AIR POLLUTION IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC IN 2007
Czech Hydrometeorological Institute - Air Quality Protection Division




II.4.1 Agglomerations

With regard to the Communication of the Air Quality Protection Division of the Ministry of Environment on delineating zones and agglomerations within the territory of the Czech Republic, air quality assessment in the proposed agglomerations (Prague, Brno and the Moravian-Silesian Region) has been treated with more attention since 2005. In addition to the above agglomerations, special attention is paid in this Yearbook also to the zone Ústí nad Labem Region due to the concentration of industrial plants, higher population density and also due to the recorded above-the-limit concentrations of pollutants.

II.4.1.1 Prague

The Capital City of Prague is the area in which a lot of people are exposed to ambient air pollution. Most of the limit values exceedances are connected with significant traffic loads ensuing from the fact that the main routes lead directly through the city centre. In 2007 air pollution concentrations were measured at 23 localities in the territory of Prague (15 CHMI, 8 ZÚ).

In 2007 the PM10 particles concentrations were monitored in Prague in 15 CHMI localities and in 5 ZÚ localities. The most frequent exceedances of 24-hour PM10 limit value (50 μg.m-3) were recorded in the following localities: Prague 2-Legerova (132x), Prague 8-Karlín (74x) and Prague 5-Smíchov (61x). All three cases are the localities with very heavy traffic loads. Of the total number of 22 localities with valid annual average 8 stations recorded 24-hour PM10 limit value exceedances. The annual PM10 limit value (40 μg.m-3) was exceeded in two localities: Prague 2-Legerova (46 μg.m-3) and Prague 5-Svornosti (46 μg.m-3).
The PM2.5 particles concentrations were measured in 5 CHMI localities and in 1 ZÚ locality in 2007. In spite of the fact the valid air pollution limit value for PM2.5 has not been set in the Czech legislation so far, the comparison of the measured concentrations with the target limit value for annual average concentration set by the Directive of the European Parliament 2008/50/EC (25 μg.m-3) is very interesting. The highest average annual concentrations in Prague localities were as follows: Prague 5-Smíchov 23.7 μg.m-3, Prague 10-Šrobárova 21.3 μg.m-3 and Prague 9-Vysočany 19.6 μg.m-3. It is quite evident that the target limit value for PM2.5 fraction set by the Directive 2008/50/EC was not exceeded at any Prague station.

The graphs in Fig. II.4.1.1 show the air pollution characteristics of PM10 concentrations at selected AMS in Prague for the winter periods (October–March) in the years 2003/2004–2007/2008.

In the given periods the average winter PM10 concentration exceeded the value 40 μg.m-3 at several AMS. At the AMS Prague 5-Smíchov the exceedance of this value was recorded in 4 of 5 monitored periods. More than 35 exceedances of the 24-hour air pollution limit value were recorded at the AMS Mlynářka, Vršovice and Smíchov in all winter periods. The both above air pollution characteristics show the marked decreasing trend at the AMS Kobylisy. The maximum measured 24-hour concentrations reached the highest values during the winter periods 2003/2004 and 2005/2006, when the lowest average temperature and wind velocity were measured as well.

Fig. II.4.1.3 shows the dependence of the average daily PM10 concentrations in Prague on dispersion conditions (according to the degrees of dispersion conditions: good, partly deteriorated, deteriorated and unfavourable) in 2003–2007. The average daily PM10 concentrations from the stations in Prague in individual years have been considered. The figure shows the seasonal course of PM10 concentrations and dispersion conditions. During the winter parts of the calendar year (January–March, October–December) there occur frequent several-day deteriorated (3rd degree) and unfavourable (4th degree) dispersion conditions and simultaneously also increased PM10 concentrations in the ambient air. The most apparent confirmation of this dependence can be seen in winter periods of 2003, 2004 and 2006.

Fig. II.4.1.4 shows the number of days according to the degree of dispersion conditions and the number of days with average daily PM10 concentration > 50 μg.m-3 and PM10 > 100 μg.m-3 in the years 2000–2007. Meteorological data were processed from aerological outputs in Prague 4-Libuš. The graph shows the decreasing trend in the number of days with unfavourable dispersion conditions from 2002 (181) to 2004 (98). Similar decrease of the days with the above mentioned PM10 concentrations was recorded in the period 2003–2005. In 2005 this trend stopped and in 2006 the number of days with unfavourable dispersion conditions increased (154) and there was a slight increase of the days with PM10 concentrations. In 2007 the number of days with unfavourable dispersion conditions significantly dropped (88) and simultaneously, the number of days with high PM10 concentrations decreased.

NO2 concentrations were measured in all 23 localities in Prague in 2007. The AMS station Prague 2-Legerova which is located in the immediate vicinity of a communication with heavy traffic, exceeded the hourly limit value plus the margin of tolerance (200+40 μg.m-3). The value of 200 μg.m-3 was exceeded 254x, the value of 240 μg.m-3 was exceeded 83x. The highest 19th hourly concentration at this AMS reached 257μg.m-3. The hourly NO2 concentration 200 μg.m-3 was not exceeded in 2007 in any other locality.

The annual air pollution limit value plus the margin of tolerance for NO2 (40+6 μg.m-3) was exceeded in the following localities: Svornosti in Prague 5 (84 μg.m-3), Legerova in Prague 2 (72 μg.m-3), Sokolovská in Prague 8 (59 μg.m-3), Národní muzeum in Prague 1 (52 μg.m-3) and Jasmínová in Prague 10 (47 μg.m-3).
It can be expected that the exceedance of air pollution limit values can occur also in other localities exposed to traffic, where there are no measurements.

Fig. II.4.1.2 shows the graphs of annual courses of monthly NO2 concentrations at selected AIM stations in Prague in 2007. Groups of AMS with similar courses of NO2 concentrations are visible in the figure. They are related to the traffic loads at individual AMS. The first group is represented by the AMS Prague 2-Legerova (traffic hot spot) at which high NO2 concentrations are dominating. It is followed by the second group of AMS classified as traffic (Vysočany, Karlín and Smíchov) and finally there is the group of urban and suburban background AMS (Riegrovy sady, Stodůlky, Veleslavín and Libuš) which are also influenced by traffic to a certain extent.

Another problem is caused again by above-the-limit benzo(a)pyrene concentrations which, similarly as in two previous two years, exceeded the target value at all (3) stations which measured it in Prague, and namely Prague 5-Smíchov, Prague 10-Šrobárova, Prague 4-Libuš.

The results of the measured concentrations of PM10, NO2 and benzo(a)pyrene suggest the serious need to find the solution for the traffic situation within the agglomeration.

In Prague, at the station Prague 5-Řeporyje, the target value for arsenic was exceeded for the first time in 2007. During the recent 4 years the annual average has increased gradually up to the first exceedance in 2007 (for the recent 11 years) in spite of the fact that the concentration of PM10 to which arsenic is bound, recorded the lowest levels in 2007 within the latest 4 years.

The exceedances of the target value for the ground-level ozone was also recorded. It was exceeded in 4 of 8 localities in Prague, which have carried out the measurements in the recent three years at least for the period of one year (pursuant to the definition of the target value in the Government Order). The exceedance was recorded in the following localities: Prague 6-Suchdol, Prague 4-Libuš, Prague 5-Stodůlky and Prague 6-Veleslavín.

 

Fig. II.4.1.1 PM10 air pollution characteristics for monitoring stations and basic characteristics of meteorological conditions in the winter periods (October–March), 2003–2008, Prague agglomeration

Fig. II.4.1.2 Annual course of monthly NO2 concentrations at selected AMS stations, Prague 2007

Fig. II.4.1.3 Dependence of average daily PM10 concentrations in Prague on dispersion conditions, 2003–2007

Fig. II.4.1.4 The number of days according to the degrees of dispersion conditions with average daily PM10 concentrations exceeding 50 μg.m-3 and 100 μg.m-3, 2000–2007

Fig. II.4.1.5 Field of the annual concentration of NO2, Prague agglomeration, 2007

Fig. II.4.1.6 Field of the annual concentration of benzo(a)pyrene, Prague agglomeration, 2007

 

II.4.1.2 Brno

In the Brno agglomeration, similarly as in the Prague agglomeration, the most serious air pollution problems are caused by high density of population connected with ever increasing intensity of traffic. This results mainly in the increased PM10 (PM2.5) particles and benzo(a)pyrene concentrations in the ambient air.
In 2007 the ISKO database received the measured concentrations from 4 CHMI stations, from 3 ZÚ stations, and from 5 stations of the Statutory City of Brno.

PM10 concentrations were measured in 6 localities in 2007. The exceedance of the PM10 24-hour limit value was recorded at AMS Brno-střed which is located in the city centre in the immediate vicinity of the crossroad of two frequented communications. The tolerated number of exceedance of the value 50 μg.m-3 is 35x in total; the measurements at this station, however, recorded 59 cases of exceedance. The limit value was further exceeded in the localities Brno-Masná (48x) and Brno-Tuřany (40x). Air pollution limit value for the annual average concentration was not exceeded at any monitoring station in Brno in 2007.
The only locality in Brno measuring the PM2.5 fraction concentration in 2007, and namely Brno-Tuřany, recorded the annual average concentration 20.2 μg.m-3.

The NO2 annual limit value plus the margin of tolerance was exceeded in the locality Brno-Svatoplukova (47.3 μg.m-3), the localities Brno-střed (42.4 μg.m-3), Brno-Zvonařka (41 μg.m-3) and Brno-Výstaviště (40.4 μg.m-3) recorded the limit value exceedance. The hourly limit value was not exceeded at any station.
In 2007 also the target limit value for benzo(a)pyrene was exceeded in the locality Brno-Kroftova (1.2 μg.m-3), which as one of the two stations in Brno measured this pollutant.

The concentrations of ground-level ozone were measured in 3 localities in 2007 of which Brno-Tuřany exceeded the target limit value for the three-year period 2005–2007.

The influence of temperature on the pollutants concentrations in the Brno agglomeration and in the South Moravian Region
The meteorological conditions have significant impact on air quality, both primary in physical-chemical processes occurring in the atmosphere, and secondary when anthropogenic activities are the main source. The first category could include temperature and temperature inversion (one of the sources of bad dispersion conditions in winter period), rain (washing out the particles from ambient air), processes leading to the creation of secondary atmospheric aerosols etc. The second category is characterized mainly be the length of the heating season depending on the length of winter and on the temperatures in the winter period.
The influence of temperature on pollutants concentrations is demonstrated on the results of measurements at the stations in the Brno agglomeration: Brno-Kroftova (traffic station, type of zone urban, characteristic of zone residential), Brno-Tuřany (background station, type of zone urban, characteristic of zone residential) and in the zone South Moravian Region at the station Mikulov-Sedlec (background station, type of zone rural, characteristic of zone agricultural).

Particles
The monitored area (similarly as the remaining territory of the Czech Republic) shows the most frequent exceedances in the limit values for 24-hour PM10 concentrations.

The graph in Fig. II.4.1.7 shows that the decreasing average annual temperature results in the increase of the 36th highest 24-hour concentration. This relation is much more obvious in the graphs in Fig. II.4.1.8, where the relations between the monthly average concentration and temperature are monitored.

The graphs show the inversion course of average monthly PM10 concentrations with average monthly temperatures. Though the absolute levels of concentrations in various localities are different, the influence of the temperature is obvious in all cases. The graphs also show that the worst air pollution situation was recorded in January 2006 with the average monthly PM10 concentrations ranging between 60 and 80 μg.m-3 in the South Moravian Region. Simultaneously, January 2006 was the month with the lowest average monthly temperature (about –6 C).

Generally, the most frequent exceedances of air pollution limit value of 50 μg.m-3 for 24-hour PM10 concentration in the monitored area occur in the winter period from October to March. The following Fig. II.4.1.9 shows the number of exceedances of 50 μg.m-3 in individual months of the winter periods and their relation to the average temperature of the respective winter period in the locality Brno-Tuřany.
And again, this figure confirms the correlation between temperature and air pollution situation. Two high peaks – of March 2003 and especially of January 2006 – should be noted. The value of the limit value for 24-hour concentration of PM10 was exceeded 18x, resp. 19x. The graph also shows that the given periods were the coldest ones.

Further, very important is the comparison of air pollution situation of January 2006 and January 2007. January 2006 recorded 19 exceedances, the average monthly PM10 concentration reached 77.4 μg.m-3 at the average monthly temperature –6.3 C. Only three exceedances occurred in this locality a year later, in January 2007, the average monthly PM10 concentration reached the value of 21.5 μg.m-3 at the average monthly temperature 3.2 C.

Fig. II.4.1.10 shows the influence of the temperature drop in winter months on the increased concentrations of particles in the ambient air, and namely on the number of exceedances of the limit value for 24-hour PM10 concentrations in the locality Mikulov-Sedlec. The locality Mikulov-Sedlec is classified as background; the concentrations measured at this station are representative for the large area of the South Moravian Region.

The graph in Fig. II.4.1.11 shows that the concentration of the fine PM2.5 fraction in PM10 increases with the declining temperature. The highest PM2.5 concentration was measured in January 2006 when the share of the fine fraction in PM10 reached almost 85 %. As concerns the health risks, January 2006 can be classified as the worst month in the previous 7 years; not only the highest PM10 concentrations were measured in the South Moravian Region, but these high concentrations included also mainly fine PM2.5 fraction which infiltrates deeper in human body and causes more serious problems.

Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide
Also in these two gaseous pollutants, the correlation between the concentration and temperature was recorded. However, unlike the particles the concentrations of SO2 and NO2 are low, and, consequently, their limit values are not exceeded. To illustrate the situation, the graphs of courses of concentrations and temperatures from the background station Mikulov-Sedlec are presented.

As results from Fig. II.4.1.12, in case of a background station the level of the NO2 concentration has a very good correlation with the temperature. In urban and especially traffic stations (e.g. Brno-Kroftova) the correlation is not good, in spite of the fact that the overall trend can still be observed.

Ozone
Ozone concentrations have very good correlation with temperature. Unlike the previous pollutants, ozone concentration does not increase with the decreasing temperature, but vice versa. The concentration of O3 is significantly influenced, in addition to the temperature (see Figs. II.4.1.12 and II.4.1.13), by solar radiation (see Fig. II.4.1.14).

Benzo(a)pyrene
Benzo(a)pyrene is another pollutant with concentrations exceeding the limit value in the territory of the South Moravian Region. And, similarly as in PM10, there is correlation between benzo(a)pyrene concentration and temperature, as is obvious in Fig. II.4.1.15.
The worst air pollution situation as concerns benzo(a)pyrene occurred again in January 2006, when the concentrations ranged around 9 ng.m-3; the target limit value is 1 ng.m-3.

Fig. II.4.1.7 The development of the 36th highest 24-hour PM10 concentration and average annual temperature, 2000–2007

Fig. II.4.1.8 Dependence of PM10 on temperature, 2000–2007

Fig. II.4.1.9 Number of exceedances of the 24-hour PM10 limit value in the winter months in relation with the average temperature of the winter period in Brno-Tuřany locality

Fig. II.4.1.10 Influence of monthly temperature on the number of 24-hour PM10 limit value exceedances in the given month in Mikulov-Sedlec locality, 2004–2005

Fig. II.4.1.11 Influence of temperature on PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations, Brno-Tuřany, 2000–2007

Fig. II.4.1.12 Influence of temperature on SO2, NO2 and O3 concentrations, Mikulov-Sedlec, 2000–2007

Fig. II.4.1.13 Influence of temperature on SO2, NO2 and O3 concentrations, Brno-Kroftova, 2000–2007

Fig. II.4.1.14 Influence of temperature on O3 concentrations, Mikulov-Sedlec, 2000–2007

Fig. II.4.1.15 Influence of temperature on benzo(a)pyrene concentration, Brno-Kroftova, 2004–2007

Fig. II.4.1.16 Field of the annual concentration of NO2, Brno agglomeration, 2007

Fig. II.4.1.17 Field of the annual concentration of benzo(a)pyrene, Brno agglomeration, 2007


II.4.1.3 The Moravian-Silesian Region

The ambient air pollution in the agglomeration Moravian-Silesian Region is connected, in addition to high population density, also with high concentration of industry, and namely in the following cities: Ostrava, Karviná, Havířov, Český Těšín and Třinec.

In 2007 PM10 concentrations were monitored in 24 localities (19 CHMI, 5 ZÚ) in the agglomeration Moravian-Silesian Region. The exceedance of the PM10 24-hour limit value was reached most frequently at the stations in the districts Karviná and Ostrava-město, then in several parts of the districts Frýdek-Místek, Nový Jičín and Opava. The highest number of exceedances of the value of 50 μg.m-3 was recorded in the following localities: Ostrava-Bartovice (202x, in 2006 172x), Bohumín (129x), Čěský Těšín (121x), Ostrava-Přívoz (116x),Věřnovice (112x), Karviná (104x), Ostrava-Českobratrská hot spot (98x), Havířov (95x), Orlová (93x), Ostrava-Fifejdy (90x) and Ostrava-Přívoz ZÚ (84x). In total, 20 localities with the valid annual average exceeded the PM10 24-hour limit value.

The exceedances of the PM10 annual limit value (40 μg.m-3) were recorded also mostly in the above districts. The highest annual average was recorded in the following localities: Ostrava-Bartovice (65.4 μg.m-3, higher than in 2006), Bohumín (49.5 μg.m-3), Věřnovice (47.2 μg.m-3), Ostrava-Přívoz (46 μg.m-3), Český Těšín (44.3 μg.m-3), Ostrava-Českobratrská hot spot (42.9  μg.m-3), Karviná (42 μg.m-3), Orlová (41.9 μg.m-3), Havířov (41.8 μg.m-3), Ostrava-Mariánské Hory (41.5 μg.m-3) and Karviná-ZÚ (48 μg.m-3). The limit value for annual average was exceeded in 11 above listed localities in this region.
The localities which measured PM2.5 fraction in 2007 in the Moravian-Silesian Region, are the only ones in the Czech Republic, in which the average concentrations exceeded the value 25 μg.m-3 (target value pursuant to the Directive of the European Parliament 2008/50/EC). In the locality Bohumín the annual average amounted to 35.9 μg.m-3, in Věřnovice 35 μg.m-3, in Ostrava-Přívoz 33.2 μg.m-3, in Ostrava-Zábřeh 29.5 μg.m-3 and Třinec-Kosmos 26.4 μg.m-3. It is evident that all localities would markedly exceed the proposed limit value.

NO2 concentrations were measured in total in 27 localities in 2007 (20 CHMI, 4 ZÚ, 2 ČEZ and 1 MÚ Třinec). The highest annual average concentration in this region was measured at the AMS Ostrava-Českobratrská hot spot (39.5 μg.m-3) which is the concentration closely below the limit value.

Benzo(a)pyrene is measured in 6 localities in the Moravian-Silesian Region. All localities exceeded the target value for the annual average concentration, the highest benzo(a)pyrene concentration was measured again in Ostrava-Bartovice (8.9 μg.m-3,) which is the highest level measured in the Czech Republic in 2007.
The persisting problem with high benzene concentrations in Ostrava resulted, similarly as in the previous years, in the exceedance of the limit value for annual average concentration. The limit value was exceeded in both monitoring stations with high industrial loads, i.e. Ostrava-Přívoz (ZÚ and CHMI), as the only localities in the Czech Republic. In 2007 benzene concentrations were monitored in 9 localities of the Moravian-Silesian Region (5 CHMI and 4 ZÚ).

In 6 localities (of the total number of 7) the target limit value for ground-level ozone was exceeded as well, and namely: Červená, Bílý kříž, Třinec Kosmos, Ostrava-Fifejdy, Studénka and Karviná.
The target value for arsenic was also exceeded at 2 localities with the highest air pollution loads (Ostrava-Bartovice 11.2 μg.m-3 and Ostrava-Mariánské Hory 9.5 μg.m-3). Arsenic concentrations were monitored in 11 localities in the Moravian-Silesian Region in 2007.

Air pollution concentrations measured in 2007 in the Moravian-Silesian Region were, owing to very favourable dispersion conditions of the pollutants in the ambient air, lower than in the previous years for the most part of the year. There was no marked episode of deteriorated dispersion conditions. The average levels of air pollution are comparable with the level reached in the year 2000 for the last time (see Fig. II.4.1.32). Nevertheless, on the most part of the regions territory the limit value concentrations pursuant to the Government Order No. 597/2006 Coll. were exceeded, mostly in the localities with the highest pollution, affected by local sources, and the year-on-year decline of concentrations was less distinct. On the contrary, the station Ostrava-Bartovice recorded the exceedance of the daily limit value 50 μg.m-3 on 220 days per year, as compared with 172 cases in 2006.

The persistent problem is caused by suspended particles of PM2,5 and PM10 fractions, benzo(a)pyrene, benzene and ground-level ozone.

The average pollutants concentrations in individual months showed atypical annual courses. In January and February the concentrations of basic pollutants were low, below average. It is illustrated in the figure comparing the average annual course of PM10 in 2007 from the localities of the Ostrava-Karviná area, which shows that January concentrations, as compared with other years and with the average annual course for the whole period with PM10 measurements (2003–2007), were atypically low in 2007, even lower than in the summer months. Very similar course of concentrations can be seen in SO2 and NO2 (see Fig. II.4.1.18).

Ambient air pollution caused by PM10 suspended particles in the dependence on meteorological dispersion conditions in the territory of the city of Ostrava in the winter period
The graphs depict the dependence of air pollution caused by suspended particles PM10 on meteorological dispersion conditions in the territory of the city of Ostrava in the winter period (the period of three winter months December–February).

Fig. II.4.1.19 shows the latest seven winter periods from 2001/2002 to 2007/2008 with average concentrations of PM10 calculated for the whole period from available daily concentrations measured on AMS of the state air pollution network in the territory of the city of Ostrava. Further relative frequencies of daily concentrations measured at these stations in the territory of the city of Ostrava higher than the limit value of 50 μg.m-3 (% >50) and higher than 100, or 150 μg.m-3 (% > 100, % > 150) are presented. The comparison of the air pollution characteristics in the assessed wither periods shows quite clearly that the highest level of ambient air pollution in the territory of the city of Ostrava was recorded in 2002/2003 and 2005/2006 winter periods, the most favourable levels, on the contrary, were recorded in the last two assessed winter periods, especially in winter 2006/2007.

Fig. II.4.1.20 shows the average winter values of selected basic characteristics of meteorological dispersion conditions: the average air temperatures (Tavg) according to the measurements of airborne meteorological service (Airborne Meteorological Service Mošnov=LMS Mošnov) and the meteorological station Ostrava-Poruba, the average values of vertical temperature pseudogradients (Gavg) according to the measurements of the meteorological station Lysá hora and LMS Mošnov, and the average wind velocity according to the meteorological pole in Ostrava-Zábřeh and LMS Mošnov (Favg). Fig. II.4.1.21 shows the average winter values of these characteristics in dependence on average winter PM10 concentrations. Both figures show quite clearly the dependence of the level of air pollution on meteorological dispersion conditions. There is a good correspondence of winters with relatively most favourable/most unfavourable meteorological dispersion conditions with the whole air pollution situation.

In order to study the dependence of the level of air pollution caused by PM10 at individual stations the so called daily flow types were derived, based on the wind direction and wind velocity measurements from the meteorological slope in Ostrava-Zábřeh in the level 36 m and from LMS Mošnov at 7:00, 14:00, 21:00 and 7:00 of the following day. Fig. II.4.1.22 shows the relative frequencies of individual daily flow types. It is quite clear that in the Ostrava area there are prevailing the days with the flows from the south-western octant (this type occurred on 304 days of the basic package of 632 days, i.e. in 48.1 %); the second most frequent type was represented by the days with calm weather (or with low wind velocities max. 1 m.s-1) in the most of the terms, on 73 days, i.e. 11.6 %. The absolute frequencies above 15 days were recorded on the days with the flows from the northern octant (55 days, i.e. 8.7 %) and from the north-eastern octant (33 days, i.e. 5.2 %). It was not possible to determine the daily flow type (a marked change of winter direction during a day, or variable wind direction) on 154 days in total (24.4 %). The figure also shows the relative frequencies of all days with the prevailing wind from the south-western, or north-eastern half of the horizon (346 days, i.e. 54.7, % and 107 days, i.e. 16.9 % respectively).

Fig. II.4.1.23 illustrates the average values of meteorological characteristics Tavg, Favg and Gavg in dependence on the daily flow types and regardless the daily flow types. It is for instance obvious that on the days with the flows from the south-western octant and from the whole south-western half of the horizon there are higher flow velocities and positive air temperatures; in the flows from the northern and north-eastern octant and from the whole north-eastern half of the horizon the flow velocities are, on the contrary, lower and air temperatures are negative. On the average, the most stable thermal stratification is on the calm days and on the days with the flows from the north-east.

Again, there is good correlation between these results and results of the level of ambient air pollution evaluation in individual daily flow types. Fig. II.4.1.24 shows, for individual AMS in Ostrava, the arithmetic means and relative frequencies of daily concentrations of PM10 > 50 μg.m-3 on the days with the given daily flow type. It is obvious that at all stations, with the exception of the station ZÚ Bartovice, both assessed characteristics reach the highest levels on the calm days and on the days with the flows from the north-eastern octant. On the contrary, the station ZÚ Bartovice, which is, due to the prevailing south-western winds, located on the lee side of the significant emission source of the company Arcelor Mittal a.s., records the highest average concentrations, besides the calm days, on the days with the flows from the south-western octant and the frequencies of concentrations above 50 μg.m-3 are in these flow directions even higher than in calm weather.

Fig. II.4.1.18 Average monthly concentrations of PM10, NO2, SO2, O3 and CO from the stations in the Ostrava-Karviná area

Fig. II.4.1.19 Ambient air pollution caused by PM10 particles in the city of Ostrava in winter periods 2001/2002–2007/2008

Fig. II.4.1.20 Average meteorological characteristics in winter periods 2001/2002–2007/2008

Fig. II.4.1.21 Dependence of average PM10 concentrations on meteorological characteristics in winter period

Fig. II.4.1.22 Relative frequencies of the derived daily airflow types

Fig. II.4.1.23 Average values of meteorological characteristics in dependence on daily airflow types

Fig. II.4.1.24 Average daily PM10 concentrations and relative frequencies of PM10 daily concentrations >50 μg.m-3 in winter period on the days with the respective daily airflow types

Fig. II.4.1.25 Field of the annual concentration of NO2, Moravian-Silesian agglomeration, 2007

Fig. II.4.1.26 Field of the annual concentration of benzo(a)pyrene, Moravian-Silesian agglomeration, 2007


II.4.1.4 Other areas with air pollution loads with higher density of population

The Ústí nad Labem Zone

The Ústí nad Labem Region is defined as a zone. This area has high population density and is highly industrialized, and thus a number of pollutants have above-the-limit concentrations.
In 2007, pollutantss concentrations were measured in 40 localities (18 CHMI, 9 ČEZ, 11 ZÚ, 1 SŠZE Žatec, 1 FRANTSCHACH PULP@PAPER, a.s., Štětí) in the Ústí nad Labem Region. At several localities the measuring programme was not complete.

PM10 concentrations were measured at 26 localities. The exceedances of the 24-hour limit value for PM10 occurred mostly in the Ústí nad Labem, Teplice and Most districts. The highest numbers of exceedances of the value 50 μg.m-3 were recorded in the following localities: Ústí n.L.-Všebořická (58x), Most (57x), Ústí n.L.-město (53x), Lom (53x), Lovosice MÚ (47x), Teplice (45x), Děčín (36x) and Děčín-ZÚ (36x). In total, 8 localities in the Ústí nad Labem Region exceeded the PM10 24-hour limit value. The exceedance of the PM10 annual limit value was not recorded at any station in the Ústí nad Labem Region in 2007.
The highest annual average PM2.5 concentration was measured in the locality Teplice and reached the value of 18.8 μg.m-3. This value is below the target limit value for the annual average concentration pursuant to the Directive 2008/50/EC.

In 2007 NO2 concentrations were monitored in 33 localities in total in the Ústí nad Labem Region (out of which 18 CHMI). The station Ústí n.L.-Všebořická, which is significantly influenced by traffic, exceeded the annual limit value of NO2 but not the limit value plus the margin of tolerance.

In 2007 the limit value for 24-hour SO2 concentration was exceeded only in the Ústí nad Labem Region, and namely in the locality Teplice (2x), Blažim, Lom, Ústí n.L.-město, Most, Krupky, Ústí n.L.-Kočkov, Kostomlaty pod M., Havraň and Sněžník (1x).

The 1-hour limit value of SO2 was not exceeded. The first five positions in the table showing the exceedances of 1-hour limit value for SO2 are occupied by the localities in the Ústí nad Labem Region, with the highest 1-hour value (720,7 μg.m-3 ) measured at the station Blažim.

The target value for benzo(a)pyrene was exceeded at 3 localities (Teplice, Ústí nad Labem-ZÚ, Pasteurova, Most).

The target value for ground-level ozone was markedly exceeded similarly as in other parts of the Czech Republic, and mainly at the stations with lower traffic loads. Totally the exceedances of the target limit value for the three-year period 2005–2007 were recorded in 9 localities of the total number of 12 localities measuring ground-level ozone.

PM10 concentrations in the period 2003–2007
The foothills of the Krušné hory Mts. and the territory around the cities Litoměřice and Louny belong to the areas with deteriorated air quality due to the exceedance of the limit values for PM10 suspended particles. The comparison of the measured PM10 concentrations at selected stations in the period 2003–2007 with regard to the limit values is shown in Figs. II.4.1.27 and II.4.1.28.

However, there are considerable differences in the level of exceedance and the size of the territory with limit values exceedances between individual years. The influence of meteorological conditions, and namely meteorological conditions for the dispersion of pollutants in the ambient air during the given year is quite significant.

The foothills of the Krušné hory Mts. is ranked among the areas with frequent occurrence of inversion situations which result in unfavourable dispersion conditions. The frequency of occurrence of individual degrees of dispersion conditions (four-degree classification) in the foothills of the Krušné hory Mts. in the years 2003–2007 is presented in Fig. II.4.1.29.

Further significant deterioration of air pollution situation occurs during the episodes with long-lasting (several days) slightly unfavourable (deteriorated) or unfavourable dispersion conditions, and mainly if these situations are accompanied by temperatures below zero (see Fig. II.4.1.31). This figure shows that during the warmer winter 2006/2007 and warmer November and the first half of December 2007 there were relatively lower PM10 concentrations which then significantly influenced the overall more favourable situation in 2007.

Fig. II.4.1.27 Annual average PM10 concentration, Ústí nad Labem Region, 2003–2007

Fig. II.4.1.28 36th highest 24-hour PM10 concentration and number of LV exceedances, Ústí nad Labem Region, 2003–2007

Fig. II.4.1.29 Number of days per year divided according to four degrees of dispersion conditions, Krušné hory Mts. area, 2003–2007

Fig. II.4.1.30 The number of episodes with deteriorated and unfavourable conditions lasting four and more days and the total number of days within these episodes

Fig. II.4.1.31 Average 24-hour PM10, concentrations, temperature and dispersion conditions, Ústí nad Labem Region, 2003–2007


4.1.5 Trends of annual air pollution characteristics of SO2, PM10 and NO2 for the period 1996–2006

Fig II.4.1.32 shows the trends of SO2, PM10, NO2 and CO annual air pollution characteristics in 1996–2007 for the following agglomerations: Prague, Brno and Moravian-Silesian Region and for the zone Ústí nad Labem Region.

Up to 1999 there was a significant decreasing trend in SO2 and PM10 concentrations in the agglomerations, the NO2 concentrations decreased only slightly. In 2001 the decreasing trend was interrupted and, on the contrary, the SO2 and NO2 concentrations slightly increased; PM10 concentrations increased significantly, mainly in the Ostrava agglomeration. In 2004, on the contrary, concentrations of all pollutants monitored in the agglomerations decreased, and SO2 concentrations slightly increased in the Ústí nad Labem Region. Since 2005 NO2 air pollution has returned to the increasing trend, which was confirmed in 2006. As concerns PM10, there has been a similar characteristic increasing trend since 2005, with the steepest progress in the Moravian-Silesian Region. In 2006, however, this trend continued only in the Prague and Brno agglomerations. The increase of the pollutants concentrations, and mainly of PM10 (PM2.5) in the years 2005 and 2006 is given mainly by deteriorated dispersion conditions. In 2006 these unfavourable meteorological conditions occurred on the whole territory of the Czech Republic. In the Ústí nad Labem Region and in the Moravian-Silesian Region, on the contrary, a very slight decrease of 24-hour PM10 concentrations and stagnation of annual PM10 concentrations were recorded. CO concentrations have remained at similar level since 1999. The highest average concentrations have been regularly measured in the Moravian-Silesian Region since 2000. In 2007 there was a marked decrease of air pollution caused by SO2, PM10, NO2 and CO in all agglomerations. The steepest decrease is apparent, after the previous increase, in hourly NO2 concentrations in Brno. The decrease of pollutants concentrations in the ambient air was influenced by more favourable meteorological and dispersion conditions in 2007.

Fig. II.4.1.32 Trends of SO2, PM10, NO2 and CO annual characteristics in agglomerations, 1996–2007