ASSESSMENT OF AIR QUALITY IN LEGNICA (POLAND, LOWER SILESIAN VOIVODESHIP) BASED ON SELECTED GASEOUS POLLUTANTS AND SUBJECTIVE TEMPERATURE INDEX

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate time distribution of gaseous pollutants’ concentration levels, sulphur dioxide (SO2, μg · m –3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2, μg · m –3) and to characterise biothermal conditions, based on subjective temperature index (STI, °C) in Legnica, Lower Silesian Voivodeship. Assessment of the seasonal and daily SO2 and NO2 concentration and STI values in the studied period was based on descriptive statistics. The analysis of NO2 and SO2 concentration frequency was performed in reference to the scale applied in the interpretation of the STI. The assessment of the analysed period’s biothermal conditions did not show an occurrence of thermal sensation “boiling hot”. The most adverse aerosanitary conditions caused by high concentration of SO2 in the air are accompanied by a sensation of “freezing”. The highest fluctuation in the content of NO2 and SO2 in the air was characteristic for the winter with the occurrence of “freezing” and “very cold” sensation. The highest concentration of SO2 amounting to 234 μg ∙ m –3 was recorded in the winter of 2005 and highest NO2 concentration was recorded in the spring of 2009, amounting to 184 μg ∙ m –3. The NO2 and SO2 concentration shows a reverse circadian course in comparison to the course of apparent temperature.