Hygienic assessment of the factors determining the content of suspended particles in the atmospheric air of cities

Introduction. The priority pollutants used to assess the quality of atmospheric air in urbanized areas are particulate matter (PM) with aerodynamic diameters of 10 microns (PM₁₀) and 2.5 microns (PM_2.5). The anthropogenic emissions of these particulates have a significant adverse impact on both adults’ and children’s health. The main sources of these fine particulate emissions include the operation of internal combustion engines, combustion of solid organic fuels, industrial activities, and the wear and tear of road surfaces due to vehicular traffic, as well as abrasion from brake pads and tires.

Materials and Methods. The concentration of suspended particulate matter (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5) in atmospheric air was assessed on the base of average daily measurements obtained from stationary air quality monitoring stations in Arkhangelsk, Krasnodar, Krasnoyarsk, and St. Petersburg.

Results. St. Petersburg and Krasnodar are characterized by spring-summer peaks in concentrations of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 particulate matter due to secondary dust formation processes associated with snow melting and stable positive temperatures, as well as the intensity of automobile traffic. Conversely, in Krasnoyarsk and Arkhangelsk, maximum levels of atmospheric pollution from suspended particles are observed in winter due to the significant use of solid fuels for heating and favorable weather conditions for dispersion. Based on the established relationship between the level of air pollution from particulate matter and regional climatic conditions, as well as priority emission sources, a series of preventive measures to reduce the concentrations of these pollutants have been justified. The main principle is to implement these measures prior to the onset of seasonal peaks in PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 concentrations in the atmosphere.

Limitations. The study has limitations due to its low statistical power, which is a result of an insufficient sample size collected for the autumn season in Krasnodar.

Conclusion. The distribution dynamics of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 particle concentrations in the atmospheric air in the cities of Arkhangelsk, Krasnodar, Krasnoyarsk, and St. Petersburg exhibits a pronounced seasonal dependence determined by a combination of factors. Among these factors, climatic conditions in the region, operational characteristics of the road and motor vehicle sectors, and specific features of the heating supply system play a key role. To minimize the risk of particulate matter affecting public health during warmer months, it is necessary to take measures to reduce car traffic intensity. In areas that use solid fuels for heating, the priority must be given to the technical modernization of thermal power plants, the introduction of highly effective gas purification methods, the development and implementation of best available technologies, as well as considering the possibility of switching to alternative fuels, especially natural gas.

Compliance with ethical standards. The study does not require submission of the Biomedical ethics committee or other documents.

Contributions:
Stefanovich D.O., Filatova S.A. ‒ data collection, literature review, statistical analysis, data visualization preparation, analysis and interpretation of the results, drafting of the manuscript;
Alikbaeva L.A., Yakubova I.Sh., Khurtsilava O.G. ‒ development of the research concept and design, resource provision, interpretation of the results.
All authors are responsible for the integrity of all parts of the manuscript and approval of the manuscript final version.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Funding. The research was supported by a nominal grant from Professor E.E. Eichwald of the North-Western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov (2024) and a Grant from the Government of St. Petersburg (2025).

Received: October 29, 2025 / Revised: February 20, 2026 / Accepted: February 24, 2026 / Published: March 13, 2026

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