Winter Spatial Patterns in PM 2.5 Concentration and Air Quality Index in the Arctic Town

The current study presents the results of air quality research in the small mining and touristic city of Apatity (Kola Peninsula, Russian Federation, 67o34’03’’N, 33o23’36’’E) during the two winter expeditions in 2022 and 2024. A PurpleAir PA-II portable device was used for ground-based aerosol observations. Two measurement campaigns allowed to conduct route measurements in various synoptic conditions, including both frosty windless weather, characterized by temperature inversion (2022), and contrasting conditions of “warm” winter unusual in the Arctic and Kola Peninsula (January 2024). The obtained results demonstrate that, depending on the synoptic situation in the city, there can be both traditional accumulation of concentrations of PM 2.5 particles (up to 300 µg/m3) dangerous for the health of inhabitants (in some areas exceeding the 20 min maximum allowable concentration of 160 µg/m3 almost twice), and significant improvement of air quality due to precipitation and air mixing under warm winter conditions (on average, about 17 µg/m3). The latter circumstance can noticeably improve the region’s tourism potential in a warmer climate.