Effect of long-range transport on local PM10 concentrations in the UK

This study describes the effects of long-range transport of secondary airbo rne particles on local PM10 levels in Edinburgh (UK) during the period 1 Ja nuary to 31 March 1996. Air mass back trajectories for each day were groupe d into six atmospheric transport patterns to examine their influences on lo cal PM10 concentrations. Significant differences in receptor PM10 concentra tions were observed between the trajectory patterns (p = 0.1%). Air masses from Eastern Europe resulted in higher daily PM10 averages than any of the other patterns (p = 1.0%). Median PM10 concentrations in Edinburgh increase d by 10-15 mu g m(-3) when air mass trajectories were from these regions. T his effect should be considered by local authorities to acknowledge that no t all PM10 sources are possible to control in local air quality management areas. Further evidence of the influence of long-range transport was found by detailed examination of the concurrent development of a pollution episod e in Edinburgh, London and Belfast. Differences in the temporal development of the episode in the three cities were attributed to trajectory variation s in the proximity of frontal weather systems.