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Analysis of Alpha Activity Levels and Dependence on Meteorological Factors over a Complex Terrain in Northern Iberian Peninsula (2014–2018)

Author

Listed:
  • Miguel Ángel Hernández-Ceballos

    (Department of Physics, University of Cordoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain)

  • Fernando Legarda

    (Department of Energetic Engineering, University of the Basque Country, 48013 Bilbao, Spain)

  • Natalia Alegría

    (Department of Energetic Engineering, University of the Basque Country, 48013 Bilbao, Spain)

Abstract

Alpha ambient concentrations in ground-level air were measured weekly in Bilbao (northern Spain) by collecting aerosols in filters between 2014 and 2018. Over this period, the alpha activity concentrations in the aerosol’s samples range from 13.9 µBq/m 3 to 246.5 µBq/m 3 , with a mean of 66.49 ± 39.33 µBq/m 3 . The inter-annual and intra-annual (seasonal and monthly) variations are analyzed, with the highest activity in autumn months and the lowest one in winter months. Special attention has been paid to alpha peak concentrations (weekly concentrations above the 90th percentile) and its relationship with regional meteorological scenarios by means of air mass trajectories and local meteorological parameters. The meteorological analysis of these high alpha concentrations has revealed two airflow patterns-one from the south with land origin and one from the north with maritime origin-mainly associated with these alpha peak concentrations. Surface winds during representative periods of both airflow patterns are also analyzed in combination with 222 Rn concentrations, which demonstrated the different daily evolution associated with each airflow pattern. The present results are relevant in understanding trends and meteorological factors affecting alpha activity concentrations in this area, and hence, to control potential atmospheric environmental releases and ensure the environmental and public health.

Suggested Citation

  • Miguel Ángel Hernández-Ceballos & Fernando Legarda & Natalia Alegría, 2020. "Analysis of Alpha Activity Levels and Dependence on Meteorological Factors over a Complex Terrain in Northern Iberian Peninsula (2014–2018)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-12, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:21:p:7967-:d:437163
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Natalia Alegría & Miguel Ángel Hernández-Ceballos & Giorgia Cinelli & Igor Peñalva & Jose Miguel Muñoz, 2023. "Analysis of 222 Rn Surface Concentrations in the Basque Country (Spain): A Case Study of Heat Waves," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-14, January.
    2. Miguel Ángel Hernández-Ceballos & Natalia Alegría & Igor Peñalva & Jose Miguel Muñoz & Alejandro De la Torre & Fernando Legarda & Giorgia Cinelli, 2023. "Meteorological Approach in the Identification of Local and Remote Potential Sources of Radon: An Example in Northern Iberian Peninsula," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-17, January.

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