The Harbor Area in Brindisi, Italy, presents a complex scenario concerning air quality due to various dust sources. These include urban dust from the city, emissions from airports, and particulate matter from the ferry terminal. Additionally, this area is affected by the well-known Sahara dust effect, particularly prevalent in this southern Italian city.

Initial Steps at the Marina

To better understand this intricate air quality situation, our partner, LabService Analytica, was commissioned to install air quality monitoring devices at the site. These devices, which include the AQ Guard Smart 1100 aerosol spectrometer and the AQ Guard Smart 2000 UFP analyzer from Palas GmbH, were strategically placed at the marina. The instruments are capable of measuring fine dust fractions between 0.18 and 18 μm, as well as the particle number concentration (Cn) of nanoparticles in the range of 10 nm to 1 µm and it’s mean diameter (X50). Wind speed and direction were also monitored.

Surprising Findings

The project aimed to identify and analyze the various sources of particulate matter in the area, focusing particularly on the potentially more harmful PM₁ fraction and nanoparticle concentrations, which are not currently regulated. Initial findings from the marina showed surprising results, with weak or no correlations to predicted sources such as ships or traffic. Instead, a significant source of particles was identified as a nearby wood-fired pizza oven, dubbed "Pizza Time," emphasizing the importance of localized and specific monitoring to uncover unexpected sources of pollution.

Expanding the Study

Due to these findings, a second measurement site was chosen at the Terminal Costa Morena Brindisi. In contrast to the marina, the data from the Grimaldi terminal showed a clear correlation between PM_2.5 levels and the arrival and departure of ferries, along with partial correlations to airport activities.

Insights and Future Strategies

Through this project, the use of mobile and flexible air quality monitoring systems proved invaluable in navigating the complexities of source apportionment in a dynamic environment like the Brindisi Harbor. The insights gained not only enhance our understanding of local air quality but also contribute to developing more effective mitigation strategies to protect public health.

Advanced Air Quality Monitoring Tools

The success of this project relied heavily on the advanced air quality monitoring tools deployed. The AQ Guard Smart 1100 aerosol spectrometer was used to analyze fine dust fractions ranging from 0.18 to 18 μm. This device provides detailed particle size distribution, which is crucial for understanding the composition of particulate matter in the air. Complementing this, the AQ Guard Smart 2000 UFP analyzer was employed to determine the particle number concentration (Cn) of nanoparticles, particularly those between 10 nm and 1 µm in size, and their mean diameter (X50).

These devices, provided by Palas GmbH, are designed for high-precision measurements and were integral in identifying the unexpected pollution sources and understanding the air quality dynamics in Brindisi. Thanks to the collaboration with the University of Salento’s Environmental Sciences Department, three scientific publications have been submitted, further advancing our understanding of air quality in the area.