Thesis of Yuliia Yukhymchuk

Defense of thesis Yuliia Yukhymchuk - laboratory LOA

Characteristics and Evolution of Aerosol Particles in the Atmosphere over Ukraine: Impact on the Energy Balance and Air Quality

Abstract :

The atmosphere over Kyiv, Ukraine, is influenced by various sources of aerosols, originating from both urban emissions and distant sources due to the movement of air masses. The last factor often leads to an increase in the quantity of aerosol particles, contributing to the occurrence of severe smog and reduced visibility. Additionally, elevated concentrations of aerosols can have adverse effects on human health, particularly among vulnerable population groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions or allergies. Therefore, monitoring such situations is significant for both scientific investigation of aerosol particles and informing the public about potential hazards associated with air quality.
In September 2015, extensive peat fires up north caused severe smog in Kyiv, prompting a state of emergency. For the analysis of aerosol particles from these events, data from the AERONET Kyiv sun photometer network and lidar observations were used. The field lidar campaign in Kyiv was supported by the Laboratoire d’Optique Atmospherique, Université de Lille. Using these data and HYSPLIT air mass transport calculations, the evolution of biomass burning particles and their influence from the movement of air masses was explored. Furthermore, a similar event occurred in the spring of 2020, but involved the burning of a different type of vegetation. The analysis utilized data from AERONET Kyiv and HYSPLIT, alongside information on PM2.5 concentrations and the Air Quality Index from the AirVisual network observations.
The AERONET network has been conducting observations in Kyiv since 2008. Data on Aerosol Optical Depth, Ångström Exponent, and Radiative Forcing have been used to describe the long-term evolution of these parameters over Kyiv. To analyze these characteristics, as well as the evolution of other atmospheric components (such as black carbon, PM2.5, SO2, SO4), the MERRA-2 reanalysis has been applied across the entire territory of Ukraine. Furthermore, MERRA-2 modeling has been applied to assess the impact of the full-scale Russian incursion on Ukrainian territory. AERONET observations have indicated alterations in aerosol optical properties throughout 2022, and the provided GRASP analysis has substantiated changes in the chemical composition.

Keywords : aerosols,air quality,PM2.5,war impact on atmospheric components,radiative forcing