Air pollution in central European capital (Budapest) via self-made passive samplers and Sentinel-3B SYN satellite images

This study is to identify the types of ultra-fine air pollutants present in the local atmosphere. The authors utilize Sentinel-3B SYN satellite images to identify the presence of Aerosol Optical Thickness (T550), and later verify this presence through physical sample collection using self-made passive samplers (SMPSs) at various locations in Budapest ((A) Passenger Cruise Port, (B) Kunsthalle, (C) Szechenyi Lanchid, and (D) Liberty Bridge). The samples obtained from the SMPSs were analyzed by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) to identify the minerals present in ultra-fine phases (e. g. minerals and ultra-fine amorphous). The images from the Sentinel-3B SYN satellite, taken between 2018, 2019 and 2021 allowed us to identify the Aerosol Optical Thickness (T550) at these same locations in Budapest. The SMPS samples revealed the presence of ultra-fine particles containing elements dangerous to human health, such as: As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb, Ti, V and Ni. The points analyzed in the Sentinel-3B SYN satellite images showed a 50.89% reduction in T550 levels in the city of Budapest, attributed to the COVID-19 epidemic, which clearly demonstrates the need to reduce pollutants for a better quality of life in this central capital of Europe.

Automated summary

This study identifies the types of ultra-fine air pollutants present in the local atmosphere of Budapest using satellite images and physical sample collection. The results reveal the presence of ultra-fine particles containing elements harmful to human health. The study also highlights the importance of reducing pollutants for a better quality of life in the city.