Coordinated multiparametric characterization of atmospheric particulate in the Campania region of Italy

A coordinate measurement approach using remote sensing and near surface instruments has been carried out in the Campania region of Italy with the aim to understand as the anthropogenic sources linked to urban activities (waste disposal, vehicle traffic, and domestic heating) can influence the values of airborne particulate matter (PM) measured at ground in this area. The measurement systems used for the experimental campaign are based on different physical principles in order to gain more information about the nature of PM. In particular, traditional sensors based on gravimetric measurements were used together with an Electrical Low-Pressure Impactor to have near surface information about the total mass, the main fractions and the size distribution of PM. A Doppler Lidar system was used to obtain vertical profile of wind speed and direction and a portable Lidar system in elastic configuration was used to have real time information on atmospheric particles optical properties with high spatial and temporal resolution. The combination of measurements from optical remote sensing and advanced in situ instrumentation produced a significant increase in the knowledge of particulate matter, its sources and the processes in which it is involved. In particular, this work highlights the capability of the Lidar approach to expand the knowledge of PM evolution in the atmosphere with respect to other stationary measurement techniques, potentially paving the road to new air quality monitoring systems.