Transport and transformation of atmospheric aerosol across Central Europe with emphasis on anthropogenic sources

The trend in PM₁₀ concentrations in Europe has stagnated over the last two decades, showing only limited annual changes even though there are continued reductions in PM emissions. Possible reasons could be linked to both the aging processes of the particles in the atmosphere and their long-range transport. Therefore, better understanding the multiple origins of the atmospheric aerosol, their sources apportionment at different places are necessary for the development of efficient mitigation strategies. The ultimate objective of the project TRACE is to assess the transport and transformation of atmospheric aerosol across Central Europe with emphasis on anthropogenic sources (including coal and wood combustion) using synergic measurement methods (offline and online) and state-of-the art modelling tools including receptor-oriented models and Chemical transport models. Measurements were performed during winter and summer periods in 2021 simultaneously at three sampling places (Melpitz, DE, Kosetice, CZ, and Frydland, CZ) using state-of-the-art online and offline comprehensive chemical characterization of the atmospheric aerosol. Preliminary results from Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS) showed peaks as high as 50 µg/m³ mass concentration during a dust event. Moreover, results from Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (AMS) and receptor modeling (RF) via Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) from the winter campaign will be presented.