSR) mixing rule revealed poor predictability for hygroscopic growth, particularly in externally mixed particles, influencing hygroscopicity predictions significantly. A cluster analysis of air mass backward trajectories provided insights into variations in chemical composition and hygroscopicity. Our study (Deshmukh et al., 2025) highlights the complex interplay between aerosol properties, chemical composition, and atmospheric processes, providing valuable insights for future research in this field.

Exposure to particulate matter (PM) in indoor environments has been associated with adverse health effects. To assess the relative importance of outdoor pollution and internal sources on the sub-micrometer PM indoor levels and properties, a series of indoor characterization experiments was conducted in different environments. The resulting data show that outdoor aerosols can undergo significant modifications once transported indoors because of losses of certain components and/or size fractions or addition of indoor-specific components. This can affect the particles toxicological properties in ways that are still not quantitatively understood.

Nocturnal turbulence influences the transport and dispersion of ultrafine particles (UFP, <100nm), particularly in suburban environments, where local sources and meteorological conditions interact. At the CIRAS measurement site, the study examines how turbulent fluxes and atmospheric stability affect nanoparticle oscillations during nighttime hours, providing insights into their variability and underlying dynamics. Measurements were conducted from late September to mid-November 2023, using a Fast Mobility Particle Sizer (TSI FMPS), a Mixing-type Condensation Particle Counter (Brechtel MCPC1720), and an ultrasonic anemometer (Metek usonic-3). During the campaign, two subsets of nanoparticle oscillations were observed between (identified as Periods A and B).

A catalytic stripper integrated with a plate electrostatic aerosol classifier (CS+EAC) was designed. The electric field force within the EAC reduces the influence of thermophoretic forces on particles, resulting in improved particle penetration efficiency. The experimental results show that the penetration efficiencies of 23 nm-100 nm particles are all improved when 168 V is applied to the EAC. The 33% improvement at 23 nm and the smoother penetration efficiency curve across the 23–100 nm range will enable the portable emission measurement system (PEMS) to derive a particle concentration reduction factor that facilitates more accurate inversion of particle number concentration.

We present results from a study that quantifies the contribution of road transport and local airports to UFP concentrations in Berlin and surroundings. The set-up is a combination of measurements and modelling. An elaborate measurement campaign was made in 2021/2022 including long-term stationary measurements close to the airport, car and bicycle based mobile measurements and ALADINA drone measurements. The model set-up is a combination of regional and local dispersion model modeling, separating source contributions. Good statistical correspondence between modelled and observed particle number concentrations was found.

Black Carbon (BC) plays a key role in the earth's system, with a strong positive radiative forcing. Human exposure to BC is associated with adverse health effects. Accurate bottom-up estimates of BC emissions are challenged by wildfire occurrence, changes in energy mix, and combustion technologies. Therefore, a comprehensive BC emission inventory is needed for a good understanding of the radiative forcing and associated climate feedback and to develop any successful mitigation strategies/policies. Under the Horizon Europe project PARIS, in collaboration with the sister project EYE-CLIMA, we aim to provide a top-down, observation-informed estimate of European BC emissions.

Black carbon (BC) significantly impacts Earth’s radiative balance and public health. This study developed a comprehensive modeling system to forecast BC concentrations in Velenje, Slovenia. The system integrates data from Aethalometers AE33 and AE36s, a meteorological forecast, a traffic model, and BC emission factors into a dispersion model. Traffic flow simulations and on-road measurements defined emission factors for different vehicle categories (cars, light-duty vehicles, heavy-duty vehicles, and buses). The GRAL model calculated BC_LF dispersion, and the ALADIN model provided meteorological forecasts. The methodology was validated with a year-long dataset, demonstrating its potential to enhance urban planning and pollution control.

The study investigates the impacts of air pollution in Almaty, the biggest city of Kazakhstan, on the surrounding mountain areas, including glaciers. For this, the WRF-CHIMERE model was evaluated using meteorological observations and BC measurements. Results indicated that the BC vertical profiles show that although the concentrations in Almaty are lower in summer compared to winter periods, the BC from the city is more effectively transported to the mountain tops. Additionally, model runs were conducted to quantify the impact of reduced black carbon emissions on the overall mountain circulation regime.

Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) are emitted by vegetation, with monoterpenes playing a key role in atmospheric chemistry. This study examines the oxidation of first-generation terpene oxidation products (FGTOPs), myrtenal and ketolimonene, by nitrate radicals (NO₃) in the CHARME simulation chamber under controlled conditions. The room temperature rate coefficients for myrtenal and ketolimonene were determined as (3.4 ± 0.3) × 10^-14 and (1.05 ± 0.24) × 10^-11 cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹, respectively. Myrtenal showed a significant secondary organic aerosol (SOA) yield of 32%. These results highlight NO₃ oxidation as a major atmospheric sink and contributor to SOA formation for FGTOPs.

Several anthropogenic activities emit considerable quantities of carbonyl compounds (aldehydes and ketones) and nitrogen oxides (NO_x), and they are key constituents of polluted air. The oxidation of a range of carbonyl compounds including aliphatic and aromatic systems initiated by OH radical has been thoroughly studied in a laboratory flow reactor setup. We observe the rapid formation of highly oxygenated organic molecules (HOMs) which are condensable materials and known to contribute to atmospheric SOA. In presence of NO, the studied systems showed significant enhancement of HOM yields, contrary to the traditional understanding of NO’s suppressing effect on HOM (and hence SOA).

Cloud droplet formation remains uncertain due to limited understanding of semi-volatile organic compound (SVOC) partitioning. This study investigates the condensation and evaporation behavior of levoglucosan, a biomass burning tracer, using controlled chamber experiments. Results show that levoglucosan undergoes co-condensation with increasing relative humidity and co-evaporation with decreasing humidity, influenced by sulfate mass ratio, concentration, and temperature. Net evaporation rate constant range from 9.1 × 10⁻⁶ to 2.9 × 10⁻⁴ s⁻¹, corresponding to half-lifetimes of 40 min to 21 h. These findings improve knowledge of aerosol hygroscopicity and aging, refining atmospheric models and climate predictions.

Ortho-cresol is important products of toluene photo-oxidation that contribute to SOA formation. Its gas-phase oxidation chemistry is less known and is of atmospheric interest. In this work, a series of chamber experiments were conducted in the continuously stirred tank reactor. Gas-phase products formed from o-cresol photo-oxidation were detected by nitrate chemical ionization mass spectrometry, and their volatilities were assessed. The effects of NO on SOA formation were also investigated. This study gives an insight into the products and volatility distributions of the o-cresol photo-oxidation system and the role of NO in SOA formation.

Up to 25% of aerosols are of biological origin and observations indicate that specific biological aerosols play an essential role in the atmosphere by initiating cloud ice formation and potentially serving as giant cloud condensation nuclei. Aerosolized microalgae have been studied regarding their transport to new environments and their negative effects on the environment and society, while there is still a clear lack concerning the implications of aerosolized microalgae for climate. In this work, we performed laboratory experiments mimicking wave breaking over the oceans and exploring the potential release of microalgae and concurrent VOCs from the oceans into the atmosphere.

Mineral dust accounts for 40% of global aerosol emissions and interacts with gases, influencing atmospheric chemistry. Glyoxal, which forms from the oxidation of aromatics and isoprene, can deposit on dust particles and oligomerize, contributing to secondary organic aerosol formation.This study investigates the uptake of glyoxal on submicron dust particles from the Gobi Desert and the resulting formation of organic aerosols. Laboratory experiments conducted in the CESAM simulation chamber reveal that glyoxal rapidly absorbs onto dust particles, with uptake increasing with relative humidity (observed above 30%). At 80% RH, glyoxal forms oligomers ranging from C4 to C10, permanently altering the dust composition.

Aerosol remote sensing relies on retrieving key properties such as size distribution or single scattering albedo from measurements of the aerosol light scattering phase function (angular distribution), thereby relying on sophisticated retrieval algorithms such as GRASP. We present in situ measurements of such phase function data during using a novel Inverse Multi-Angular Polarimeters with Polarization. Measurements were taken in Granada, Spain, and a nearby mountain site in the Sierra Nevada. This provides detailed characterization of aerosol optical properties, in addition to extensive testing of GRASP retrieval results against parallel independent aerosol property measurements and remote sensing data.

The 9-wavelength Aethalometer AE36s (Aerosol Magee Scientific) was used to characterise aerosol type based on the absorption Ångström exponent in the long and short wavelenth range (2D AAE) across multiple European sites. Results from the 2D AAE approach revealed clear separation of different aerosol types (e.g. traffic-related BC, biomass burning, Saharan dust). This method enhances souce apportionment in urban environments, improves pollution source identification, and enables better detection of special events like Saharan dust intrusions.

This study evaluates the Aethalometer approach for equivalent black carbon (eBC) source apportionment across 16 European sites using site-specific Absorption Ångström Exponents (AAE_LF and AAE_SF, 470–950 nm). By harmonizing eBC mass concentrations and absorption coefficients in historical and near real-time AE33 datasets, the study emphasizes the necessity of site-specific calibration over fixed AAE values. A percentile-based method effectively refines source apportionment, using summer-derived AAE_LF (1st percentile) to minimize brown carbon (BrC) influence and winter-derived AAE_SF (99th percentile) to enhance BrC detection. Despite the strong correlation with m/z 60 tracer (R² = 0.78), methodological limitations persist in high-traffic and BrC-influenced sites.

In this study we present the results from a laboratory campaign that took place in summer 2024 at the Northern Forestry Center in Edmonton, Canada, where we performed biomass burning experiments to analyze their coathing thickness and mass absorption cross-section properties. To this end, we performed over 40 controlled burns over fuel types characteristic of Canadian wildfires and domestic heating were burned, including, grass, ponderosa pine, peat, mulch and mixtures mulch with peat. To measure their coating thickness we used a CPMA-SP2 tandem configuration, and for measuring the aerosol particles absorption we used a PTTAM-2λ.

Warming in the Arctic can be exacerbated by light absorbing particles, i.e. black and brown carbon (BC and BrC) originating from near-Arctic biomass burning sources.The projected rise in boreal fires driven by climate change will likely enhance the deposition of light absorbing particles onto the Arctic. Aerosol emission characteristics from Eurasian boreal fires present important gaps in knowledge, and the atmospheric transformations of those particles may induce changes in the radiative properties that are not fully constrained. In this work, the effects of combustion conditions and atmospheric aging on the light absorbing particles from boreal forest surface fires were studied.

Particulate matter from wood combustion has a significant impact on climate and human health. Black carbon and freshly emitted brown carbon are strong light absorbers. During aging, the particles become less absorbing, or some originally colorless particles become light-absorbing. The secondary formed particles also modify the optical properties of the original emission.

Aerosol sample from wood combustion was measured with the new Aethalometer (AE36s), which has spectral resolution of nine wavelengths. The measurements were performed in the simulation chamber of the CEAM-EUPHORE research center in Valencia, Spain. Flaming and smoldering burning conditions were separately investigated and compared to diesel emission.

This study explores the toxicological effects of PM_0.3-2.5 and its organic extract (O-PM) on BEAS-2B cells, using two exposure models: classic submerged exposure and an air-liquid interface (ALI) system treated using the Vitrocell® Cloud alpha system. We report on the low deposition efficiency of airborne PM_0.3-2.5 sampled at an industrial site in northern France and the comparison of the effects of O-PM on cells at equal mass/surface concentrations in both exposure conditions. The importance of properly determining the deposition efficiency and comparing the effects by selecting the proper negative control is also highlighted.

This study investigates the oxidative potential (OP) of particulate matter (PM) emitted from a modern biomass combustion boiler with a nominal power of 15 kW (REKA HKRST-FSK-20 kW). Four biomasses for residential heating which are hardwood pellets, softwood pellets, hardwood chips, and softwood chips were tested. The sampled PM was analyzed by using two oxidative potential (OP) assays: ascorbic acid (AA) and dithiothreitol (DTT). By identifying the biomass fuels that produce PM with higher OP, this study provides critical insights for optimizing biomass selection and usage to minimize adverse health effects.

We developed an innovative technology for near real-time, autonomous detection of airborne viral particles using an optical detection system. The system leverages particle scattering spectra and machine-learning algorithms to identify and distinguish viral particles from common airborne particles. It was tested with air samples spiked with inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus particles, showing strong correlation with digital PCR measurements. This technology enhances public health preparedness by providing quick warnings with minimal human intervention, making it suitable for indoor settings like airports, hospitals, and schools. It can increase our ability to respond to emerging viral threats.

The atmosphere transports microorganisms across ecosystems, with dust storms carrying large quantities over great distances. This study analyzed air samples from 13 dusty and 32 clear days in the Middle East, identifying facultative human and plant pathogens like Klebsiella pneumoniae and Fusarium poae. Pathogen abundance increased with dust storms and rising temperatures. Dust also carried up to 125 times more antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) than clear air, some linked to mobile genetic elements, enabling resistance transfer. These findings highlight dust storms’ role in pathogen and ARG dispersal, stressing the need for continuous atmospheric microbiome monitoring for health and environmental risks.

Particulate matter concentration is employed in air quality guidelines. However, its oxidative potential has been suggested as an alternative. We propose a deep-learning method to estimate oxidative potential mean daily concentration from the combination of features extracted from surface reflectance images and meteorological variables. The proposed architecture comprises: a ResNet50, working on the images, and an MLP, which makes the prediction based on the concatenation of both information. We conducted preliminary experiments to predict PM10 concentration at three monitoring stations in Grenoble, and we obtained promising results to be exploited as baseline for the estimation of PM10’s OP daily average.

Monitoring CO2 levels is usually considered as a simple way to assess the renovation of indoor air. Moreover, COVID-19 pandemic generated an increased interest in enhancing the indoor air quality. To address these issues, the concentration of CO2 and PM were measured in the conference venue during the European Aerosol Conference (EAC2023) in Malaga (Spain). A balance equation is shown to fit well the CO2 measurements. Autoregressive average values for the PMs are also discussed. These CO2 and PM data are correlated to show the validity of CO2 measurements to evaluate the overall ventilation quality in a public indoor space.

A hierarchical clustering approach was employed to identify the macro-source of organic compounds detected in a year-long dataset of PM2.5 samples collected from two sites using a UHPLC-HESI-HRMS system. The comparison between the agricultural and urban sites revealed that organic aerosols could affect human health differently, even when the measured organic carbon concentrations are extremely similar.

The chemical composition of the atmosphere is changing rapidly due to increasing anthropogenic activities. Especially the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS) are sensitive to changes in chemical composition. Here, we present two case studies from the TPEx aircraft campaign in Germany in June 2024, probing different regions of the UTLS. An analysis of the collected filter samples by high-resolution orbitrap mass spectrometry and a subsequent non-target analysis allows for the identification of yet unknown compounds. Our findings reveal unique stratospheric compounds such as organoposphates, suspecting anthropogenic influence in the upper atmospheric layers.

Ultrafine particles (UFP) are of great health concern due to their small size, high surface area and potential to deeply penetrate into the lung. Sampling and analysis of UFP are challenged due to their low mass. Herein, we present results from a field campaign in which UFP were collected for 24 h on quartz fiber filters and subsequently analyzed using sophisticated analytical techniques. We found high seasonal but also daily variations for the quantified PAHs as well as the classified compound classes including hopanes. Correlations to physico-chemical and weather data were approached and the potential impact of local sources evaluated.

This study investigates the formation of SOA from the oxidation of two monoterpenes, limonene and sabinene, in an atmospheric chamber. The research aims to expand knowledge of aerosol formation, particularly the chemical structure and prominence of molecular dimers in monoterpene oxidation. Non-targeted analysis revealed oxidation products varying with temperature caused by differences in physical properties. Dimer masses were detected for sabinene and structural identification was attempted, with a dimer of MW 338 showing similarities to an equivalent beta-pinene dimer. In future, dimer investigations will be performed on aerosol samples from Hyytiala, Finland, in particular, searching for cross-product dimers.

In tropical forests, organic aerosols dominate atmospheric particles, with both, secondary (SOA) and primary organic aerosols (POA) playing key roles. However, distinguishing molecular markers for SOA and POA remains challenging. The Amazon basin provides a unique environment to study these interactions under pristine and polluted conditions. This study presents a size-resolved molecular characterization of OA using high-resolution mass spectrometry. Aerosol samples were collected at the Amazon Tall Tower Observatory, analyzed for molecular markers, and evaluated for source contributions. The results reveal multimodal distributions, highlighting the need for further research to understand the roles of POA and SOA in aerosol formation.

Surfactants characterization is essential to understand their role on cloud formation and aerosol surface properties. A new analytical procedure was developed and applied to aerosol and cloud samples from different environments to quantify surfactants and measure their surface tension properties. The results highlight the ubiquity and high concentrations of surfactants in the atmosphere, especially anionic surfactants. The surface tension of aerosol and the partitioning of surfactants between the surface and bulk phases in particles were calculated using three models derived from the literature, and applied to the surface tension results. The potential implications for cloud formation will be discussed.

The Cyprus Atmospheric Remote Sensing Observatory (CARO), a National Facility (NF) for remote sensing of aerosols and clouds, is under evaluation to become an ACTRIS National Research Infrastructure facility for Cyprus. It comprises the Aerosol Remote Sensing (ARS) and Cloud Remote Sensing (CRS) observational platforms. CARO observatory is poised to serve as the reference observatory for the Eastern Mediterranean, North Africa, and Middle East (EMMENA) region. Situated at a strategic location, CARO provides critical data for understanding atmospheric aerosols, cloud dynamics, and radiative forcing, contributing to regional and global climate studies.

The Marseille-Fos basin is a critical Mediterranean site characterized by specific meteorological conditions and intensive anthropogenic activities. While organic aerosol sources have been studied, information on the elemental composition of aerosols in this region remains limited. Trace elements from anthropogenic emissions, predominantly in the submicron fraction, pose health risks. This study uses online XRF instrumentation (Xact 625i) to monitor elemental PM1 at two coastal sites: MRS-LCP (urban background) and FOS (industrial). Applying an innovative Rolling PMF approach to Xact datasets, the study identified eight factors at MRS-LCP and nine at FOS, with seven common factors.

We discuss aerosol dry deposition, a crucial process in the aerosol cycle. We conducted a study focusing on data from Lecce, Italy, and San Lawrenz, Malta. We used a simple sampler to collect dry deposition three times per week for one year, which was then analyzed using electron microscopy. Our study revealed patterns in dust and sea-salt deposition rates, with variations between locations and seasons. We observed dust outbreaks and seasonal patterns, with dust being present in all samples. Dust composition slightly varies between the events. San Lawrenz showed higher and coarser sea-salt deposition due to its proximity to shores.

The CALECHE project will present innovative solutions in various areas, including aesthetically acceptable integration of photovoltaic systems into buildings, advances in insulation materials specifically designed to meet the essential needs of historic buildings in terms of humidity regulation, while promoting resource circularity and reducing the overall carbon footprint.

Bioaerosols can have important impacts on public health or climate. In this study, a flow cytometer was used to characterize and quantify bioaerosol (n = 67) particles at Mt. Helmos in Greece. A life/dead staining was applied to differentiate between the low and high nucleic acid (LNA and HNA, respectively) and the dead and intact populations. Results showed the presence of the LNA and HNA populations, supported by pictures of the integrated microscope. The LNA population is formed by smaller bioparticles (e.g., dead or bacterial cells) than the HNA population (e.g., potential metabolically active bacteria, fungal spores, or intact pollen)

We present results from the CHOPIN (“Cleancloud Helmos OrograPhic site experimeNt”) campaign during autumn & spring (October 2024 – April 2025) at Mt.Helmos in the Peloponnese, Greece. In situ and remote sensing measurements distributed at 6 sites along the lee side of the Mt. Helmos, 4 at the Kalavrita ski Center (altitude ~ 1690 m), 1 at the foothills (altitude ~ 1747 m) and the Helmos Hellenic Atmospheric Aerosol and Climate Change station ((HAC)²) at the mountaintop (altitude ~ 2314 m) constrain aerosol-cloud interaction. We focus on the drivers of droplet formation and the degree to which clouds are aerosol- vs. velocity-limited.

This study investigates the interaction between nighttime urban heat island (UHI) and daily urban pollution island (UPI) in Rome, Italy, from 2018 to 2024, focusing on three atmospheric conditions: low wind speed, atmospheric stagnation, and heat waves. Under these conditions, statistically significant negative correlations are found for PM₁₀, PM_2.5, NO₂, and NO, but only in winter, indicating a seasonal dependency. In contrast, the positive correlation between for O₃ remains consistent across seasons. The results suggest that both phenomena peak in intensity under the same conditions, emphasizing the need to consider them jointly when assessing urban environmental impacts.

Particle water (liquid water content, LWC) and aerosol pH are important parameters of the aerosol phase, affecting heterogeneous chemistry and secondary aerosol formation. In this context, LWC and pH estimates covering a 6-year period was performed for an urban background site in Athens, Greece. High-temporal variability chemical composition derived from an Aerosol Chemical Speciation Monitor is used for SO₄^2-, NH₄⁺, NO₃^-, Cl^- and organics as input for ISORROPIA II, while levels of the remaining ions are obtained from concurrent daily filter analysis. Results show a clear seasonal variability, linked to sources such as biomass burning and mineral dust transportation.

Medicanes are hurricane-like cyclones that occasionally occur in the Mediterranean. Due to their rotation, they can have the potential to move dust loaden air masses from the Saharan desert towards Europe. Measurements on Monte Cimone of the coarse particle concentration showed very high values on the 7^th November, 2014, which is the day on which Medicane Qendresa intensified. We used the WRF-Chem model to simulate dust transport from Sahara towards the Mediterranean basin. Early results show that this Medicane is dispersing dust particles around its core, but also releases sea spray particles under strong wind conditions at ocean surface.

Bulk Atmospheric Depositions were studied inside the Ancona port. Samples were collected from June 2021 to June 2023 and treated differently for Heavy Metal(loid)s (HMs) and Microbiome (MB) analysis. HMs were determined by GF-AAS, AFS, and DMA in soluble and insoluble fractions, separated by filtration.

Microbiome community composition was assessed through 16s RNA sequencing. Depositional Fluxes for each HM was evaluated and sources apportionment was performed through Enrichment Factor and multivariate analysis.

Intra and interannual differences were observed for HMs and MB. Shipbuilding activities and traffic (maritime and vehicular) resulted to be the principal anthropogenic sources on the area.

The characterization and identification of bioaerosols are crucial for understanding their impact on Earth's systems. Flow cytometry is a powerful tool for bioaerosol analysis. We established a protocol to quantify and characterize bioaerosol samples (n = 39) from a semi-rural site in central Europe (Payerne, Switzerland). A live/dead protocol was optimized using two nucleic acid stains: Syto13 for all cells and Propidium Iodide for dead cells. Following acquisition, a clustering algorithm (FlowSOM) identified populations with low and high nucleic acid content (e.g., bacterial cells and dead bioaerosols or fungal spores and protists, respectively).

Black carbon (BC) in urban areas mainly originates from vehicular emissions, residential heating, and industry. Due to its climate and health impacts, the European Environmental Agency classifies BC as a pollutant of emerging concern. Fixed monitoring stations lack the spatial resolution to capture BC variability, making mobile measurements a valuable alternative. This study, as part of RI-URBANS project, used bicycle-mounted microAeth® devices to measure BC in Milan across four seasons. Results showed higher concentrations near roads, varying by season and time of day. The study aims to develop a street-level land use regression (LUR) model to improve air quality assessments.

Vehicles, cooking emissions & volatile chemical products emit substantial quantities of volatile, semi-volatile & intermediate-volatility organic compounds, which contribute to considerable secondary organic aerosol production. Once VOCs are released into ambient atmosphere, they undergo oxidation, partition between gas & particle phases & ultimately integrate into primary and secondary organic aerosols, thereby introducing uncertainties into health risk assessments. Here, chamber experiments were conducted for various VOC precursors (daytime & nighttime) under different conditions & NOx levels & the biogenic impact factors on aerosol yields and composition. Additionally, a low NOx future scenario was explored, assuming reductions in emissions from incomplete combustion.

Infections significantly hinder wound healing, leading to severe complications and increased healthcare costs. The rise of antibiotic resistance necessitates innovative solutions. We present an approach using antimicrobial nanomaterials, specifically nanosilver, in wound dressings. Our research developed electrospun nanofibrous membranes from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan, infused with Ag/SiO₂ nanoparticles via flame spray pyrolysis. These dressings demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against MRSA and P.aeruginosa in ex-vivo and human skin models while maintaining biocompatibility. This novel strategy offers a scalable, cost-effective, and antibiotic-free solution for advanced wound care, addressing a critical need in the medical field.

Black carbon (BC) is a key climate-warming aerosol, with its impact varying across space and time. In the Mediterranean, a climate change hotspot, long-term observations are essential to understand BC trends. At Monte Cimone (CMN), BC has been continuously monitored since 2007, revealing seasonal variations with higher summer concentrations. FLEXPART simulations show increased summer biomass burning contributions, while ERA5 data highlight meteorological influences. A long-term decline in BC was observed, though recent trends suggest a reversal since 2016–2017, potentially linked to regional warming. Further analysis will explore how meteorological changes and emissions affect BC variability at CMN.

This study examines the effects of biochar and black soldier fly frass as soil amendments on Fushan lettuce. Field experiments revealed that optimal application ratios enhance soil carbon sequestration stability and nutrient supply, promoting crop growth. Significant increases in lettuce leaf length and width were observed with these treatments. While total soil nitrogen content increased slightly, total carbon levels decreased, indicating that microbial decomposition released some carbon into the atmosphere, impacting soil carbon content.

New Particle Formation (NPF) is a key atmospheric process affecting cloud condensation nuclei and climate. However, the chemical species driving NPF and growth in the Mediterranean Basin remain uncertain. This study conducted high-resolution aerosol, gas, and particulate composition measurements at a semi-urban site in the eastern Mediterranean (Rehovot, Israel) in 2021 and 2023. A hybrid source apportionment analysis identified ammonium sulfate and oxidized organics in daytime nucleation, with semi-volatile species contributing to growth. Nighttime events involved only semi-volatile species and ammonium sulfate. Chemical imaging confirmed internal particle heterogeneity, supporting hybrid PMF findings and highlighting the role of gas-phase photochemistry in NPF.

ALICENET, the Italian Automated Lidar Ceilometer Network, is a wide cooperative consortium involving several regional environmental protection agencies, universities, research centres and private companies. Through active remote sensing, ALICENET continuously (24/7) monitors aerosol vertical distributions across the country. A key strength of ALICENET is its centralised data processing, which converts raw instrumental data into quality-controlled information on aerosol properties and vertical layering. This contribution aims at presenting the network and its quantitative capabilities, complementing other aerosol measurements and model-based approaches to characterize aerosol processes at different spatial and temporal scales across Italy and Central Mediterranean.

In this work we present the state of the art of lunar sun- photometry algorithms. We will intercompare the aerosol optical depth values retrieved with the 4 actually available algorithms from measurements taken by the standard instruments of the 3 international sun-photometer networks, SKYNET, AERONET and PFR, simultaneously operating during an international MAPP-EMPIR campaign held in 2023 in the Izaña Observatory in Tenerife, Canary Islands

The EarthCARE satellite, a joint ESA-JAXA mission launched in May 2024, aims to improve our understanding of cloud-aerosol-radiation interactions. This study validates aerosol products from EarthCARE’s ATLID lidar using ground-based data from E-Profile and AERONET. Over 800 satellite overpasses have been analyzed, comparing ATLID-derived Level 2 products with direct and GRASP-inverted ground measurements. Key validated parameters include aerosol optical thickness, backscatter/extinction profiles, and PBL height, retrieved using STRATfinder. The synergy between spaceborne and ground-based observations enhances the accuracy of aerosol characterization, contributing to improved climate and atmospheric studies.

In summer of 2017, wildfires near Mount Vesuvius (Italy) and in British Columbia (Canada) led to biomass burning aerosols over the ACTRIS National Facility of Naples. Using lidar and sun-photometer data, a comparison between fresh (local) and aged (transported) particles was carried out. Local aerosols had higher AOD, smaller particles and stronger absorption. Lidar data showed a single layer for local fires and three layers for Canadian fires. The stratospheric layer of Canadian smoke had high depolarization (about 30%). Findings emphasize aging effects on aerosol properties and the importance of multi-instrument observations for complete aerosol characterization.

The E-Profile network can help to fill observational gaps and reduce uncertainties in the global aerosol mass concentration. The V-profile retrieval produce extinction and mass profiles from low-power lidars to quantify the aerosol mass (e.g. dust, ash or biomass burning). This study evaluates the quality of this new product by comparisons with in-situ observations in Switzerland. The 10 years timeseries at Kleine Scheidegg and Jungfraujoch offer in-situ data outside the blind zone of the Lidar, whereas comparison at Payerne are done in well-mixed atmosphere. Improvements of the choice of the lidar ration and the extinction to mass coefficient are described

Understanding the vertical structure of the atmosphere is essential for monitoring clouds and aerosols. The planetary boundary layer (PBL) plays a key role in climate dynamics, and its retrieval benefits from both satellite and ground-based observations. This study evaluates Deep-Pathfinder, a U-Net-based algorithm, for estimating PBL height from ceilometer data. Comparisons with EarthCARE-derived products over Granada show good agreement, with some discrepancies likely due to wavelength differences. Deep-Pathfinder was adapted to be applied on historical data from Granada E-Profile station. Its potential application across the E-Profile network highlights its value in enhancing remote sensing atmospheric profiling capabilities.

LiDAR-based fire detection improves real-time monitoring by overcoming limitations of conventional imaging. A dual-wavelength scanning LiDAR was developed, enabling 360° observation and PM concentration analysis. Field tests in Siwha Industrial Complex confirmed its potential for early fire detection.

The study investigates the influence of the Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) on air pollution in Milan, located in the Po Valley, one of the most polluted regions in Europe. Combining remote sensing and in-situ measurements from 2023, it examines aerosol properties and vertical mixing. The mixed aerosol layer height shows a strong anti-correlation with black carbon concentrations, highlighting the role of PBL dynamics in pollutant dispersion. While primary emissions are strongly affected by vertical mixing, secondary aerosols show more complex patterns. By integrating both techniques, the study offers valuable insights into emission, dilution, and atmospheric transport for air quality monitoring.

Aerosol-cloud interactions (ACI) are a significant source of uncertainty in climate projections. The Cloud-Aerosol Interactions in a Nitrogen-dominated Atmosphere (CAINA) project particularly focuses on understanding how reactive nitrogen influences ACI by bringing together in-situ observations, remote sensing and modelling. This study focuses on the quantification of cloud impacts caused by these aerosol particles by bringing together remote sensing observations and aerosol speciation measurements at the Cabauw Observatory (Netherlands).

Limassol city in Cyprus is strongly influenced by the aerosol transport from neighboring regions. In this study selected cases of different atmospheric conditions will be used to characterize aerosol layers in Limassol by retrieving optical and microphysical properties. The Generalized Retrieval of Atmosphere and Surface Properties (GRASP) algorithm is used for the retrieval of particles’ size distribution, complex refractive index, AOD and the aerosol vertical distribution. Dust, smoke, and marine-dominated cases were analyzed and compared with measurements from the instruments. The synergy of PollyXT Polarization Raman Lidar and the CUT-TEPAK AERONET enables the characterization of fine and coarse mode aerosols.

A correlative microscopy approach was developed to assess inhalative exposure to micro- and nanoscale plastics (MNP) in complex indoor aerosols. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman microscopy were integrated with AI-driven software for precise particle identification and quantification. This method was applied to aerosol samples from indoor football halls in Norway, comparing exposure to particles from natural (olive stone) and synthetic (tyre rubber) turf fillings. The approach enables accurate airborne concentration estimates of MNPs, addressing key challenges in exposure assessment and potential health risks for indoor environments.

The European Commission's 2020 Action Plan aims to improve air quality also by reducing airborne microplastics (MPs), which pose health risks, including occupational diseases due to inhalation of plastics like polyvinyl chloride. MPs can also carry toxic contaminants, leached through degradation or abrasion. This study presents an optimized flotation technique for isolating MPs from particulate matter (PM), followed by GC-MS and HPLC-MS/MS analysis for contaminants' characterization. The method was validated using NIST SRM 2585 and applied to airborne PM samples. Results showed that flotation effectively separates MPs, enabling the identification of toxic additives, highlighting the method's potential for exposure studies.

Respiratory diseases have highlighted environmental concerns, with plastics identified as key pollutants due to their interaction with air contaminants. We aimed to assess the toxicity of polyethylene terephthalate nanoplastics (PET-NPs) contaminated with benzo(a)pyrene (BaP). We coated PET-NPs with BaP, and exposed the Calu-3 cell line to single and repeated exposures to the pollutants alone or combined at the air-liquid interface. Transmission electron microscopy showed that PET-NPs were internalized by the cells. BaP and BaP-coated PET-NPs increased cytochrome P1A1 activity, confirming BaP bioavailability when adsorbed onto PET-NPs. Only BaP-coated PET-NPs triggered antioxidant and pro-inflammatory responses, suggesting a synergistic mechanism of toxicity.

Atmospheric microplastics budget is estimated and associated uncertainties are quantified using microplastics measurement from Brahney et al. (2020). Since the number of unknowns in the domain is larger than the number of measurements, we regularize the space of possible solutions using spatial-temporal patterns from previously reported sources and using source-receptor-sensitivities from FLEXPART 11. The optimization of measurements is based on Gibbs sampling method. We construct a hierarchical Bayesian model whose parameters are optimized using Gibbs sampler. The total estimated emissions are 1336 Gg/y, while the associated uncertainty is almost on the same level as emissions.

This study examines the impact of precipitation on airborne microplastic deposition in Porto, Portugal, by comparing concentrations before and during rainfall. Samples were collected in summer (June-July 2024) and separated into five size fractions for analysis using Raman spectroscopy and SEM imaging. Preliminary results show: wet deposition increases microplastic accumulation by facilitating particle washout, while dry deposition results in slower but prolonged accumulation. Morphological analysis revealed blue microplastics and fibers as the most common colors, likely due to the stability of blue dye. These findings emphasize the importance of standardized monitoring and research on seasonal variability and transport mechanisms.

Microplastics (MPs) are widespread pollutants traveling through various pathways, with air being a key vector. Their presence in airborne particulate matter (PM) raises health concerns, particularly regarding respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. This study examines MP separation, identification, and characterization in PM collected in Krakow, Poland, emphasizing in vitro toxicity research. The review explores PM sampling, MP extraction, and analytical methods while highlighting the need for standardized protocols. Potential health effects, including oxidative stress and inflammation, are discussed. This study provides a methodological framework to support further research on MPs' impact on air pollution and human health.

Indoor air quality in schools is crucial for children's health, as their developing respiratory systems and higher breathing rates make them more vulnerable to pollutants. This study, conducted in a school in Vilnius, Lithuania, examines the presence and characteristics of microplastics (MPs) in indoor air. The results show that MPs in the 100–500 µm size range dominate indoors, comprising up to 60% of total particles, with black and blue being predominant. Outdoors, MPs are generally smaller (50–250 µm) and primarily black and white.

Acknowledgment: This project (EDIAQI) is funded by the EU’s Horizon Europe program (Grant No. 101057497).

Monthly atmospheric bulk deposition samples of microplastic particles were collected for one year in Berlin, Germany, and analyzed to identify polymer types, sizes, shapes and colors of atmospheric MP particles. Bulk deposition rates varied from approximately 300 to 1900 m^-2 day^-1, with the lowest deposition rates in summer. Precipitation was not well-correlated with deposition rates, indicating a contribution of both dry and wet deposition. Overall, polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS) were the most abundant polymer types, however, the abundance of polymers was seasonally variable. Additionally, differences in polymer types, shape and color were found in different size fractions.

This study presents a novel method for near real-time quantification of tyre wear particles (TWPs) in ambient PM2.5 using an online aerosol mass spectrometer. The method uses cryo-milled tyre particles to create reference mass spectra from ACSM for ambient TWP monitoring. The analysis at an urban London site showed TWP concentrations of 0.22 ± 0.58 µg/m³, highlighting a critical need for updated regulatory measures. This approach fills a significant gap in TWP emissions measurement, aiding policymakers in understanding human exposure risks and developing public health protection strategies.

The transport sector significantly contributes to elemental emissions in particulate matter (PM), with road traffic and shipping as key sources. This study analyses emissions through two monitoring campaigns using high-time resolution elemental data. Measurements were conducted with an Xact 625i ambient metals monitor in Barcelona and Milan, capturing PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ with a switching inlet for size-segregated sampling. SoFi Pro software is used for source apportionment, interpolating between size fractions. This approach aims to differentiate emissions such as traffic, shipping, and industry, revealing distinct patterns in elemental composition based on size, source, and environmental influences at each site.

Brake wear particles, generated from the pad – disc contact, are a significant contributor to PM10 in urban areas. These particles have recently been suggested to be highly charged, which may have implications on their atmospheric lifetime and deposition in the lung. This work investigates how the charging state of brake wear particles is influenced by brake pad type and braking conditions. We find that brakes produce both positively and negatively charged particles, but that negatively charged particle emissions dominate in all studied cases except one, indicating that both pad type and braking conditions influence brake wear particle charging state.

Here, we focus on the characterization of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds emitted from the braking process of vehicles. For the first time, we have utilized the pin-on-disc tribometer, combined with the high-resolution time-of-flight chemical ionization mass spectrometer and aerosol size distribution instruments to characterize gaseous emissions and ultrafine particles from the braking process of semi-metallic brake pads used in heavy-duty vehicles. Our results show that as the temperature at the brake pad-disc interface rises, more oxidized volatile organic compounds as well as semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) are released. The SVOCs nucleate and grow into larger particles.

Non-exhaust particle emissions are an increasing danger to air quality mainly in urban areas. This study measures both particle concentrations close to a truck wheel in traffic and other parameters during the same occasion that would improve the understanding of those relationships. Due to a commonly wet weather in this part of the world splash and spray from the wheel is analysed by a wetness sensor inside the wheelhouse at all times. The sensor data is then used to start and stop the particle measurements in order to protect the OPS from damage.

Vehicle-derived particulate matter (PM) consists of exhaust and non-exhaust emission. Non-exhaust emissions like brake wear particles (BWPs) have gained attention due to their metal-rich composition (Fe, Cu, Ba). Using single-particle mass spectrometry (SPMS), we characterized non-exhaust emissions from a GTR24 inspired brake dynamometer and compared them with ambient measurements near a highway. SPMS identified elevated Ba- and Fe-containing particles as BWP markers. Simultaneous background measurements at a rural site confirmed their traffic-related origin. The mobile SPMS system enables real-time non-exhaust emission detection, providing insights into source apportionment, transport, and transformation, supporting EURO7 regulations on non-exhaust emissions.

Non-exhaust PM emissions from transports and particularly from rail transport are steadily increasing over years. The present work reports the application of an experimental procedure for investigating PM emissions produced by railway vehicles brake pads. Different brake pad materials have been tested during tests that simulates the real route of typical trips travelled by suburban trains. Relationships between the main parameters of the brake events and PM₁₀, PM_2.5 and PM₁ emissions were detected. The results can be useful to develop the optimal brake pad formulations with low-environmental impact and to set specific measures on pads composition for brake-related non-exhaust emissions.

Non-exhaust emissions (NEE) from braking systems contribute to over 50% of vehicle particulate matter (PM). The Euro 7 standards (UN GTR-24) impose a 7 mg/km/vehicle limit, pushing the industry towards low-wear materials. RAICAM Industrie S.R.L. investigates PM10 and PM2.5 emissions from Low Steel (LS) and Non-Asbestos Organic (NAO) brake pads, tested against grey cast iron and coated discs. PM samples were analysed for morphology, chemical composition, number, and mass using SEM-EDS, XRD and other techniques. Results show LS pads emit more PM than NAO. Ongoing research aims to better understand emission mechanisms and develop effective mitigation strategies.

Due to stricter regulations, particulate exhaust emissions from vehicles have been decreasing. As a result, non-exhaust emissions, including those from brakes and tires, contribute more significantly to the total particulate matter concentrations in urban areas. This study focuses on the particulate emissions from two different types of brake pads, with an emphasis on the chemical composition of the emitted particles. Brake particles were produced by using a dynamometer with the WLTP brake cycle. Brake wear particles emitted by both brake pads consisted mostly of Fe. Particles contained also Cu, Zn, Sn and Ba, the composition depending on the tested pad.

Non-exhaust particle emissions are a significant source of air pollution, particularly those generated by brake wear. This study examines how different brake pad formulations affect particle emissions. Controlled braking tests were conducted to measure the concentration and composition of emitted particles. The results show differences of up to two orders of magnitude in ultrafine particle emissions depending on the formulation, as well as variations in their composition. These findings highlight the influence of friction materials on the quantity and characteristics of the generated emissions.

Brake emissions are a significant part of non-exhaust emissions (NEE), which are not yet regulated. Brake emissions have been found to significantly impact urban air quality especially particulate matter.

In our study we measured brake emissions utilizing a brake dynamometer at VTT facilities. WLTP-brake cycle was chosen for the test with variations of it which simulate regenerative braking available on electric vehicles and with extra weight of 300kg.

Regenerative braking was found have a significant effect on PM and BC emissions where as importance of extra weight is not as prominent.

The study analyzes particulate emissions from brake wear, a major source of urban particulate matter. Using a "Pin on Disc" (PoD) tribometer, three types of brake pads were tested on different discs to measure particle size distribution (10-560 nm), number concentration, and the chemical composition of collected PM₁₀.
A new innovative acid mixture was tested for sample dissolution to determine 25 inorganic elements with ICP-OES and ICP-MS instrumentation. Chemometric analysis (PCA) highlighted correlations between the composition of friction materials and emitted particulate, aiming to improve material formulations to reduce PM₁₀ emissions and identify specific inorganic markers of constituents.

This study examines impact of collection system design to the physical and chemical properties of tire and road wear particles (TRWP). A controlled roller test bench experiment compared a housing-based system, which encapsulates the tire, to a nozzle-based system, where the tire remains exposed. Identical test conditions were maintained using a novel measurement methodology. Results show that the housing-based system yields 3 to 10 times higher particle number concentrations than the nozzle-based system. Differences in particle size distribution and elemental composition (Micro-XRF) highlight the need for standardized TRWP collection protocols to improve accuracy in environmental impact assessments.

Accurate and repeatable measurement methodologies are essential for ensuring comparability and reliability in non-exhaust emission assessments. This study investigates the repeatability of a novel housing-based tire road wear particles (TRWP) sampling system under controlled roller test bench conditions. High-resolution particle number concentration (PNC) measurements were conducted across three speed sections of a standardized driving cycle. Results demonstrated increased concentrations and reduced coefficient of variation (CoV) at higher speeds, improving measurement stability and minimizing variability. These findings emphasize the necessity of standardized procedures to enhance TRWP data comparability and facilitate interlaboratory reproducibility.

Exposure to airborne PM has been attributed to a wide range of adverse health impacts and millions of premature deaths annually. Recent studies have widely suggested that oxidative potential (OP), defined as the capability of particles to catalytically produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) with subsequent depletion of antioxidants, is key to determining the health effects of PM exposure.In this work, we discuss the deployment of two high time resolution instruments which quantify OP (OOPAAI) and ROS (OPROSI) across London. We reveal the dyanamics of OP as well as the PM components and major source contibutors to OP.

A new international intercomparison of oxidative potential of PM protocols using AA assay has been launched, as part of a joint RI-URBANS and ACTRIS effort. This work relies on the participation of 28 different laboratories in the world to test a simplified OP-AA protocol protocol with their own equipment. The simplified protocol was elaborated in IGE by testing different key parameters, which differ in the existing protocols. The intercomparison started on March 24^th with the shipment of reagents and samples. After gathering the results, data treatment to assess their reproducibility was done anonymously by the EU Joint Research Center.

Recent studies show that indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air, however sleeping micro-environments are often overlooked in exposure assessments. This study evaluated the Oxidative Potential (OP) of PM_2.5 in 30 homes in the Lisbon metropolitan area. Results indicate that in 90% of cases, indoor OP (285±167 pmol.min⁻¹.m⁻³) was higher than outdoor OP (135±101 pmol.min⁻¹.m⁻³). Further research is needed to identify pollution sources affecting OP in fine aerosols to reduce human exposure and mitigate health impacts in sleeping environments.

PM mass concentration may not be an appropriate metric to determine the health effects of particles. Oxidative potential (OP) can be used to assess the ROS (reactive oxygen species)--generating capacity of PM. The present study aims to examine particle toxicity of PM_2.5 measured across multiple spatial scales in India through a dithiothreitol assay. Water-extracted PM samples were subjected to acellular Dithiothreitol (DTT) assay for toxicological analysis. Particle toxicity measured through OP^DTT ranges from 0.6 - 5.4 nmol min^-1 m^-3, while the PM_2.5 varies between 89 - 446 µg/m³. Carbonaceous and elemental species are the major drivers responsible for ROS generation.

We present a multi-scale modelling approach to link large-scale atmospheric chemistry-climate models with small-scale multiphase kinetic models to derive a global health map. We use the chemistry-climate model EMAC to derive air pollutant distributions with various time resolutions, and the lung model KM-SUB-ELF to simulate the production of reactive oxygen species, hydroxyl radicals and damage to biomolecules in the human lung.

Our study presents on-line methods to measure OP of both particulate and gaseous species and compares the results obtained using two different assays: dithiothreitol (OP_DTT) and Ferrous-Orange Xylenol (OP_FOX).

The comparison was conducted in three main phases :

(1) laboratory evaluation of the analytical systems' response using model compounds (e.g., H₂O₂, Cu²⁺, 1,4-napthoquinone, welding fumes) ;

(2) comparison of the sampling efficiency of both systems and on-line measurement of controlled H₂O₂ and CuSO₄ concentrations and

(3) responses of both measurement systems to more complex situations such as welding fumes, gaseous oxidants and secondary organic aerosols generated in controlled conditions.

This study addresses the research gap on PM_2.5 oxidative potential (OP) in the Southern Hemisphere by analysing an Australian metropolitan urban environment utilising three acellular assays. Over a year of sampling at two urban lsites, OP values have a weak correlation with PM_2.5 mass concentration. DTT had the most variability and seasonal peaks in winter due to wood heating, whereas AA peaks in autumn during hazard reduction burning. OP levels correlated with transition metals (particularly Fe and Cu) and carbonaceous species that make up 60% of local PM_2.5. Australian urban air quality management will benefit from these results.

Breathable fine particles and black carbon (BC) within the air are known for their important health impacts. Two measurements campaigns have been carried out in winter 2023 and winter 2024 to study the contribution of the infiltrated outdoor air to the human air pollution exposure to PM_2.5 and to BC in six public buildings located in valley cities (South-East of France), including schools. The methodology of this study is the characterization of the impact of indoor-to-outdoor air dynamics on air pollutants levels, based on metrics such as i) biological human response to exposure and ii) source apportionment of BC emissions.

Exposure to atmospheric particulate matter (PM) affects human health, especially the respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological systems, due to excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation; aerosol-induced ROS is defined as aerosol Oxidative Potential (OP). In 2023, PM samples were collected seasonally within NOSE 2 project at three Sicilian air quality stations: Palermo (traffic), Trapani (rural), and Priolo (petrochemical). OP analysis via DTT assay (OP_DTT) and OC/EC measurements revealed higher OP values traffic sites and variable levels in Priolo, within the Siracusa AERCA (High Environmental Crisis Risk Area), prompting further analysis on contributions from petrochemical industries.

PM_2.5 samples were collected simultaneously at an urban background station and a rural site located in southeastern Spain during summer and winter. The samples were analysed for a complete characterisation of their chemical composition. Additionally, OP measurements were carried out by the ascorbic acid (AA) and dithiothreitol (DTT) acellular assays. OP values were higher at the urban than at the rural station, indicating a higher oxidative capacity of PM_2.5 aerosols in the urban area. Differences were more pronounced for OP^AA than for OP^DTT, which indicates a lower variability of the DTT activity as a function of the site typology.

A total of 302 daily PM_2.5 samples were collected simultaneously at an urban background station and a rural site located in southeastern Spain during summer and winter.

Samples were analysed for OC, EC , water-soluble ions, WSOC, trace metals, levoglucosan and with the dithiothreitol assay (OP^DTT).

PMF was used to identify PM_2.5 sources while the OP^DTT apportionment was performed with MLR.

At the rural site, biomass burning was the greatest contributor to PM mass and OP^DTT.

A the urban site, although biomass burning and road traffic were not the highest contributors to PM_2.5, they were the main drivers of OP^DTT.

TNO is also focusing on the oxidative potential (OP) of particulate matter, to help steer towards more health relevant policies in the Netherlands. Chemical analysis and OP assays of PM10 are used to compare two locations, urban and rural, in the Netherlands. Subsequently, Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) was performed on the chemical composition data to identify the contributing sources of PM. The OP values are then linked to the PM10 of source profiles through regression analysis to illustrate the contribution of each source to observed OP levels and thereby identify the most health-relevant sources.

Since the mass of particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere is composed of multiple compounds and particle sizes, and includes both harmless and harmful substances, with large variations in its spatiotemporal distribution, PM is a proxy indicator for understanding the effects on health. In this study, we focused on the oxidative potential of PM, which is also mentioned in the draft European Air Quality Directive (52022PC0542), and deployed a field monitoring system that measures the mass of fine particles (PM_2.5) and coarse particles (PM_c) and continuously and automatically analyzes their oxidative potential using the dithiothreitol (DTT) consumption.

Nanomaterial synthesis by aerosol-based techniques offer a range of advantages including low-cost and continuous production, high reproducibility, good control over the size and composition of the resulting particles, high versatility, as well as minimum or even absence of wastes. In this paper I will present a variety of evaporation-condensation aerosol nanoparticle generators and how these can be used to synthesize nanomaterials for gas sensing applications.

The resulting nanomaterials are capable of detecting gases across a broad concentration range, from a few percent down to few ppm. Example results will be presented for hydrogen, methane and nitrogen dioxide.

We commercialize the first compact, integratable SAW-based atomizers and aerosol sources to pave the way towards their industrial application. Our SAW-based aerosol generators do not require any moving parts, orifices, nozzles or meshes, use significantly less power and are suited to produce directed micro- and nanometer-sized droplets with an adjustable narrow size distribution. Furthermore, they exhibit low shear forces and can be used with a broad fluid spectrum from aqueous solutions and organic solvents towards highly viscous particle solutions and inorganic inks as well as biological fluids and cell suspensions.

Fe@SiO₂ particles were synthesized via a swirler connector-assisted spray pyrolysis method to overcome oxidation challenges in soft magnetic materials. By optimizing the SiO₂-to-Fe core ratio, complete FeO reduction was achieved. A precursor solution of Fe(NO₃)₃·9H₂O was atomized, mixed with HMDSO vapor, and processed at 1400°C. Characterization confirmed controlled morphology and enhanced magnetic properties. The optimal ratio (14.3 × 10⁸ SiO₂ monomer/Fe core) ensured complete silica coating on Fe, achieving a saturation magnetization of 2.04 T. This study presents a novel, one-step synthesis method for high-purity Fe@SiO₂, offering promising applications in inductors and advanced electronic components.

Faraday 3D print relies on the topologies of electric field for defining the geometries of the nanostructures. The field topologies were basically formed by allowing two differently oriented fields, namely global and local ones, for competition. Generally, the local field was difficult to be manipulated but its sensitivity to structural geometries turned out to be subtle. Here we manage to dynamically alter the local field using light patterns. The nanostructures printed on the selective areas that receive light projection are geometrically different, as compared to those in shadows. The structures also showed instantaneous response to the presence/absence of light.

This work hybridizes Faraday 3D print with etching steps for producing the so-called Faraday lithography (FL). The printed metal features serve as hard masks when performing etching steps, leaving only patterns of substrate materials. The line patterns showed excellent line-edge roughness and their feature size was strikingly reduced to 1/10 to that obtained by photolithography. FL can also make 3D patterns, far exceeding any existing lithographic techniques. This transformative solution is expected to advance semiconductor manufacturing.

This study explores the use of copper-based metal-organic frameworks (Cu-MOF) in adsorption desulfurization to address the challenge of removing thiophene compounds from waste tire pyrolysis oil. Simulation experiments show a 70% adsorption efficiency for sulfur compounds. The Cu-MOF adsorbent is fabricated into bead form to enhance surface area utilization. This technology aims to achieve ultra-deep desulfurization, transforming pyrolysis oil into a cleaner alternative energy source while reducing environmental impact.

Copper nanoparticles, promising alternatives to precious metals, are challenging to synthesize due to oxidation and reduction difficulties. This study explored two strategies: nanosheet surfaces and zeolite pores, to control nanoparticle size and prevent oxidation. Saponite nanosheets, mixed with copper acetate, yielded oxide-free copper nanoparticles upon UV irradiation. Size was controlled by the copper acetate/saponite ratio, demonstrating uniform copper ion adsorption. Copper ions were also introduced into Y-type zeolite pores, forming nanoparticles upon UV irradiation. These nanoparticles exhibited high catalytic activity for benzyl alcohol oxidation, achieving a turnover frequency of 17 h⁻¹, exceeding previous reports.

Efficient three-way catalysts (TWCs) are essential for reducing vehicle emissions, but their adoption is hindered by high costs and low-temperature performance limitations. This study investigates spray-dried aggregated and porous TWC particles to optimize structure and enhance CO conversion. Aggregated particles showed increased size with higher concentrations but lower CO conversion due to inefficient catalyst utilization. Introducing a porous structure with PMMA improved CO conversion by enhancing gas diffusion. Higher PMMA concentrations further improved performance by modifying framework thickness and macroporosity. Cross-sectional and 3D elemental mapping confirmed uniform elemental distribution and an interconnected pore network for efficient gas transport.

This study develops a ZnTiO₃/Cu-BTC composite photocatalyst to enhance hydrogen production. Cu-BTC improves visible light absorption, reduces electron-hole recombination, and lowers the bandgap to 3.78 eV. The 1% Cu-BTC/ZnTiO₃ composite significantly enhances absorption in the 600–800 nm range, achieving 78.63 mmol/g hydrogen yield in three hours. The study also examines the effect of Cu-BTC loading on efficiency, offering insights for renewable energy applications.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a major greenhouse gas for causing climate change. Porous magnesium oxide (MgO) particles have been investigated vigorously as CO2 capture materials through a mineral carbonation. In this study, processes of wet-carbonation and decarbonation for MgO based CO2 adsorbents were optimized by controlling carbonation time and decarbonation temperature. As a result, compared to the previous conservative wet carbonation procedure in the lab., ~40% of the process time was saved. In addition, the decarbonation energy could be saved ~50% compared to the previous decarbonation process in the lab.

Carbon-based films exhibit tunable wettability, important for surface engineering. This study investigates Electrophoretic-assisted Flame Synthesis (E-ThFS) to enhance carbon nanoparticle (CNP) deposition efficiency and modify film morphology. Using a premixed ethylene/air flame under incipient sooting conditions (C/O = 0.67) , deposition was compared between conventional thermophoretic flame synthesis (ThFS) and E-ThFS. Applying negative voltages (-1 kV, -3 kV) significantly increased deposition rates and altered film roughness. Contact angle measurements revealed metastable superhydrophobicity before stable hydrophilicity. E-ThFS enables controlled film growth and wettability, expanding applications in sensors, coatings, and smart surfaces. These findings advance nanostructured material design.

Metal nitrides possess exceptional catalytic properties making them widely used in catalytic-based applications. However, their performance remains limited by poor mass transfer and reduced accessibility of reactive sites when depostied as films with conventional techniques. Here, we demonstrate a template-free method for the design of highly porous metal nitride films with high compositional versatility. These are obtained by exploiting self-assembly of fractal-like metal oxide agglomerates during deposition from aerosols followed by their dry nitridation. This is exploited exemplarily for molecular sensing of NO2 leading to up to a five-fold higher response with faster response time over more compact spin-coated films.

This study investigates the effects of oxidation on copper nanoparticle collisions using Low-Pressure Impaction (LPI) experiments and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. Unlike studies focusing on oxidation-resistant metals, this work examines an oxygen-affine material to reflect practical scenarios, where the presence of oxygen is often unavoidable. The reactive force field potential (ReaxFF) is used to model oxidation’s impact on adhesion, mechanical properties, and collision dynamics, linking experimental and simulation results to advance nanoparticle research for industrial and scientific applications.

Oxytetracycline (OTC), a widely used antibiotic, demonstrates broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Despite its benefits in promoting animal growth, OTC pollution adversely affects soil bacteria, actinomycetes, and microbial populations, with potential risks to human health and the environment, such as allergic reactions and ecosystem disruption. This study aims to develop an electrochemical sensor for detecting OTC, utilizing carboxyl-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-COOH) on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for improved conductivity and charge transfer. The sensor's performance is optimized by comparing different materials and concentrations, targeting low-cost, efficient, and eco-friendly detection.

This study develops a modified chitosan-based aerogel to enhance Cu(II) removal efficiency. Incorporating EDTA and PEI, the aerogel exhibits strong metal ion chelation and abundant amine functional groups, improving adsorption performance. Results show over 90% removal efficiency for initial Cu(II) concentrations up to 30 ppm, reaching 97% at 15 ppm. The aerogel maintains excellent mechanical stability, ensuring structural integrity while offering low density and high surface area. Its easy recovery and reusability minimize secondary pollution, making it an environmentally friendly and highly efficient material for heavy metal removal.

In our current work, we are investigating the possibility of producing TiO2 and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite for the craton of Li-Sulfur battery cathode during synthesis of TiO2 by flame spray pyrolysis process. The spherical particles of rGO are produced by the spray drying process and further injected into the flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) rector in the form of dust, which is produced by a fluidized bed aerosol generator. The created material's structural, compositional, and morphological properties are investigated using SEM, EDS, Raman spectroscopy, and TGA techniques. The electrochemical analysis of the effect of different TiO2/rGO ratios is done.

AQ-Net is a spatiotemporal air quality reanalysis model combining LSTM, multi-head attention, and neural kNN. It predicts pollution levels, including for unobserved stations, by filling spatial gaps using limited observation stations. Evaluated on PM2.5 data from northern China (2013–2017), AQ-Net excels in reconstructing spatiotemporal trends. It enhances generalization in urban environments and helps build a comprehensive picture of air pollution for atmospheric chemistry studies.

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Bitumen fumes, classified as potentially carcinogenic by IARC, contain volatile and semi-volatile compounds, including PAHs. While most studies focus on the 16 priority PAHs, recent research highlights the presence of more toxic compounds known as PAH derivatives. A two-week measurment campaign in MIT, Nantes, France, allowed the analysis of bitumen emissions from different bitumen formulations under controlled conditions using advanced real-time instruments (PTR-ToF-MS, HR-ToF-AMS, SMPS). Various PAH derivatives including nitrogenated, sulfurated, oxygenated, and alkylated PAHs were identified and quantified, each exhibiting different toxicological potentials. This study enhances our understanding of bitumen emissions, emphasizing the need for further toxicological assessment.

The Sihwa National Industrial Complex has a total of 798 air pollution emission facilities, of which the majority classified as class 4 and class 5. A detailed description of the air pollution emission sites facility is shown in Table 1. Most small factories tend to have insufficient air pollutant emission management, and the government also has insufficient monitoring.In this study, remote sensing LiDAR measurement technology was used to improve the efficiency of illegal emission management of Sihwa Industrial Complex, where small factories are concentrated. The purpose to analyze the characteristics of PM_2.5 concentrations in industrial complex areas and identify Hot-spots.

The paper's area of interest is Moravia, the eastern half of the Czech Republic in Central Europe. The evaluation summarises the main results of two source apportionment studies carried out in this area in 2021 (north-eastern part) and 2023 (central and southern part) in terms of spatial trends, pollution transport and general causes of air pollution.

Arrangement to address air quality problems in the northern half of the area of interest should continue to focus on reducing emissions from domestic heating. In South Moravia, the main priority should be to reduce emissions from road traffic.

The results of monitoring of radioactive aerosols (RA) in premises 012/7 (+ 0 м), 012/15 (+ 3 м), 210/7 (+ 6 м) of SO near accumulations of FCM in the New Safe Confinement within 2021 to 2024 are presented. The monthly sampling of RA was carried out by the two-layer filters. The first layer was coarse-fibered FPS-110-0.2, the second layer - fine-fibered FPP-15-1.5.

The nuclides ¹³⁷Cs, ²⁴¹Am and ¹⁵⁴Eu and markers of submicron aerosols ²¹⁰Pb and ²¹²Pb were detected by gamma-spectrometer (CANBERRA).

The proposed approach for sampling RA enables the definition of generation sources of RA.

Intermediate/semi-volatile organic compounds (I/SVOCs) are considered to be significant precursors of secondary aerosols. This experimental work focuses on quantifying the effects of varying exhaust dilution parameters on the characteristics of emissions from a modern light-duty gasoline internal combustion engine (ICE). Alongside complementary analyses, the gas and particle phase I/SVOCs are sampled using an in-house adsorption-tube and filter sampler for subsequent extraction and speciation by two-dimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The findings from this work help enhance the understanding of ICE emission factors, dynamics during sampling, abatement strategies, and the repeatability of measurements and speciation considering currently unregulated I/SVOC emissions.

This study examines secondary particle formation and toxicity from a Euro 6 plug-in GDI vehicle under controlled conditions. Exhaust was diluted and aged in the Tampere Secondary Aerosol Reactor (TSAR) to simulate atmospheric processes. Human epithelial A549 cells were exposed to fresh and aged emissions using an air-liquid interface (ALI) system. Physical characterization showed a substantial rise in small particle concentration after aging.Aged particles significantly increased in number, leading to greater reductions in cell viability and higher LDH release, indicating increased cytotoxicity.

This study investigates secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation from modern 4-stroke motorcycles and a moped in transient driving cycles by utilizing oxidation flow reactor. Three vehicles were tested: a 50 cc moped, a 300 cc scooter, and a 1200 cc motorcycle. Results showed high SOA formation from the 50 cc and 300 cc bikes. The findings highlight the significant contribution of 4-stroke motorcycles to urban SOA levels, despite regulatory focus on primary emissions.

One way to achieve carbon neutrality in air transport is to increase the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). These new fuels also positively impact the reduction of emissions of non-volatile particulate matter (nvPM). This study investigates the effect of SAF composition on the nvPM produced by its combustion using a laboratory burner. The SAF examined in this study developed by Global Bioenergies uses a microorganism that converts sugars to isobutene. The results show that the combustion of pure SAF leads to a significant reduction in emissions in terms of both the number and mass of nvPM compared to those from Jet A-1.

Effect of fuel composition to particle emissions of fuel operated auxiliary heater (AH) was tested for 95E10 gasoline, ethanol based RE85 and alkylate fuel. Measurements were conducted using an auxiliary heater installed into a specifically designed freezer to allow for control of initial operating temperature. Both direct emissions and aged emissions enable accounting for the effect of secondary particle formation on total emissions. Sample was aged both with oxidation flow reactor and smog chamber. PN emissions of AH were measured along other variables for both cold and warm initial operating temperatures for all 3 fuel types.

Particle losses due to sampling tube surface roughness, tube coiing, flow splitters, and tube fittings were experimentally investigated for representative aircraft nvPM sampling systems parameters. It was observed that no additional particle losses occured when the surface roughness was below 2 µm, but significantly increased as the roughness height increased. For coiled tubes, no additional particle losses occured for turbulent flow, but additional particle losses were oberved for laminar flow. This study showed that surface roughness, tube coiling, and sampling system components have to be carefully considered to reduce nvPM losses and provide more accurate nvPM reporting.

Road traffic emission factors of both regulated and unregulated pollutants, including VOCs, ultrafine particles, and chemical species, were determined from a street canyon site measurements in Helsinki.

All the studied 18 aromatic hydrocarbon compounds had a strong correlation with CO₂, showing that VOC emission factors can be well determined from roadside measurements. In addition, most alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons correlated well with CO₂. Interestingly, some of the biogenic VOCs correlated with CO₂, suggesting potential effects of human activity on biogenic VOCs at urban traffic sites that have not been previously considered.

Net4Cities (Real-time monitoring of transport-related air and noise pollution in European cities) is an EU project. that will expand the air and noise pollution monitoring infrastructure and providing evidence-based support for implementing effective transport policies.

Net4Cities will install monitoring devices in 11 cities across 10 European countries, at multiple locations in each city. Measurements include UFP (PNC and LDSA), NH₃, VOCs, CH₄, N₂O, CO_2,, and will be complemented with available data of regulated pollutants and BC. Also noise monitors and traffic countser will be installed. Measurements will be performed from 1/4/2025 - 31/3/2027. Set-up and first results will be discussed.

This presentation presents ongoing research conducted in collaboration between the BFH (Bern University of Applied Sciences) and PALAS GmbH focusing on the analysis of were particles originating from tire and road abrasion.

The impact on Tire and Road Wear Particles (TRWP) is investigated through a progression from laboratory-based tire testing to controlled roller rig experiments and on-road trials, incorporating increasingly diverse influencing factors.

The ultimate objective is to develop the capability to directly measure particles from rolling tires using an ISO-kinetic sampling method, enabling precise spatial resolution of particle distribution.

This study investigates the emissions of micrometric and sub-micrometric particulates from internal combustion engine vehicles, which contribute significantly to air pollution and lung cancer risk. Using Raman spectroscopy, the research analyzes particulate matter from various vehicle types and fuels, identifying black carbon as the primary component, along with defective graphite, iron oxides, sulphates, and nitrogen compounds. Principal Component Analysis has been performed to differentiate emissions by vehicle and fuel type. Additionally, nanoscale carbon structures, including multi-walled carbon nanotubes, were detected using transmission electron microscopy.

Waterways shipping is transitioning to green fuels to reduce its carbon footprint, yet emissions of NOx, VOCs, and particulate matter (PM) remain a challenge. This study evaluates emission control technologies—Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF), Wet Electrostatic Precipitators (WESP), and Wet Electrostatic Scrubbers (WES)—for reducing PM and particle number (PN) emissions in marine engines using biogenic and e-fuels. While DPFs are highly effective, their operational constraints limit applicability. WESP and WES offer flexibility but introduce washwater concerns. Proper integration of these technologies can significantly improve air quality and mitigate maritime emissions. Research funded by the EU–NextGenerationEU under PNRR.

The aviation sector is a major source of ultrafine particles (UFP) and pollutants. Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) offer a potential alternative to reduce environmental impact. This study analyzes emissions from a lab-scale turbojet engine (AMT Olympus) using JP8 and a JP8+SAF blend. Results indicate that while SAF does not significantly reduce UFP concentration, it shifts the particle size distribution to smaller diameters and decreases certain volatile organic compounds. These findings highlight the need for further research on SAF under real conditions to improve their accessibility and effectiveness in reducing aviation emissions.

Net4Cities project supports the he EU Green Deal's Zero Pollution Action Plan by implementing advanced aerosol measurment techniques in 11 cities across 10 European countries. The project focus of monitoring emission from both exhaust and non-exhaust sources in urban traffic area, ports and airports. Results will be presented from Düsseldorf, a major metropolitan city in central Europe with key measurments including ultrafine particles, lung deposited surface area. Data will be integrated into real-time models to identify potential pollution sources and inform policies aimed at reducing pollution.

Seven passenger cars were driven on a chassis dynamometer in a temperature-controlled test cell according to Real Driving Emissions simulating test cycle. Based on the preliminary results, the fresh exhaust particle emissions of modern passenger cars were relatively low when compared e.g. with their emission standards for solid particles, even though the volatile particles were also included in the EFs. However, the emissions from the PHEVs depended strongly on the used driving mode and the state of charge of the battery. In addition, older conventional cars and a CNG car, that were missing the particulate filters, had clearly higher emissions.

Ambient PM2.5 is formed through atmospheric reactions forming secondary aerosols from gas-phase precursors in the atmosphere under presence of H2O, O2, oxidants and sunlight, and compounds from other sources. For determining the relevant precursor gases, we studied performance of two portable size FTIRs and compared them with laboratory size FTIRs. Exhaust from different fuels were measured using different methods for exhaust gas analyses. The study highlights the strengths and limitations of each device, providing insights into their suitability for various testing situations and their overall performance in capturing accurate and reliable exhaust emission data for potential precursors forming secondary aerosols.

Vehicular emissions, especially under idling conditions, significantly contribute to Delhi’s air pollution. This study analyzes emission factors (EFs) of CO, CO₂, Black Carbon (BC), and NH₃ from light-duty vehicles (LDVs) and two-wheelers under idle and 2000 rpm conditions. Results indicate that EF decreases with increasing Modified Combustion Efficiency (MCE), with BS VI fuels exhibiting the lowest emissions due to improved fuel quality and advanced emission controls. Findings align with Euro VI and China’s norms, highlighting the importance of fuel quality improvements in reducing emissions and enhancing combustion efficiency.

Freight transport has significantly increased in the last decades, and using ships instead of trucks could lower the CO₂ emissions. Alternative fuels could lead to even lower emissions, despite poorly documented atmospheric pollutant emissions. This work presents on-board measurements of regulated and unregulated pollutant emissions from an inland ship, comparing traditional non-road diesel to alternative fuels: gas-to-liquid and biodiesel. Results show that the alternative fuels are effective in reducing emissions of CO₂, as well as solid particles, black-carbon, SO₂ and certain VOCs. NO_x emissions from biodiesel are however high. Additional results were obtained for specific conditions (harbours and locks).

We have demonstrated stable multiplexed coaxial electrospray for a range of aqueous solutions with in-situ crosslinking for the continuous production of uniform chitosan-based nanoparticles with active compounds. A proof-of-concept setup was developed for 8 sprayers in a scalable circular arrangement, capable of mg/h production rates. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) imaging of the nanoparticles revealed relatively homogeneous sizes, under about 200 nm, and globular shapes. The particles collect forming aggregates, suggesting a finite electrical resistivity of the nanoparticulate film.

The parametric range in flow rates and electric field for which the the electrospray regime is stable is still not well understood. In this work, the spray and meniscus interaction is studied by numerical means to shed light on this intricate and complex phenomena that involves numerical singularities and deformable interphases of both the electrode and the envelope of the spray. It serves as a first step towards the understanding of the stability of the electrospray regime.

This study focuses on the generation of spark ablated and in situ oxidized Ti(O₂) nanoparticles, using a spark generator (VSParticle, Delft, NL) and a high temperature oven for oxidation and modification of particle crystal structure and morphology. Furthermore, metal nanoparticles are generated via spark ablation and coated on either the above described TiO₂ particles or nebulized TiO₂ particles. Both particle species are then compared in their photocatalytic activities for the CO₂ hydrogenation reaction.

ESP generates nonthermal plasma that triggers chemical reactions and converts reaction products into aerosols via ion-induced nucleation. This, allows ESP to reduce PM and NOx emissions.

To avoid secondary aerosols being released into the atmosphere, the ESP should be designed properly and specific energy input ( SIE J/L) can be helpful.

In wood pellet boiler tests, sub-6 nm particle nucleation began at 6 J/L SIE, while higher SIEs (48 J/L negative, 35 J/L positive) achieved 78% NOx removal and reduced particle concentrations to 300 particles/cm³ (0.15 µg/Nm³).

ESP systems demonstrate effective dual reduction of NOx and PM from small-scale combustion.

Electrohydrodynamic atomization (EHDA) (or electrospray) uses strong electric fields to generate fine droplets with a narrow size distribution, increasing evaporation efficiency in industrial processes such as odorization, combustion, and humidification. This study develops a COMSOL model to analyze droplet motion in a natural gas odorization system. Initial simulations focus on gas flow and droplet transport, with ongoing work incorporating electric field effects and droplet interactions. The results aim to optimize system design by evaluating parameters such as nozzle geometry, duct configuration, and gas flow dynamics to improve the efficiency of EHDA-based odorization.

Wet scrubbers are widely used for the removal of both particulate matter and gaseous pollutants, although their efficiency in capturing fine particles is limited. Electrospray is a potential method to enhance the collection efficiency of wet scrubbers by introducing charged droplets. This study investigates the droplet characteristics produced by high-flow electrospray and the removal of fine particles in a wet scrubber. Charged droplets were characterized under various electric field strengths, liquid flow rates, and solution conductivities. Additionally, optimum conditions for stable droplet formation and enhanced collection efficiency were identified.

Due to industrial demand for 3D nanostructures, this work realizes their printing over an entire wafer through mobilizing the substrates to adequately spread aerosol nanoparticles via a printing head. We demonstrated the extreme ability for printing of a drastically great number of periodic nanostructures, 100 million over a 4-inch wafer within just 1 h. Besides, we showed material flexibility for realizing the printing of multimaterials within a single nanostructure. This innovation enables the printing of uniform nanostructures over a virtually infinitely large area with ultra-fast printing speed, upgrading Faraday 3D Printing to match industrial demand.

Oily wastewater pollution poses a severe threat to humans and marine life due to toxic substances like petroleum hydrocarbons. This study explores electrospun aliphatic polyketone (PK) and nylon 6 (PA6) composite fiber membranes for filtration applications. PK/PA6 membranes exhibited excellent mechanical properties, heat resistance, and reusability, with high separation efficiency. Water flux tests showed PK had high permeability, while pressing reduced pore size for better selectivity. PK, an eco-friendly polymer with a 61% lower CO₂ footprint than PA66, enhances sustainability by reducing fossil fuel dependence, demonstrating the potential of electrospinning in green material manufacturing.

Biomass burning is a major contributor to greenhouse gases, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbonaceous aerosols, into the atmosphere. It is the second largest source of VOCs, yet emission factor (EF) estimates for European boreal wildfires remain limited for VOCs. The aim of this study was to measure VOC emissions from boreal forest surface fires in a laboratory setting for different combustion phases using a proton transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PTR-TOF-MS) and report emission factors for boreal forest surface fires.

Here, the light absorption of wildfire-like Brown Carbon (BrC) emitted by wood combustion is elucidated using an integrated generation platform coupled with a real-time monitoring and time-integrated sampling instrumentation. The optical properties of Brown Carbon (BrC) are controlled by varying the wood mass and the content of volatile organic carbon, generating particles that can explain the variation between different wildfires in terms of light absorption. The optical properties of BrC obtained here can be interfaced with climate models to determine the contribution of wildfire PM to global warming.

Condensable particulate matter (CPM) emissions from masonry heaters pose environmental and air quality concerns. CPM consists of fine particles that condense into liquid or semi-liquid droplets, influenced by fuel type, combustion conditions, and heater design. Emission measurements vary significantly depending on the sampling method: solid particle (SP) or dilution tunnel (DT). DT captures both solid and condensable organics, preventing underestimation. This study analyzed PM and OGC emissions from the burning chamber of the masonry heater and simultaneously from hot and diluted flue gas, to estimate the condensation processes inside the burning chamber and after the dilution tunnel.

This study presents a novel soot mitigation method for biomass combustion in domestic stoves, addressing air pollution and health risks. Three 3D-printed filter geometries, (A) straight, (B) 45° rotated, and (C) gyroid, were tested in a stove rig to evaluate their effectiveness in reducing particulate matter (PM). All designs achieved over 50 wt.% PM reduction, with design (B) performing best across all combustion stages. Particle size distribution analysis showed that filters (B) and (C) effectively reduced sub-100 nm particles. No back-pressure build-up was observed, confirming the feasibility of these filters for soot reduction without clogging.

This study develops a transparent fiber filter using polyketone (PK) and polyamide 6 (PA6) via electrospinning for window screens. The filter balances air filtration efficiency and transparency while utilizing natural ventilation. Key parameters, including polymer ratio, spinning time, and hand pressing, were optimized. Results showed fiber diameters decreased from 535 nm to 461 nm with increased PA6 content. Filtration efficiency exceeded 90% before pressing and 98% after, with the highest observed quality factor reaching 0.052 Pa⁻¹. Transparency reached 75.7% under optimal conditions, demonstrating the potential for energy-efficient indoor air purification.

Buildings should be characterized by nearly zero energy consumption, hence there is a risk that the pursuit of energy efficiency may negatively affect IAQ. Hence, it is necessary to properly clean the air using filters in the ventilation units. We perform tests of air filters/filter systems under the conditions of their use in building ventilation units in accordance with the ISO 29462:2022. During the field tests, the installed air filters section system in the air handling unit did not reach the final air flow resistance value of 300 Pa and removed particles below 2.5 µm with an efficiency of 74.11%.

Residential wood combustion (RWC) significantly contributes to air pollution, prompting stricter regulations. This study evaluates emissions from a modern catalytic wood stove using dual FTIR spectroscopy, PTR-ToF-MS, and gas analyzers. Emissions peaked during cold ignition. The catalyst reduced CO by 37–64% (depending on phase) and total hydrocarbons by ≤34%, with higher efficiency during flaming phases as temperatures rose. Aliphatic hydrocarbons and carbonyls dominated VOC emissions, remaining significant post-catalyst. Despite persistent carbonyls, results highlight the catalyst’s effectiveness in reducing pollutants, particularly CO, supporting its role in mitigating RWC emissions and advancing cleaner residential heating technologies.

The pressure drops and dust-holding capacities of individual filtering layers in a composite filter were experimentally measured during dust loading. The results revealed that the pressure drop of the composite filter was primarily influenced by that of the nanofiber layer, while its dust-holding capacity was predominantly affected by the amount of dust deposited in the microfiber layer. This study provides insights into the role of individual filter layers in optimizing the design of composite filters.

This study investigated an energy-saving in an electrostatic precipitator (ESP) for diesel exhaust particles (DEP), focusing on achieving a collection efficiency greater than 80% at a gas velocity of 10 m/s. Experiments were carried out to clarify the effects of electrode length and gas velocity on the collection efficiency. As a result, it was showed that the collection efficiency achieved 88% at the gas velocity of 2 m/s and 75% at high gas velocity of 10 m/s without energy consumption.

Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs) are used for indoor air cleaning and exhaust gas treatment. This study examines the effect of repetition frequency on particle trajectories in a wire-to-plate ESP with a DC-superimposed nanosecond pulsed corona discharge. Using COMSOL Multiphysics, particle trajectories were analyzed at 200 pps and 1000 pps. Results show that as frequency increased, particle charge also increased, leading to improved collection efficiency. At 1000 pps, efficiency reached 100%, while at 200 pps, it was only 45%. Charged particles were attracted to the grounded electrode due to electrostatic forces, demonstrating the impact of frequency on ESP performance.

This study investigates the prediction of the filtration performance of porous filters using granular bed theory. The porous filter is modeled as a hexagonal cell structure, where pores are located at the center, and the surroundung filter medium forms the packing material. The Ergun equation is used to estiimate the pressure drop across the filter, while the log-penetration equation predicts collection efficiency based on single sphere theory, The results demonstrate that these equations can be effectively applied to predict the filtration performance of porous filters.

This study focuses on turbulent particle flux measurements conducted in the central Arctic during the ARTofMELT research cruise. The measurements aimed to quantify vertical aerosol exchange between open water, sea ice, and the atmosphere. Data were collected from May 9 to June 12, 2023, using two measurement systems: an eddy covariance system with an MCPC mounted on the ship’s foremast and a gradient system with a CPC to measure aerosol concentration, windspeed, and temperature. The results revealed that wide leads exhibited net particle emission, closed ice surfaces exhibited net deposition, and narrow leads exhibited both emission and deposition fluxes.

Arctic dust is emerging as a new type of aerosol in Arctic regions as rapid temperature changes in the Arctic cause snow and ice to melt faster, leading to a larger exposed land area. In this study, we will present optical properties of the aerosols measured during an intense campaign in Greenland, and by combining it with information on local meteorology, back-trajectory analysis and size distributions, discuss emission sources based on the Ångström matrix results, with particular focus on unraveling local dust events.

streamwise-CCNC developed by DMT Inc., may not accurately capture the co-condensation effect due to particle heating, resulting from the temperature gradient being in the same direction as the sample flow, potentially leading to the evaporation of SVOC's from droplets, underestimating CCN activity. No experimental validation of this effect has been conducted to date. In this study, we examined the impact of heating in a streamwise CCNC on the loss of SVOC's by analysing kappa derived from streamwise CCNC measurements under varying temperature gradients. The results were compared with kappa values obtained from AMS measurements and those predicted by the EAIM-III.

Fog is a vital source of water for local ecosystems in the Namib desert. It forms when the stratocumulus clouds collapse over Atlantic ocean. However, climate change may alter fog occurrence and composition. The chemical composition of fogs at Henties Bay and Gobabeb was studied during the AEROFOG project in 2024. Organic and inorganic parts were analyzed, showing that Henties Bay fogs were marine-influenced, while Gobabeb fogs were influenced by both marine and crustal sources. Organic carbon in fogs was higher than in seawater, with coastal fogs showing volatile DOC that could be linked to microorganisms or surfactant-driven processes.

This work presents the development of the GRAnada Ice Nuclei Spectrometer (GRAINS) at the AGORA Observatory in Southeast Spain, which allows to calculate INP concentrations from 0 to -25°C. GRAINS has been validated with the use of standard samples, such as NX Illite, which shows very good agreement compared to other immersion freezing devices. Different sampling methodologies were carried out at the urban background station of AGORA (UGR, 37.2°N, 3.6°W, 680 m a.s.l.). For that, two different types of filters and three different methods for the analysis in GRAINS were used, showing good agreement in the resulting INP concentrations.

In this work, we present the intercomparison of two immersion freezing devices: the well-known Ice Nucleation Spectrometer of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (INSEKT) and the new GRAnada Ice Nuclei Spectrometer (GRAINS). The comparison of the two devices has been done by evaluating the ice nucleating ability of different minerals and dust particles, such as Arizona Test Dust (ATD) or Soil Dust South Africa (SDSA01), among others. The experiments were conducted at the AIDAd chamber (Aerosol Interaction and Dynamics in the Atmosphere dynamic). INP concentrations obtained with both spectrometers show comparison factors around 2, which is considered as good agreement.

This study investigates the wet removal of Black Carbon (BC) aerosols using long-term (2021–2024) and short-term measurements at rural, urban, and mountain sites. Instruments including Aethalometers (AE33, AE51), a Disdrometer, and a Fog Monitor were used to analyze BC concentration, precipitation, and cloud microphysics. Analysis of 846 rain events at NAOK revealed a 16% reduction in BC and a 9% decrease in particle number concentration (PNC), with the strongest scavenging observed for 50–200 nm particles. Seasonal variations showed lower BC during wet conditions, emphasizing precipitation's role in BC removal. Transient recovery post-rainfall suggests a temporary impact on aerosol levels

As a preliminary study for high-resolution Ice Nucleation Particle (INP) measurements using the online instrument Portable Ice Nucleation Experiment (PINE), we investigate changes in parameterized INP concentration with height at the National Atmospheric Observatory of Košetice (NAOK), a rural background measurement site in Czechia. We use a tall tower facility to measure at 4m and 230m above the ground and the DeMott et al. (2010) parameterization, which is based on the number concentration of particles larger than 0.5 µm and temperature. Our results from December 2024 show higher INP concentration in the free troposphere than in the planetary boundary layer.

Boreal forests, covering 27% of the world’s forested area, are key contributors to atmospheric aerosol dynamics through gaseous emissions, which vary by region. North American forests are isoprene-dominant, while European forests, especially in Finland, are more monoterpene-dominant. Observations at Delta Junction, Alaska, since 2023, can provide insights into aerosol processes in this unique environment. During summer 2024, PM2.5 aerosols were dominated by organics, with wildfire events in June–July causing increased concentrations. By August, sulphate and ammonium contributions rose. Further analyses will explore wildfire-related events, new particle formation (NPF), and particle growth dynamics, improving our understanding of boreal forest-atmosphere interactions.