Assessment of the quality of atmospheric air in woodlands of natural areas based on the intensity analysis of the process of dry deposition of impurities on an artificial underlying surface

Abstract

Abstract To assess the quality of atmospheric air, the authors propose to apply the process of dry deposition of impurities on an artificial underlying surface that binds impurities in contact with it. The mass of these impurities is calculated upon laboratory exposure, after being transferred to an aqueous solution. The ease of absorber fabrication and the low cost facilitate the monitoring of air pollution at various points in woodlands, where the stationary stations for air-pollution-monitoring are very difficult and costly to arrange. A large number of control points makes it possible to identify forest areas with the highest levels of air pollution. A dynamic air-quality study at one of the monitoring points is necessary and sufficient to determine the concentration of impurities. The authors surveyed an urban forest using the proposed method, and the survey results confirmed that areas with an elevated concentration of airborne nitrogen dioxide exist within the woodland. This can lead to soil eutrophication and changes in forest biodiversity at the species and ecosystem levels.