Urban NH3 levels and sources in a Mediterranean environment

Urban NH3 concentrations were mapped in Barcelona (Spain) by means of passive samplers (dosimeters). Average NH3 levels were 9.5 μg m−3 in summer and 4.4 μg m−3 in winter, higher than those reported in other urban background sites in Europe, this being especially notable in summer. During this season, values were significantly higher at urban background than at traffic sites, probably indicating the impact of emissions from biological sources, such as humans, sewage systems and garbage containers. Thus, the volatilization of NH3 from the aerosol phase seems to be significant enough during summer to dominate over traffic emissions. Conversely, in winter levels were higher at traffic sites, suggesting a contribution from vehicle emissions. Indeed, NH3 levels decreased by 55% with increasing distance (50 m) to the direct emissions from traffic. A significant correlation between NH3 concentrations averaged for the different districts of the city and the number of waste containers per hm2 was also obtained, highlighting the necessity for controlling and reducing the emissions from garbage collection systems. The urban topography of the Barcelona historical city centre, characterised by narrow streets with a high population density, seemed to exert a strong influence on NH3 levels, with levels reaching up to 30 μg m−3 as a consequence of limited dispersion and ventilation conditions. The impact of the sewage system emissions was also detected with an increase of levels when measuring immediately above the source, even though further studies are required to evaluate the relevance of these emissions.

► Urban NH3 levels were measured in Barcelona (Spain) by passive samplers.
► Levels in summer were found to be higher than in previous studies in European cities.
► Biological sources exert a strong influence on NH3 levels in summer.
► The impact of vehicles was detected, with levels drastically decreasing a few metres from the source.
► NH3 levels correlate with the number of waste containers, a problem in such a densely-populated city.