Scientific Reports of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine

Research on air pollution by fine particles in tourist locations in the Ivano-Frankivsk region

Iryna Smyk, Liudmyla Arkhypova
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Abstract

The revitalisation of tourism in the Ivano-Frankivsk region highlights the need for systematic monitoring of atmospheric air, particularly in terms of the content of fine aerosol particles, in order to assess the level of environmental safety in popular tourist destinations. The aim of the study was to comprehensively assess atmospheric air pollution by PM2.5 and PM10 particles in locations with varying degrees of anthropogenic load, as well as to identify the factors that determine the spatial variability of their concentrations. During the empirical stage, a series of instrumental field measurements were carried out using portable monitoring equipment. The locations were classified into three groups: recreational areas (low load), tourist and recreational areas (medium load) and transport and trade hubs (high load). Multivariate analysis methods were used for statistical data processing, in particular fourth-order polynomial regression and regression modelling of the relationship between PM10 and PM2.5 levels, taking into account the load typology. It was found that the average concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 in high-load zones were 14.63 μg/m³ and 34.63 μg/m³, respectively, which does not exceed the maximum permissible values set by national and international standards. The lowest levels were recorded in natural recreational areas, due to the natural filtration capacity of green spaces and the absence of traffic. In areas with medium load, intermediate levels of pollution were found, indicating the influence of both stationary and mobile sources of emissions. Regression analysis showed a nonlinear relationship between PM2.5 and PM10 (R² = 0.87), indicating the dominance of the fine fraction in the total mass of aerosol dust. In addition, it was found that an increase in relative air humidity correlates with a decrease in the concentration of fine particles, which is important for predicting air pollution levels depending on weather conditions

Keywords

environmental monitoring, tourist load, atmospheric aerosols, spatial analysis, PM2.5, PM10, regression modelling

Suggested citation
Smyk, I., & Arkhypova, L. (2025). Research on air pollution by fine particles in tourist locations in the Ivano-Frankivsk region. Scientific Reports of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, 21(3),62-75. https://doi.org/10.31548/dopovidi/3.2025.62
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