INCREASING THE AWARENESS OF STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY ABOUT SEASONAL VARIATION OF ATMOSPHERIC ION AND AEROSOL CONCENTRATIONS IN AN URBAN AREA

This study presents the results of monitoring campaign on cluster ions and aerosol concentrations. This measurement procedure was carried out in an urban center, Shkodra City. During this campaign the concentrations have been measured continuously for both ions and aerosols. The measured ions belong to cluster ion category, while measured aerosol particles belong to fine and coarse modes.
After monitoring process, measurement data undergo a statistical analysis to obtain the seasonal variations of these concentrations. These variations let us estimate the contribution of varying factors on their concentrations, as well as their reciprocal interactions.
Meteorological parameters take normal values during measurement processes. Seasonal variations of fine aerosols are very smooth. Ion concentrations are positively related to aerosol concentrations, temperature and wind speed. On the other hand these concentrations are negatively related to relative humidity and atmospheric pressure. The overall results of this monitoring campaign give a clear picture on atmospheric particle concentrations over the investigated area.
The scope of this study was multidimensional. A lot of measurements were done, in order to have reliable data reflecting the real time situation in several checkpoints. Of high importance it is the fact that in our monitoring staff there were student groups who got familiar with the measurement process and the main parameters of our study. In the cases when high aerosol concentrations were detected especially due to subjective reasons, they became quite sensitive and willing to negotiate for finding possible solutions for the removal or improvement of the causes of those high concentration occurrences.
The results of the study were presented in a workshop with a high attendance of students, local authorities, representatives of the Environmental Protection Institute, etc. One of the highest achievements of this study has been to increase the awareness of the community about the air quality and to organize a profound scientific argument.