Characteristics of Air Quality Measurements during the 2018 Intensive Observation Period in Gangneung Port

Abstract

Despite the importance of air pollution emissions in port areas, traditional air quality monitoring has mainly been carried out in populated areas or industrial complexes. However, air pollutants emitted in port areas also make an important contribution to local air quality. Therefore, the particle number concentrations and NO 2 concentrations were measured using the optical particle counter (OPC) and the gas detector during the air quality intensive observation period from October 11 to November 1, 2018 at Gangneung Port (37.76°N, 128.954°E). The averaged particle number concentrations increased mainly under land breeze conditions rather than sea breeze wind, and the contribution of pollutants originated from the surrounding area was greater than that from the coastal ocean. The hourly change in NO 2 concentrations showed a relatively high correlation with air temperature and ship operation frequency. Diurnal change of NO 2 concentration also followed the photochemical reaction cycle according to the change of insolation. Overall, the particle number concentrations and NO 2 concentrations measured at Gangneung Port were largely influenced by the local emissions and weather system. Additional research will be able to provide information on air quality changes and impacts in the port area.