Elaboration of new application of magnetic parameters for the assessment of the concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon pollution in granulometric fractions of street dust

Research Objective and Scope This project aims to develop an innovative environmental monitoring framework that utilizes magnetic parameters as reliable proxies for chemical pollutants in urban ecosystems. The primary focus is on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their distribution across various granulometric fractions of street dust. By analyzing the physical and chemical properties of these particles, the study seeks to establish a faster and more cost effective screening method compared to traditional laboratory chromatography. The Central Role of Magnetic Susceptibility At the heart of this research is the measurement of magnetic susceptibility. This parameter serves as a primary indicator of anthropogenic pressure. Street dust is enriched with magnetic minerals originating from high temperature processes such as fuel combustion and industrial activity, as well as mechanical wear of vehicle components like brake pads and tires. These magnetic particles often coexist with hazardous organic compounds. The project prioritizes the refinement of magnetic signals to detect specific concentrations of PAHs, allowing for a precise "magnetic fingerprinting" of urban contamination. Microplastics and Heteroaggregates A novel aspect of this study is the integration of microplastics into the analysis of street dust. In modern urban environments, microplastics do not exist in isolation. They frequently interact with mineral and metallic particles to form complex heteroaggregates. These aggregates act as vectors for toxic substances, including PAHs. Understanding the magnetic properties of these heteroaggregates is crucial, as the metallic components within them allow for the magnetic separation and quantification of plastic associated pollutants that are otherwise difficult to track. Comparative Analysis: Warsaw vs. Vienna To ensure the universality of the proposed models, the project involves a comparative study between two major European capitals: Warsaw and Vienna. Warsaw represents a city with high traffic intensity and a specific heating profile that significantly influences the composition of road dust. Vienna provides a contrasting environment with different urban planning strategies and emission controls. By comparing these two locations, the research will identify how different urban morphologies and transport systems affect the relationship between magnetic susceptibility and the accumulation of pollutants in various dust fractions. Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) The relationship between magnetic parameters, particle size fractions, and chemical concentrations is inherently non linear and complex. To address this, the project employs advanced computational techniques, specifically Artificial Neural Networks. These AI models will be trained on the collected datasets from Warsaw and Vienna to predict PAH levels based on magnetic susceptibility and other physical markers. The use of neural networks allows for the processing of large volumes of multidimensional data, leading to the creation of highly accurate predictive tools for urban air and soil quality assessment. Impact and Significance Over the 36 month duration, this project will provide a breakthrough in how we monitor city health. By proving that magnetic parameters can effectively map the presence of both PAHs and microplastic heteroaggregates, we can implement more frequent and widespread environmental audits. This approach bridges the gap between traditional geophysics and modern environmental toxicology, offering a powerful tool for urban management and public health protection.

Additional Info

Field	Value
Project Financing Institution	National Science Centre, Poland
Project ID	2021/43/D/ST10/00996
Project Supervisor	Sylwia Dytłow
Time	21/07/2022-20/07/2026