In Journal of environmental radioactivity
An analysis of the concentration of 7Be in aerosol samples collected in one of the most polluted areas in Europe (Katowice and Krakow in southern Poland) indicated seasonal variability, with a maximum in the summer months. The average concentrations of 7Be were 4616.1 μBq m-3 in Katowice and 3259.4 μBq m-3 in Krakow, respectively, and they are among the highest values recorded in Poland in the studied period (1998-2016). These cities are also characterised by Poland's highest concentrations of 210Pb (547.8 μBq m-3 and 513.2 μBq m-3). The highest radioactive concentrations of 210Pb were observed in the winter and autumn, since in the case of these industrial areas, the combustion processes related to heating in the cold season of the year are an additional source of this isotope, next to its natural origin. The airborne particulate matter concentrations at both locations correlate with the concentrations of 210Pb. The average values of PM10 concentrations (71.1 μg m-3 in Krakow to 45.0 μg m-3 in Katowice), were 2-3 times higher than the average ones recorded in northern Poland. It has been proven that air temperature is the key parameter affecting the transport of isotopes, especially in the warm season of the year, when its increase causes increased thermal convection, leading to intense vertical mixing and exchange in the troposphere. Analyses using the machine learning method allowed for an indication of the correlation between relative humidity and atmospheric precipitation, as well as higher wind speed and concentrations of 7Be which is inversely proportional. Geographical factors (the latitude of the station and the land elevation) have no impact on near-surface concentrations of 7Be in Poland.
Biernacik Dawid, Zalewska Tamara
2023-Jan-23
Beryllium-7, Deposition, Lead-210, Meteorological conditions, PM10, Poland
