Variability of the Ground Concentration of Particulate Matter PM1–PM10 in the Air Basin of the Southern Baikal Region

The paper presents the results of studies of the content of particulate matter PM₁–PM₁₀ in the atmosphere of the western coast of Southern Baikal with high temporal resolution. It has been established that PM are emitted into the atmosphere of Southern Baikal from both anthropogenic and natural sources. In winter, the influence of thermal power facilities increases, as evidenced by synchronous increases in the concentrations of submicron aerosol PM₁ and sulfur dioxide. In summer, remote forest fires make a significant contribution to atmospheric pollution with particulate matter. The relationship between the increase in the concentration of PM₁ in the atmosphere in the region under study and mesometeorological features (temperature inversions and mesoscale transfer of plumes from large thermal power plants) has been revealed. Increases in PM₁ concentrations in most cases occur during the night and morning hours, which is associated with a decrease in the thickness of the atmospheric boundary layer.