Size distribution, sources and chemistry of ultrafine particles at Barcelona-El Prat Airport, Spain

Abstract

The rapid expansion of the aviation sector raises concerns about air quality impacts within and around airports. Ultrafine particles (UFP, diameter 2-fold) of Fe, Al, Cr, Cu, Mo, Mn, Pb, Ti, and Sb at the airport compared to the UB, with Al exhibiting the most pronounced disparity. Generally, PAH levels were low at both sites, although concentrations were higher at the airport relative to the UB. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of UFP within a major European airport, identifying the different sources contributing to PNC and PNSD.

Keywords

• Nanoparticles
• Taxiing
• Takeoff
• Aircraft emissions
• Black carbon
• Metals