Anthropogenic and geogenic sources of dust in urban areas in central Germany

Preparation of moss bags for biomonitoring of particulate matter
Preparation of moss bags for biomonitoring of particulate matter
Image: Neele van Laaten, 2017

Persons in charge:
Neele van Laaten, Dirk Merten, Michael Pirrung

Description:
Dust is collected via spider webs, moss bags and passive samplers in central Germany (focus on the city of Jena), taking samples in city centers as well as suburban areas and some more remote areas. The samples are characterized geochemically and statistical methods are applied to find out to which extent specific sources contribute to the chemical characteristics of deposited dust.

Funding:

Project of International Max Planck Research School for Global biogeochemical Cycles (IMPRS-gBGC), joint funding from Friedrich Schiller University and Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry

Sampling of spider webs at a railroad line
Sampling of spider webs at a railroad line
Image: Neele van Laaten, 2018
Spider webs naturally capture particulate matter
Spider webs naturally capture particulate matter
Image: Neele van Laaten, 2018
Natural or anthropogenic particulate matter? Agricultural soil whirled up in the surroundings of Waren (Müritz), Germany
Natural or anthropogenic particulate matter? Agricultural soil whirled up in the surroundings of Waren (Müritz), Germany
Image: Neele van Laaten, 2016