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Abstract

Urban air pollution, with particulate matter (PM) classified as one of the most
problematic primary pollutants, is characterised by wide spatio temporal variability.
Even at relatively low concentrations, PM poses significant health and environmental
risks due to its high toxicity per unit mass, ability to penetrate deep into lung tissue and
prolonged atmospheric residing times. Its size, chemical composition, hygroscopicity and
optical properties strongly influence its toxicity, atmospheric distribution and behaviour
within the human respiratory system, with negative effects m ore closely associated with
(ultra)fine particles. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of size fractionated PM,
particularly (ultra)fine fractions, is essential for hazard mitigation and the improvement
of regulatory air pollution control strategies, yet available data remain limited.
Combining gravimetric, size fractionating PM sampling solutions with low cost mobile
sensors (LCS) can complement national air quality monitoring networks, overcoming the
limitations of sparsely distributed stations and p roviding valuable insights into
commuters’ exposure, thereby improving the safety of most vulnerable traffic groups,
such as cyclists and pedestrians. To address these challenges, an affordable, portable
sampling device capable of collecting size fractiona ted PM (PM 10 , PM 2.5 , PM 0.1 and
PM <0.1 ) was developed, together with optimised and validated analytical methods for the
determination of metal(oid)s and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The
applicability of the device was further successfully demons trated in a nationwide,
systematic one year study in Slovenia, at five pedestrian and cycling microenvironments
Dobrova, Ljubljana, Maribor, Murska Sobota, Piran), differing in size, population and
traffic density. In parallel, two citizen led campaigns w ere conducted in Ljubljana and
Maribor, using bicycle mounted LCS. The quality of the acquired data and sensor
performance was evaluated in both controlled laboratory and co location field
environments. The overall aim was: i) to assess the seasonal and sp atial distribution of
PM bound pollutants, ii) to conduct source apportionment analysis, iii) to evaluate the
toxic potential and possible health and environmental risk implications, and iv) to
highlight the importance of individual behavioural patterns in mitigating urban air
pollution.