Chemical composition of various fractions of atmospheric aerosol in Southern Baikal region in 2024

For the first time, comprehensive seasonal studies of the chemical composition of aerosol particles across size fractions of 0.8, 2.0, 5.0, and 10 μm were conducted at three atmospheric monitoring stations: in the industrial center of Southern Baikal region in Irkutsk and in the Central Ecological Zone of the western coast of Southern Baikal – at the Listvyanka and Bolshiye Koty stations. The research included analysis of particle morphology, size distribution, ionic and trace element composition, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and soot content. Spatial and seasonal variations in atmospheric aerosol composition across the three stations were shown to result from combined anthropogenic and natural factors: industrial activity, meteorological conditions, forest fires, and transportation. Elevated concentrations of pollutants across various particle size fractions were detected during the arrival of air masses from northwestern and northern directions, regions characterized by the presence of industrial centers in Irkutsk Oblast and Krasnoyarsk Krai. The summer periods featured transport of impurities via air masses from the southern directions (Buryatia, Mongolia, Tuva and Kazakhstan).