Assessment of the impact of natural and anthropogenic factors on the air quality of urbanised areas

Purpose. To determine the patterns of distribution and accumulation of pollutants in the air of large urban areas of Ukraine and the impact of natural and anthropogenic factors on these processes. Methodology. The aim of the study was realised by collecting, systematising, mathematically processing and analysing the results of observation of air pollution indicators in the right-bank part of Kyiv. Findings. The regularities were identified and the influence of natural (meteorological) and anthropogenic factors on the concentrations of particulate matter, carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide in the air of an urbanised environment was assessed. Originality. The nature of the dependence or lack of dependence of the concentration of the main pollutants in the atmospheric air of the right-bank territory of the city of Kyiv on basic meteorological indicators has been established. A negative correlation between the content of solid particles in the air and wind speed and wind gust speed has been revealed. Moreover, wind gust speed has a greater impact on dustiness than wind speed, and its direction is irrelevant for the city of Kyiv. A strong negative correlation between air dustiness and rainfall has been recorded. A correlation in particulate matter content has been established between all areas of the city, even those far apart from each other. This makes it possible to predict, with a calculable probability, the nature of changes in air dustiness in areas where monitoring is temporarily not being carried out. A clear daily cycle of carbon monoxide concentration in the atmospheric air and a correlation between different areas of the city for this indicator have been established, as well as a correlation between carbon monoxide concentration and solid particles. There is no daily cycle in the concentration of sulphur dioxide in the atmospheric air of the city of Kyiv. The correlation between CO and SO2 and precipitation is moderately negative. Practical value. The use of the obtained results makes it possible to make quick and informed decisions in the field of air quality management in large urban areas.