Impact of synoptic meteorological conditions on air quality in three different case studies in Rome, Italy

This study analyses the influence of synoptic weather conditions on atmospheric particulate matter concentration and composition during an intensive measurement campaign, performed in urban area Rome (Italy) winter 2017. To evaluate effect local sources, data from several rural ground-based air quality stations were considered. The analysis involved following parameters: wind speed direction near ground, temperature, specific humidity, height evolution mixing layer. Furthermore, daily variability aerosol optical depth, tropospheric near-surface nitrogen dioxide amounts investigated. Results show that natural removal is favoured by intense, continental winds. Contrariwise, when persistent thermal inversion occurs, pollutant dispersion very limited high concentrations are recorded stations. Finally, case Saharan dust outbreaks, increase content both notable. Consequently, measurements aimed at improving environments should be planned according to forecasts. keeps valid long-range transport desert particles contribution could exceed pollutants anthropogenic emissions.