Distribution of nitrogen dioxide concentration in Kaunas and Kaunas region

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to assess distribution of nitrogen dioxide concentration in Kaunas city and in Kaunas region (Kaišiadorys, Prienai, Garliava). A passive sampling method was used. NO2 concentrations were measured at 36 sampling points in Kaunas city. In Kaišiadorys, Prienai, Garliava measurements were carried out at 3 sampling points of each town. Study was performed in autumn 2010 and winter 2011. The study results showed that mean of nitrogen dioxide concentration in Kaunas city was 16.6 µg m-3. The highest concentration was in Centras district (25.2 µg m-3), the lowest in Rokai (10.9 µg m-3). Average of nitrogen dioxide concentration in Kaišiadorys was 9.2 µg m-3, in Prienai – 9.6 µg m-3, in Garliava – 13.1 µg m-3. The results of the study were introduced in the ESRI Geographic Information System software ArcGIS and the extension Geostatistical Analyst was used to obtain maps of dispersion of nitrogen dioxide concentration. To get a better view of the distribution of pollutant concentration, the obtained values were spatially interpolated using the IDW (Inverse Distance Weighted) method.