Assessment of nitrogen dioxide distribution in pieninski national park using the indicator method

Aim of the study The aim of the study was to assess the spatio-temporal variation in air quality in Pieninski National Park (PPN) and its buffer zone. Material and methods An indicator method involving passive sampling was used. This is a Japanese method for determining concentrations, proposed by Amaya-Sugiura and modified by Krochmal and Gorski. Air quality assessment was based on the ambient air concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), an air pollution indicator gas. Results and conclusions A long-term study on the effect of air pollution on a tree stand in the Carpathian Mountains of Central Europe has shown that long-term high concentrations of ozone, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides can make trees susceptible to insect attacks and adversely affect the health of forests. The highest concentration exceeding the monthly average of 35 mu g . m(3) was noted in Kroscienko nad Dunajcem in practically all seasons. This supports earlier results of research conducted in this area by Kozak, Miczynski and Jurkiewicz. In recent years the NO2 concentration in the centre of Krokienko in the month of November has increased from about 26-28 mu g . m(3) in 2001-2004 to over 40 mu g . m(3) in 2016-2018. Similarly, in the outskirts of Kroscienko, where the PPN headquarters is located, it increased from 13-17 mu g . m(3) to 20-30 mu g . m(3). An upward trend is also perceptible in Szczawnica and at major transport hubs. This is mainly linked to the rapid growth of the motor vehicle industry and tourist expansion in the region. Concentrations in the area of the Trzy Korony summit and other sites in the higher parts of the Pieniny Mountains are similar and do not exceed 10 mu g . m(3) at any time during the studied period.