Variations in PM2.5 Surface Concentration in Moscow according to Observations at MSU Meteorological Observatory

Abstract

We considered Moscow-specific features of time variations in PM2.5 mass concentration in the surface air layer as a function of a number of atmospheric parameters such as the concentrations of certain atmospheric trace gases, aerosol optical depth, surface air temperature, humidity, and wind speed. The time series of concentrations of PM2.5 and gaseous pollutants SO2, NH3, NO x , CO, and O3, obtained during continuous observations in 2011–2013, were analyzed. We studied the diurnal and seasonal variations in concentrations of PM2.5 and the trace gases, revealed correlations between them, analyzed variations in PM2.5 concentration as a function of concentration of certain gases participating in the formation of atmospheric aerosols, and as a function of meteorological parameters. Data on PM2.5 surface concentrations are compared with measurements of aerosol optical depth.