Spatial and temporal variations of PM1, PM2.5, PM10 and particle number concentration during the AUPHEP—project

The monitoring data for the PM mass fractions of PM1, PM2.5, PM10 and TSP as well as the particle number concentrations at four sites in Austria (3 urban and 1 rural) and over a 1 year period are presented within this paper. The mass concentrations discussed are mostly based on TEOM measurements, but beta absorption and HiVol gravimetric sampling has been used in parallel. The data are compared with other European and world wide information available so far—for PM1 the data base still is very poor. Generally the data fit into the Central European context as far as the long-term averages and the daily and seasonal pattern and the ratios between the various fractions are concerned. Annual means of mass concentrations for PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 are in the order of 16, 20 and 28 μg m−3 at the urban sites and a little bit lower at the rural site. In average PM1 counted for about 50–60% and PM2.5 for about 70% of PM10.The number concentrations at the urban sites are in the upper European level and show a distinct seasonal cycle. At the rural site no seasonal influence can be seen.