Objectif
Research on background pollution and atmospheric aerosols in Asian regions of the NIS is highly relevant because of their contribution to the characterisation of the global continental baseline aerosol (in the context of possible compensation of the greenhouse effect by aerosols, especially in Arctic areas). They may also contribute to the quantitative assessment of the high atmospheric deposition fluxes of heavy metals near large point sources and to the evaluation of the atmospheric pollution of Lake Baikal. While normally an overwhelming amount of soil dust and marine salt particles are found in the air, these are absent in winter in central Siberia due to the extended snow cover and hence aerosol characterisation is then limited to the most interesting particles only.
The following research is to be undertaken: sample and monitor aerosols at five or more polluted and remote sites in Siberia and Kazakhstan by four NIS participants in collaboration with the two west European participants; apply modern physical and chemical aerosol characterisation methods both in the West and in the NIS; organise quality assessments and chemical analysis; interpret the aerosol data in terms of heavy metal pollution fluxes and background aerosol composition relevant to global change.
The project will produce a final report and scientific publications, including submissions to western journals, based on the aerosol data obtained. The following results are expected: a better knowledge and understanding of the processes of natural and pollution aerosol formation and transport in Siberia and Kazakhstan, both at local and long-range level; a better assessment of the effects of these aerosols, e.g. with respect to atmospheric deposition into Lake Baikal; a quality assessment of the physical and chemical analysis that is currently being carried out in this context in the NIS; and closer collaboration between environmental scientists in western Europe and the NIS.
Appel à propositions
Data not availableRégime de financement
Data not availableCoordinateur
2610 Antwerpen
Belgique