Ground-Level Ozone Concentration Variability Analysis in the Karadag Nature Reserve

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study of ground-level ozone concentration variability in Crimea at the background environmental monitoring station (BEMS) of the Karadag State Nature Reserve for 2012–2021 with a more detailed analysis of the last 6 years from 2016 to 2021. A significantly high level of air pollution by ground-level ozone in the observation area was revealed, despite the absence of significant sources of anthropogenic pollution in the vicinity of the station. The relationship between the ground-level ozone concentration and meteorological parameters has been studied, and characteristic wind directions leading to increased levels of ground-level ozone pollution have been established. Intra-annual variations are analyzed, and factors causing a local summer minimum of ground-level ozone concentration in individual years are identified. Using the NOAA HYSPLIT model and ERA5 reanalysis meteorological fields, a spatial analysis of the atmospheric circulation pattern in the region has been carried out. The recurrence of episodes in which the permissible 8-h average ozone concentration level of 100 μg/m³, as recommended by World Health Organization (WHO), was exceeded has been assessed, and the possible causes of these episodes are identified. Mechanisms of long-range transport and their contribution to the ozone regime in the station area have been established. Annual trends in ground-level ozone concentration between 2012 and 2021 are assessed as statistically insignificant.